Getting Your GED or High School Equivalency as an Adult in Canada (2026)

For many newcomers to Canada, completing a high school equivalency credential is the essential first step toward career advancement, post-secondary education, and full participation in Canadian life. Whether your education was interrupted in your home country, your foreign high school diploma is not recognized, or you simply need a Canadian credential to move forward, adult upgrading programs are available in every province and territory — often at no cost to newcomers.

This guide walks you through every option available in Canada in 2026, from the GED (General Educational Development) test to provincial equivalency programs, including costs, eligibility criteria, study resources, and how to register. Understanding these pathways can save you months of confusion and thousands of dollars.

Understanding High School Equivalency in Canada

Unlike the United States where the GED is the standard nationwide, Canada does not have a single national high school equivalency exam. Instead, each province and territory administers its own programs. The most common options are:

• GED (General Educational Development) — Available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and the territories. The GED tests four subject areas: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies.
• Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) — Ontario's equivalency program, offered through community colleges and school boards.
• TENS (Test d'Équivalence de Niveau Secondaire) — Quebec's French-language equivalency exam, managed by the Ministère de l'Éducation.
• Adult Upgrading Programs — Course-based programs available in all provinces that let you earn individual subject credits toward a full high school diploma.

Province-by-Province Breakdown

British Columbia

BC offers the GED through the BC Ministry of Education and Child Care. The test costs approximately $120 for all four subjects. You must be at least 19 years old (or 18 if out of school for at least one year). BC also offers free Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs at public colleges and school districts, covering English, math, science, and social studies up to Grade 12 equivalency. These programs are tuition-free for domestic students, including permanent residents. Visit the BC government adult education page for more details.

Alberta

Alberta offers both the GED and adult high school diploma programs through Alberta Education. The GED costs about $120 total. Alberta also funds adult upgrading through Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs), which are free or very low-cost. Permanent residents and convention refugees can access these programs. Many CALPs also offer ESL instruction alongside academic upgrading, which is ideal for newcomers still building English proficiency.

Ontario

Ontario does not offer the GED. Instead, the province uses the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) program, available at community colleges, and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) through adult education centres operated by school boards. The ACE program is free for Ontario residents and covers communications, math, science, biology, chemistry, and physics at the post-secondary preparation level. You can also earn individual OSSD credits at no cost through school board adult education centres if you are under 21, or through the Independent Learning Centre (ILC) for a small per-course fee (about $40) if you are 21 or older. Visit Ontario's adult learning page for enrollment information.

Quebec

Quebec offers the TENS test in French only, plus adult education centres (centres d'éducation des adultes) where you can complete your Diplôme d'études secondaires (DES). These programs are free for Quebec residents, including permanent residents. If French is a barrier, many centres also offer francisation (French-language) courses alongside academic upgrading.

Manitoba and Saskatchewan

Both provinces offer the GED through their respective education ministries. Manitoba's GED costs approximately $110, while Saskatchewan charges about $120. Both provinces also offer free adult learning centres where you can prepare for the GED or earn a mature student diploma. Manitoba's Adult Learning and Literacy offices provide free study support, and Saskatchewan's Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs are available at no cost through regional colleges.

Atlantic Provinces

New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador all offer the GED. Costs range from $100 to $130 across these provinces. All four provinces also operate adult learning centres with free GED preparation courses and adult upgrading programs. Nova Scotia's Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) network is particularly strong, offering free programs in communities throughout the province.

How the GED Exam Works

The GED is a computer-based exam consisting of four subject tests:

1. Mathematical Reasoning (115 minutes) — Covers basic math, geometry, algebra, and data analysis. A calculator is provided for part of the test.
2. Reasoning Through Language Arts (150 minutes) — Reading comprehension, language conventions, and an extended written response essay.
3. Science (90 minutes) — Life science, physical science, and earth/space science with data analysis questions.
4. Social Studies (70 minutes) — Civics, Canadian history, geography, and economics.

You need a score of at least 145 out of 200 on each subject to pass. Scores of 165-174 indicate "GED College Ready" and 175-200 indicate "GED College Ready + Credit," which some post-secondary institutions accept for advanced standing or course credits.

You do not need to take all four tests at once. You can schedule them individually and take them over time, which is helpful if you need extra study time in certain subjects. If you fail a subject, you can retake it (waiting periods and retake fees apply).

Free Study Resources for Newcomers

Preparing for a high school equivalency exam can feel daunting, especially if you are studying in your second or third language. Here are free and low-cost resources:

• GED.com — The official GED website offers free practice tests and study materials for all four subjects.
• Khan Academy — Free video lessons and practice exercises for math, science, and language arts, available in multiple languages.
• Your local library — Most Canadian public libraries stock GED preparation books and offer free computer access for online study. Many also run study groups and tutoring programs.
• Immigrant-serving organizations — Settlement agencies across Canada often provide free tutoring and study groups for newcomers preparing for equivalency exams. Use our WelcomeAide chat to find services in your area.
• Provincial adult learning centres — These offer structured classroom-based or online preparation at no cost. Class schedules are usually flexible, with daytime, evening, and weekend options.

Costs and Financial Assistance

The GED exam itself costs between $100 and $130 depending on your province. However, many newcomers can access financial assistance:

• Settlement agencies may cover exam fees for eligible newcomers.
• Provincial student assistance programs may help if you are enrolled in an adult upgrading program.
• Some employers will reimburse equivalency exam costs as part of workforce development.
• Tuition-free adult upgrading programs (available in BC, Ontario, Quebec, and most other provinces) eliminate the need for the GED entirely — you can earn a full high school diploma at no cost.

How Long Does It Take?

The timeline varies significantly depending on your starting point:

• If you completed most of high school and have strong English or French skills, you may be ready to take the GED within 2-4 months of study.
• If you need to build foundational skills, a full adult upgrading program typically takes 6-18 months, depending on how many credits you need and whether you study full-time or part-time.
• If English or French is a barrier, plan for an additional 6-12 months of language training before or alongside academic upgrading. Many programs integrate both.

What Comes After Your GED?

A high school equivalency credential opens numerous doors:

• College and university admission — Most Canadian post-secondary institutions accept GED scores or provincial equivalency credentials for admission. Some programs may require specific subject scores.
• Trades apprenticeships — Many apprenticeship programs require a Grade 12 equivalency. See our guide on provincial apprenticeship programs for more details.
• Employment — Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent as a minimum qualification, particularly for government jobs.
• Professional certification — Some professional licensing bodies require proof of high school completion before you can begin the credentialing process. Check our credentials evaluation tool for your profession.

Tips for Success

1. Start with a skills assessment — Most adult learning centres offer free intake assessments to determine your current level and create a personalized learning plan.
2. Take advantage of free programs first — Before paying for the GED, explore whether a free adult upgrading program might be a better fit, especially if you need more preparation time.
3. Study with others — Join a study group through your settlement agency or local library. Learning with peers keeps you motivated and helps fill knowledge gaps.
4. Use official practice tests — Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions before booking your real exam.
5. Don't rush — You can take the GED subject tests one at a time. Focus on your strongest subjects first to build confidence.

Earning your high school equivalency in Canada is an achievable goal, regardless of your educational background. The supports available to newcomers are extensive, and most programs are designed with adult learners in mind — flexible schedules, practical content, and supportive instructors. Take the first step today by contacting your local adult learning centre or chatting with our WelcomeAide assistant for personalized guidance.