Test Preparation Services (TPS)

Information on Taking the CAEL exam in East Ottawa and the path for finding a tutor or self-studying in East Ottawa.

Ottawa
Ontario

TPS - CAEL Exam Prep in East Ottawa

Because CAEL is new it is not a subject area that is offered by many tutorials, however In East Ottawa, CAEL is not impossible and can be studied either with a tutor or in classes, although  some try self-studying using the materials provided by the CAEL official site. To take the test you will need to travel all the way into Carleton University  


CAEL is an interesting test that has a number of features that set it apart but there are also a number of features that can be found in any standardized test. 

Common Features

1. Like other tests it does have the listening, reading, writing and speaking test.​
2. .Like many tests the speaking is done by computer
3. .Like the other tests, it tries to give recordings and passages that a university student will come across

Unique Features of CAEL

1. It is more authentic in the tasks it gives, particular in the speaking and writing, where actual first year university student tas are recreated.
2. It does give a choice between the paper based version and the computer test, although for now in Ottawa the paper test is all that is offered
3. Its listening section and writing sections are shorter than most of the tests. Only 20 minutes for listening and just 45 minutes for writing
4. .It isi integrated (uses reading and listening excerpts for the speaking and writing) like TOEFL but integrated in a much different way. TOEFL uses it for parts while CAEL uses it to build a series of tasks. Try a sample and you will see what I mean.
5. It only has 5 band scores

Home Tutoring

If you are not willing to take your chances with a local learning enter or drive/take the bus out to ...., you may wish to consider the option of hiring a tutor and studying in comfort. Please check out the SSAT Tutor Maple Ridge and Pitt River page and see what is available but do also go to the SSAT courses to find out what a course entails and tutor registration to see if it fits the child.

Outside of the Home Tutoring

If you think it would be better to study outside the home but still in a one on one structure, tutorials can be set up at various locations. Just send in a request and we’ll have this arranged. 

Taking Classes

There is not a great deal of language centers offering CAEL but there are some. If you are Chinese you might want to check out the Ottawa Chinese Community Service Center (OCCSC) CAEL preparation course. As well as this, ESL Ottawa offers an academic English course which they promise covers CAEL and other tests. I cannot yet attest to the quality of these programs. Do avoid any "roll-over" programs that register students at any time and be sure to communicate your strength and weaknesses to the school before you register so that you are not wasting your time on areas you already know and are strong at.

Self-Study

Self-study in East Ottawa is possible by purchasing the many study guides put out by CAEL (ie Paragon Testing). Exhaust the free list on the official site areas; the first area is on the site for test preparation;  the other the site for products. Do go through a free sample but if you have decided to employ a tutor, do not go through the practice test or you may find it difficult to do your tutorials since there is only one practice test currently posted.  From a search I did locate a CAEL assessment guide at the public libraries in Ottawa . There are many CAEL videos on youtube. Visit the TPS CAEL exam page   that also links to our  tips, and blog pages of strategies and skills as well as information on upcoming exams. I have also posted links to practice exams

Test Taking

You won’t find a place to take the CAEL in East Ottawa but if you take the trip to Carleton University, there is one testing center there.