End of an educational era as the final GED tests are written on P.E.I.

Wednesday marked one of the last days people on P.E.I. had to write their GED test, as the province and rest of Canada adopt a new high school equivalency exam.

Karen Ford-Doyle, an academic advisor in adult education at Holland College, says the school pushed to get as many students as possible to take the test before the changeover happens.

"We really reached out," Ford-Doyle said. "We contacted students, we emailed students, we encouraged them to come in to just give it a try."

The GED, or General Educational Development program, is for people who didn't finish high school. It includes five subjects, and each can take hours of work. 

Schools in Canada offered it for decades, but the test was developed in the United States and includes a lot of American subject matter — which is part of what motivated the change.

A GED is becoming a CAEC. Here's what students need to know

7 months ago

Duration 2:34

Wednesday was on of the the last days before the General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency program is eventually replaced by the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC). Karen Ford-Doyle, an adult education advisor at Holland College in Charlottetown, explains what's changing and why students were pushed to wrap up their GED exams.

"The new credential is for Canadian students. So I think it will be a really good change," Ford-Doyle said.

Developed in Alberta, the new Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC), includes a full slate of tests in five required subjects: reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.

The province confirmed to CBC News in March that credits already earned through the GED will go towards the new credential.

For some, it's simply getting the feeling of accomplishment.— Eileen White, Holland College

Heidi Sheppard, who's been out of school for three years after not passing Grade 12, wrote the final portion of her GED test Tuesday and is waiting for results.

"It's really important to gain some education right now, especially [for] finding a job and getting into a career and post-secondary school," she said.

"It's been on my mind for a while."

Sheppard's friends pushed her to take the test.

Eileen White, a GED administrator at the college, helped her along the way, as she's done for countless other students.

"I'm a softie, so it's phenomenal," White said. "It's unbelievable to be part of their journey. It's just so rewarding." 

Some students take the test to continue their education.

"For some, it's simply getting the feeling of accomplishment. 'I've done it.' And for some, it's affirmation that they're really smart," White said. 

Her hope for the graduates: "Wallow in glory and achievement…. I just wish them tons of luck in their future endeavours because they're capable, and I know they can do it."

Holland College had about 130 GED graduates this year — the most in five years. The school expects to start offering the new version of the test this fall.