What is the Casper test?
Casper is an open-response situational judgment test (SJT) that allows you to demonstrate your social intelligence and professionalism by showing how you think, make decisions, and approach complex situations.
Why do programs use Casper?
Higher education programs use Casper to gain a more complete understanding of you as an applicant. By assessing interpersonal and professional skills, Casper provides programs with additional insight beyond grades, knowledge-based exam scores, personal statements, and letters of recommendation that they can consider as part of their admissions process.
A closer look at Casper
Casper is a research-backed assessment made up of short, real-world situations you might encounter in professional or interpersonal settings. Each scenario includes open-ended questions that ask how you would think through and respond to the situation, using both typed and video responses.
2 sections, 11 scenarios
Video responses
- 4 scenarios
- 2 open-ended questions per scenario
- 1 minute per response
Typed responses
- 7 scenarios
- 2 open-ended questions per scenario, presented on the same page
- 3.5 minutes total to respond to both questions
Casper takes approximately 65-85 minutes to complete, including two optional breaks*.
*Test format may vary slightly for select programs, including Australian Teacher Education programs, which use a shorter Casper format with fewer scenarios and a reduced testing time.
Scored by human raters, not AI
Casper is scored by certified human raters using a structured process that supports fairness and consistency. Learn more about how Casper is rated.
Scores go directly to programs
Casper scores are automatically made available to the programs that applicants select for distribution. Programs will update your application status within their application portals.
Programs decide how to use Casper
Each individual program determines how and when to use Casper scores as part of their admissions process. The weight and role of your score will vary by program.
Reserving your Casper test
- You must reserve a specific date and time to take Casper
- We recommend reserving your test at least 3 days before your Casper test date to allow time to prepare by running through the system requirements check and taking the sample test
- Check the Dates and Fees page to see available dates
What you need to know about Casper
Learn everything you need to know to prepare for Casper and see answers to real applicant questions in this on-demand webinar.
Frequently asked questions about Casper
Why do programs require Casper?
Programs want to select well-rounded individuals who excel both academically and in their personal qualities. Casper is a reliable way to assess soft skills and it has been proven to predict future success, offering programs a meaningful insight into each applicant’s potential.
How does Casper help applicants?
Casper lets you showcase your personal and professional skills early in the admissions process, alongside your academic achievements. Although programs would like to learn more about each applicant personally, they often don’t have the resources to review every application in detail. Casper helps them take a holistic approach that ensures they can identify well-rounded candidates, even in a sea of applications.
Do I need to study for Casper?
The best way to prepare for the Casper test is by familiarizing yourself with the test format and technical requirements, so you can be comfortable and focused on test day. Once you’ve created an Acuity Insights account, you can take our practice test as often as you like.
Our research shows that third-party coaching and prep can hinder your test score, compared to using the free prep resources on our website. Visit the Casper test prep page for more information on how to prepare for the Casper test.
