CASPer

Owned by Linda Liu
Last updated: Nov 07, 2024
2 min read

What is CASPer?

CASPer (Computer–based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an admissions test that assesses interpersonal and non–cognitive skills like communication, collaboration, interpersonal, ethical decision making, empathy, compassion and integrity through a scenario–based format.

Many professional programs increasingly use CASPer; it’s especially common in health care-related programs such as medicine, nursing, optometry and pharmacy. Test scores are valid for one year and if you’re applying to both Canadian and U.S. programs, you will have to complete two CASPer tests.

What’s on it? What kinds of questions can I expect? And how long does it take to complete?

It takes approximately 90 to 110 minutes to complete and features video- and word-based scenarios. To measure your interpersonal and non-cognitive skills, the scenario-based questions are largely ethical and gauge your attributes and characteristics using concrete examples of real-world situations.

The test is broken down into two sections:

  1. Video response section with several video-based scenarios and word-based scenarios

  2. Typed response section with several video-based scenarios and word-based scenarios

Video-based scenarios include:

  • A description of your role (e.g., “You are a friend.”)

  • A one to two-minute video.

  • Two open-ended questions given one after the other (e.g., “How would you support your friend in this situation?”) with one minute to record your response.

Word-based scenarios include:

  • A short statement to consider (e.g., “Think of a time you were pressured to compromise your values.”)

  • Three open-ended questions given altogether, with five minutes to answer all three questions.

For more information, please visit Acuity Insights.

How can I request a testing accommodation?

Information on CASPer testing accommodations process can be found on Acuity Insights’ website.

Is there a test waiver available to subsidize the cost of fees?

Acuity Insights does not have a test waiver available; however, some programs choose to absorb the assessment fee for applicants. Programs that do so will communicate this directly with applicants.

What test preparation resources can I use to study?

  • Review Acuity Insights’ Test Prep section

  • Reflect on challenging experiences and prepare to share lessons learned concisely

  • Develop a strong understanding of common ethical topics in your prospective field

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