Casper guide · updated October 2026
How the Casper test works now
Casper changed in 2025. If a guide tells you to expect 14 scenarios with three questions each, it is describing the old test. Here is the current shape, what raters look for, and how to practise for it.
The current format
| Part | Scenarios | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Video-response section (first) | 4 scenarios × 2 questions | 1 minute to record each answer, no re-recording |
| Typed-response section | 7 scenarios × 2 questions | 3 minutes 30 seconds for both answers together |
| Breaks | 2 optional breaks | Total sitting about 65-85 minutes with the introduction |
That is 11 scenarios in total, down from 14. Scenarios are either a short video or a written situation, and questions mix “what would you do” with “describe a time when”. In the typed section the clock covers both answers, so pacing is part of the test.
What raters score: nine aspects
Acuity Insights lists nine aspects of social intelligence and professionalism. “Professionalism” is no longer a separate item, and “Equity” is now called “Fairness”.
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy
- Ethics
- Fairness
- Motivation
- Problem solving
- Resilience
- Self-awareness
How scoring works
- Trained human raters score each scenario, with a different rater for each one.
- Answers are rated on a 1-9 scale relative to other test takers' answers to the same scenario.
- Programs receive a standardized score; you receive a quartile about a month after your test.
- Results count for the admissions cycle you choose when booking, and you can take Casper once per cycle.
Who requires it
Acuity reports more than 500 partner programs across health professions, teacher education and other fields in Canada, the United States, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Roughly forty US MD and DO schools require or recommend it, along with many dental, nursing and PA programs - always check each program's page for the current cycle.
How to practise
- Practise under the real clock: two typed answers in 3:30 forces you to lead with your decision.
- For situational questions: name the issue, consider the people involved, gather information before acting, then give a concrete next step.
- For “describe a time” questions: one specific example, what you did, and what you learned.
- Review against what strong answers cover, then try a fresh scenario rather than polishing the same one.
Try it free
12 original scenarios in the 2025 typed format, with the 3:30 timer and what strong answers cover for each.
Start Casper-style practice →528 Lab is not affiliated with or endorsed by Acuity Insights. Casper is a trademark of its owner. Details are checked against public sources each cycle; the official Acuity Insights site is the final word.