CASPer Test Format: Complete Guide to Structure & Timing

Understanding the CASPer test format is crucial for effective preparation and test day success. This comprehensive guide breaks down every aspect of the test structure, from the overall format to specific timing requirements and technical specifications.

The CASPer test has a unique format that combines video and typed responses across two distinct sections. Knowing exactly what to expect will help you prepare strategically and perform your best on test day.

Whether you're just starting your CASPer preparation or want to ensure you have all the details right, this guide provides everything you need to know about the test format and structure.

Test Overview

The CASPer test is a computer-based situational judgment test that evaluates your social intelligence and professionalism through realistic scenarios. Unlike traditional exams that test academic knowledge, CASPer assesses how you would respond to real-world situations you might encounter in your future profession.

The test is administered by Acuity Insights and is required by many medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy, and other health professional schools. It's designed to evaluate 10 core competencies including ethics, empathy, communication, and professionalism.

Key Format Characteristics

• Computer-based: Taken online from your own computer with a secure browser
• Two-section format: Video responses followed by typed responses
• 11 total questions: 4 video-response questions and 7 typed-response questions
• 65-85 minutes total: Including setup time and optional breaks

Test Structure & Sections

The CASPer test is divided into two distinct sections, each with its own format and requirements. Understanding the structure of each section is essential for effective preparation and test day performance.

Structure & Timing (2025 Edition)

The 2025 CASPer test consists of 11 total questions across two sections, grouped by response type:

• Section 1 - Video responses: 4 video-response questions, followed by an optional 10-minute break
• This section has 2 typed scenarios and 2 video scenarios
• Each question has 2 open-ended prompts shown one at a time
• You will have 30 seconds to reflect on the scenario, followed by 10 seconds to read each prompt and 1 minute to record each response
• Section 2 - Typed responses: 7 typed-response questions, with an optional 5-minute break after the fourth question
• This section has 3 typed scenarios and 4 video scenarios
• Each question has 2 open-ended prompts shown at the same time
• You will have 30 seconds to reflect on the scenario, followed by 3 minutes and 30 seconds to type both responses

Source: CasperPractice.org

Overall, the test takes approximately 65 to 85 minutes to complete, depending on break usage.

If you want to see what this looks like in an example practice test, check out our Free Casper Practice Tests - where you can find two full-length example practice tests in the 2025 format.

Scenario Format

CASPer scenarios are delivered in either video or typed format. While there are differences between the two, they aren't so significant that you should be spending too much time worrying about them. In both cases, you should be trying to understand what competency the question is about and convey those qualities in your responses.

In general, video scenarios are more detailed and depict real-life situations, while typed scenarios are more vague and even abstract. Video scenarios are almost always associated with situational questions, while typed scenarios can be situational, personal, or another type of question (see the Question Types section for more).

CASPer Question Format

First, it's important to understand the test format so you don't get caught off guard on test day. Before diving in, let's align on some basic terminology to avoid any confusion throughout the rest of the guide:

• Question: These are the building blocks of the CASPer test. They encompass the scenario, the prompts, and the responses. There are 11 questions in total, split into two sections (more on that later).
• Scenario: A description of a situation or problem that sets the stage for the question. Scenarios can be in video or typed format. Often, this will include your role in the situation.
• Prompt: A specific query that you will be asked to answer about the scenario. There are two prompts per scenario and they are always in typed format.
• Response: Your answer to the prompt. You will be asked to respond to both prompts in each scenario. The response can be either video or typed, depending on the scenario.

To illustrate, let's walk through an example question taken from our list of Casper practice questions:

Response Formats

Responses can also be in video or typed format. While the actual content of your answer shouldn't differ based on the format, each medium has its own unique considerations and tips for effective delivery. Naturally, video responses require attention to verbal and non-verbal communication, while typed responses focus more on writing speed and clarity.

Video Responses

Video responses are recorded using your computer's webcam. Communication is one of the competencies assessed by the CASPer and this is partly measured by how well you communicate your ideas in video answers. Here are some important considerations for video responses:

• Stay calm and composed. Practice video responses with a webcam so you're not phased by the experience on test day. We offer a practice question simulator to do just this, although video responses are only available in paid plans.
• Speak clearly and confidently. Speak quickly enough to convey the necessary information in the 1 minute time limit, but slow enough to be understood easily. Avoid using filler words like "um" or "like."
• Use professional body language. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact (look into the webcam), and avoid fidgeting.

Typed Responses

Written communication is also an important aspect of communication, and you should be able to convey your thoughts clearly and concisely. Here are some important considerations for typed responses:

• Use simple, easy to understand language. The graders of the test come from a wide range of backgrounds, so you should avoid using jargon or complex words that may not be familiar to them.
• Convey as much relevant information as possible. While quality is more important than quantity, the time limit is very short, so you should aim to write as much as possible in the time you have. Use a free typing practice tool like this one to improve your speed and accuracy.
• While it's important to be structured and clear, spelling mistakes are not an important aspect of your grade, so don't pay too much attention to them (source: Altus Assessments).

In both cases, it's important to simulate the real test environment as much as possible in your prep so that you're familiar with the format and time limits on test day.

Time Management

Understanding the timing requirements is crucial for CASPer success. The test has strict time limits for each component, and effective time management is essential.

Time management is crucial for CASPer success. With only a few minutes per question and multiple prompts to address, you need to be strategic about how you allocate your time. The key is finding the right balance between reading/watching the scenario, organizing your thoughts, and crafting comprehensive responses. Here are some essential tips to help you manage your time effectively:

• Practice with a timer to get comfortable with the time constraints
• Don't spend too much time reading - focus on key details
• Use the optional breaks to refresh and refocus

Final Thoughts

Understanding the CASPer test format is the foundation of effective preparation. The unique combination of video and typed responses, strict timing requirements, and diverse question types makes CASPer unlike any other test you've taken.

The key to success is practicing with the actual format and timing constraints. Use this knowledge to develop strategies that work within the test's structure, and remember that the format is designed to assess your genuine competencies rather than your ability to memorize or perform under artificial conditions.

With thorough preparation and understanding of the format, you can approach your CASPer test with confidence and demonstrate your best qualities effectively.