Before you can prepare effectively for CASPer, you need to know exactly what you are preparing for. The format has specific features that affect how you should approach your responses, and several of them catch students off guard on test day if they have not practiced under realistic conditions.
The overall structure
A standard CASPer test contains 11 scenarios and 22 questions, two questions per scenario. The scenarios are split between a video section and a typed section, with two optional breaks built in.
| Section | Scenarios | Response type |
|---|---|---|
| Video section | 4 scenarios | Spoken responses, recorded via webcam |
| Optional break | Up to 10 minutes | |
| Typed section (first half) | 4 scenarios | Written responses, typed into a text box |
| Optional break | Up to 5 minutes | |
| Typed section (second half) | 3 scenarios | Written responses, typed into a text box |
The order, video first then typed, is fixed. You cannot choose to do the typed section first.
What each scenario looks like
Each scenario opens with a prompt, either a short video clip or a written paragraph, depicting a realistic situation involving some kind of tension, dilemma, or decision. After the prompt you get time to read and reflect before the response window opens.
For typed scenarios, both questions are shown at the same time, so you can read Q2 before you start writing Q1. For video scenarios, questions appear one at a time. You see Q1, record your response, then see Q2 and record separately.
Timing per scenario
For typed scenarios, you get 30 seconds to read a text prompt (or 30 seconds to reflect after a video prompt), then 3 minutes 30 seconds to answer both questions. There is no enforced split between Q1 and Q2, but a useful rule of thumb is to move to Q2 at around 1 minute 45 seconds.
For video scenarios, after the prompt plays you get 30 seconds to reflect, then 10 seconds to prepare for Q1, then 60 seconds to record. The same applies to Q2. Each question is recorded separately and there are no retakes.
From an evaluator's perspective: 3 minutes 30 seconds for two questions sounds manageable until you are actually in it. Students consistently underestimate how quickly time moves when they are nervous and working through a scenario they have never seen before. Practicing under the real time conditions is the only way to know whether your pacing is realistic.
Scenario topics and aspects
CASPer scenarios are designed to test nine core aspects: collaboration, communication, empathy, ethics, fairness, motivation, problem-solving, resilience, and self-awareness. You will not be told which aspect a scenario is testing. A single scenario often touches on more than one aspect, and your response will be evaluated on how well you demonstrate the relevant qualities in context.
Scenarios span a range of settings, including professional environments, healthcare situations, academic contexts, and everyday interpersonal situations. You do not need professional experience to answer them. The situations are designed to be accessible to applicants from any background.
How the test is delivered
CASPer is an online test taken from your own computer. You need a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. The test is proctored remotely. You will be asked to show your ID and your testing environment before you begin. You cannot use notes, and you cannot look up information during the test.
The platform is run by Acuity Insights. Before your test date, they provide a technical check tool to confirm your setup is compatible. Running this check in advance is strongly recommended.
Practice under real test conditions
Free typed and video scenarios timed to match the actual CASPer format.
Take a free full practice test →What does not change between test versions
Regardless of which version of CASPer you sit, and there are different versions for different program types and countries, the core format is consistent. You will always have scenarios with two questions, a mix of video and typed sections, and a scoring process where each scenario is evaluated by a different trained evaluator.
What does vary is the specific scenarios and question content. You cannot predict the exact scenarios you will see, which is why preparation needs to focus on your reasoning approach rather than memorizing answers to specific topics.
If you want to experience the format before your test date, the free full CASPer practice test on Response Method mirrors the real structure: 11 scenarios, both video and typed sections, with the same timing you will face on the day.