The video section is the first thing you do on Casper, and for many applicants the part they worry about most. The format is simple and the rules are strict: you record, you cannot review it, and the clock does not wait. This guide sets out the format as Acuity Insights publishes it for the 2026-27 cycle, then adds our own preparation tips, labeled as ours.

The video section as Acuity describes it

Order and size. The test has 11 scenarios in this order: 4 video response scenarios, then 7 typed. Each video scenario has 2 questions, shown one at a time (format and length). Australian teacher education applicants have 2 video scenarios and a shorter test.
Time to answer. 1 minute per question.
Scenario formats. A scenario is either video-based, with a short video and a role prompt such as "you are a friend", or word-based, where you read a written situation. You respond by video in this section either way.
Reflection. After each scenario you get an optional 30-second reflection period.
Countdown. On video-based scenarios, a 10-second countdown runs before recording starts, and your role prompt shows again at the top of the page.
No review. You cannot watch your video before you submit it. It uploads when you submit or automatically when the one-minute timer ends (review).
No retake. You cannot re-record unless a technical problem stops the response saving (unhappy with a response).
Break. An optional break of up to 10 minutes follows the video section. The timer keeps running, and you can step away from your device (breaks).

What raters are told to look at

Raters see your video with no personal information attached, and they are told to focus on the substance and quality of your answer: your thought process, judgment and communication. Acuity says there is no dress code, because raters are trained to evaluate content and not appearance. It suggests dressing as you would for a virtual interview, in simple, professional-looking clothing and avoiding anything distracting. Acuity also says Casper is not a speed test, and that applicants in higher quartiles may have explained their position fully and used the full time (quartile article, test day). See also how Casper is scored.

Setup rules that matter for video

Use a computer with Chrome or Firefox. Phones, tablets and Safari are not supported.
Your webcam and microphone must work and stay on for the whole test, with your face clearly in view. Acuity says to look directly at the camera when submitting video responses (test conduct guidelines).
Acuity asks for a high-speed connection of at least 1.5 Mbps. Run the system requirements check in your account, which Acuity says to complete within 6 hours before your test.
Speak loudly and clearly into your microphone. If you use Bluetooth headphones, charge them fully; Acuity lists headphones as allowed, fully charged if Bluetooth.
Do not read from a script or from pre-written notes. Acuity treats reading from prepared responses as prohibited, and may flag eye movements that look like reading. Pen and paper are allowed (what you can have).
Speech-to-text tools are not allowed unless approved as an accommodation.
If your video lags or a response won't submit, use the chat bubble in your account right away and start only one conversation.

How to prepare, our tips

Everything below is Confetto's own advice. Acuity says that surface strategies will not raise your score and that familiarity with the format helps, so the aim is comfort, not a formula.

Do Acuity's free practice test first. It is the closest thing to the real screens, timers and recording flow, and Acuity recommends doing it as many times as you like.
Use the 30 seconds on one decision. Don't try to plan a speech. Decide what you would do, pick the one or two reasons that matter most, and think of who is affected.
Answer the question that was asked. The second question often changes the angle of the first, for example "would your answer change if..."
Structure lightly. A shape that works for a one-minute answer is: what I'd do, why, how it affects the other person, and what I'd do next. Don't memorize it as a script.
Know your pace. Most people speak somewhere around 130 to 160 words a minute, our rough rule of thumb, so a minute holds around 130 to 150 words if you don't stop. Record yourself on a phone, play it back, and see whether you rush or run out of things to say.
Don't restart in your head. If you stumble, keep going. You can't re-record on the real test, so practice recovering.
Practice on the same setup. Use the laptop, browser, lighting and headset you will use on test day, and check the framing so your face is clear.
Review with someone who isn't you. Ask a friend what they would have done in the scenario and whether your answer made them understand your reasoning.

Confetto's video scenarios give you a timed recording with feedback on your answer, so you can rehearse the 1-minute format; see Casper Prep for what is included and current pricing. Our sample scenarios and preparation guide are free to read, and the practice test lets you try a first set without paying. Pair this with the typing speed guide for the second half of the test.

A sample 1-minute answer

This is a fictional scenario and answer, written by us, to show the shape. It is not a real Casper question.

Scenario: A classmate tells you she has been getting answers to an online quiz from an older student. You are in her study group. What would you do?

"I'd talk to her privately and soon. I'd tell her I'm worried, because if it comes out it could hurt her, and it isn't fair to everyone else who is doing the work. I'd listen first, because there may be pressure behind it that I don't know about. Then I'd say I can't pretend I didn't hear it, and I'd offer to help her catch up, with extra study sessions or by asking the instructor about support. If she kept doing it, I'd go to the instructor myself, and I'd tell her that before I did, so she isn't surprised."

That is about 100 words, so it takes well under a minute at a natural pace. It makes a decision, shows concern for the person, gives a reason and says what happens next.

FAQ

How many video questions are on Casper?

For the 2026-27 US test, 4 video scenarios with 2 questions each, so 8 video responses. Some programs use a different format, such as the shorter Australian teacher education test.

How long do I get for each video response?

1 minute per question, with an optional 30-second reflection after each scenario and a 10-second countdown before recording on video scenarios.

Can I re-record a Casper video answer?

No, unless a technical problem stopped it saving. You also can't watch it before submitting.

Does it matter what I wear?

Acuity says there is no formal dress code and raters judge content. It suggests simple, professional-looking clothes.

Can I use notes during the video section?

You can have pen and paper. Pre-written notes and scripts are not allowed.

Do I need to finish my answer in a minute?

The recording stops and uploads at one minute. Acuity says to use the time you have and focus on the substance of your answer.

Sources

Acuity Insights, read October 6, 2026: format and length, reviewing videos, video retakes, breaks, test day, test conduct and the Casper Prep page. Formats vary by program and cycle: check Acuity for current.

Casper is a registered trademark of Acuity Insights. Confetto offers independent practice and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Acuity Insights.