Updated
How Long Is the Casper Test? 2026-27 Timing by Section
Knowing how long Casper takes helps you plan the day, and knowing how the minutes split helps you pace each answer.
The standard Casper test takes 65 to 85 minutes in the 2026-27 cycle, according to the applicant format page from Acuity Insights, the company that runs it. Acuity's page for advisors says 90 to 110 minutes, so plan for the longer figure. With the 30-minute early login Acuity suggests, block two and a half hours. Australian teacher education applicants take a shorter version, estimated at 45 to 65 minutes.
Acuity says the format and length change by cycle and test type, so check the test type in your reservation. Everything here is from Acuity's pages as of October 2026. For what Casper measures, see our Casper test guide.
Is Casper 65 to 85 minutes or 90 to 110 minutes?
Acuity publishes both, and it does not explain the gap.
| Acuity page | What it says |
|---|---|
| Format and length, for applicants | 65 to 85 minutes for the 2026-27 cycle, with the two optional breaks listed in the format. Updated March 11, 2026. |
| Casper Updates, for advisors | “Typically” 90 to 110 minutes, including two optional breaks. No cycle or test type named. |
We use 65 to 85 minutes for the breakdown below because that page names the 2026-27 cycle and lists every part. For your calendar, use 90 to 110, since finishing early costs you nothing.
How long is each part of the Casper test?
The standard test has two sections, video answers first and typed answers second, with an optional break between them and another partway through the typed section. Here is the order from Acuity's format page.
| Part | What happens |
|---|---|
| Video answers | 4 scenarios, 2 questions each, 1 minute to record each answer |
| First break | Optional, up to 10 minutes |
| Typed answers, part 1 | 4 scenarios, 2 questions each, 3.5 minutes per pair |
| Second break | Optional, up to 5 minutes |
| Typed answers, part 2 | 3 more scenarios, same timing |
That adds up to 11 scenarios and 22 questions. By our math, the answer windows total 8 minutes of recording and 24.5 minutes of typing, about 32.5 minutes of actual answering. The rest of the 65 to 85 minutes goes to watching or reading scenarios, reflection time, instructions and breaks. Acuity does not give a set length for the scenario clips or instruction screens.
If another site describes a different order or longer windows, it may be describing an older cycle. Go by the current official format page and your reservation.
How should you pace each section of Casper?
Only the answer windows are fixed, so that is what to pace. Acuity does not publish a clock time for each section, so these totals are our math from its format page.
| Part | Answer time, by our math |
|---|---|
| Video answers | 8 minutes across 4 scenarios |
| Typed answers, part 1 | 14 minutes across 4 scenarios |
| Typed answers, part 2 | 10.5 minutes across 3 scenarios |
Our pacing plan for video and typed answers
Video, 1 minute per answer. Use the optional 30 seconds to pick the people affected and what you would do first. Aim to finish your point by about 50 seconds so the timer does not cut you off.
Typed, 3.5 minutes per pair. Spend about 30 seconds reading and planning, 1 minute 25 seconds on each answer and the last 10 seconds fixing anything that would confuse a reader. This split is our suggestion, not an Acuity rule. Check what you can write in that time with our typing speed test.
How much time do you get for each Casper answer?
One minute per video answer and 3.5 minutes per pair of typed answers. Each scenario starts as a short video or a written prompt, followed by an optional 30-second reflection period. In the video section, the questions come one at a time, with a 10-second countdown before recording on video-based scenarios, per Acuity.
In the typed section, both questions show up together and share one 3.5-minute timer. You decide how to split it. An even split is 1 minute 45 seconds per question. Our Casper typing speed guide shows how much you can write in that time.
There are no do-overs. Acuity says a recorded video answer cannot be retaken unless a technical problem kept it from saving. Say your answer once, clearly, and move on.
Can you take a break during the Casper test?
Yes. The standard test has an optional 10-minute break after the video section and an optional 5-minute break after the first four typed scenarios. In either one you can leave your room, use the restroom, check your phone, talk to someone or have a snack, per Acuity's break rules. The timer keeps running, so come back on time. After the second break you take a webcam photo before continuing.
The test itself is stricter. Acuity's test rules say you work alone with your webcam and microphone on, and no phone until the next break.
How long is the Casper test for Australian teacher education?
About 45 to 65 minutes. For Australian undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education programs in 2026-27, Acuity lists 8 scenarios: 2 video scenarios, then 6 typed scenarios, each with two questions. The answer windows are the same, one minute per video answer and 3.5 minutes per typed pair.
This version has one optional 10-minute break after the video section and no second break. By our math, the answer windows come to 4 minutes of recording and 21 minutes of typing. Check your reservation to confirm which version you are taking.
How should you plan your Casper test day?
Work backward from your start time. In the six hours before the test, you have to pass the system requirements check at least once, on the same computer, internet connection, webcam, microphone and room you will test in. You will find it in the Casper section of your Acuity account.
Log in about 30 minutes early. The test can take up to five minutes to start at your scheduled time, and if it does not, message support from the chat in your account. Late entry is not guaranteed. That makes 95 to 115 minutes from login to finish using the format page, or up to 140 using the advisor page, so block two and a half hours. If you need accommodations, Acuity wants your forms and documents four weeks before your test.
Your computer, internet and room
Use a Windows or macOS desktop or laptop with an updated Chrome or Firefox, and a working webcam and microphone. Acuity's rules list minimum internet speeds of about 1.5 Mbps download and 2 Mbps upload. You test alone, with your face visible and your webcam and microphone on.
Test in a quiet, private room. Before you start, restart your computer, close other apps and turn off browser extensions and VPNs, as Acuity's test-day checklist recommends.
What you can keep on your desk
Acuity allows blank paper, a pen or pencil, a hardcopy dictionary, food and drinks, and headphones. Pre-written notes and grammar or translation tools are not allowed, and wearable tech has to come off. The conduct guidelines also ask for a clear workspace, with no extra monitors, AI tools or outside help.
If something goes wrong mid-test
For a technical problem, message support through the chat bubble in your account right away. If something unexpected happens, like someone walking into the room, Acuity asks you to contact support by chat or email and explain what happened.
Try Acuity's official practice test
Your Acuity account has a practice test that shows the real layout. Its practice page says answers are not saved or submitted, there is no feedback, and you can repeat it as often as you like. Use it to learn the screens, then use the Confetto practice test, scenario library or sample questions to practice the answers themselves.
When do Casper results reach programs?
About two to three weeks after your test, per Acuity's applicant guide. Results go straight to the programs on your distribution list, not through AMCAS, CASPA or another portal, and a program you add after that period gets them within one business day, per its advisor page.
You see your quartile, not your responses or feedback. The applicant guide says it arrives four to five weeks after the test, and the advisor page says about one month. Your score is valid for one year.
Try a practice Casper question
Here is a scenario written by Confetto. Set a one-minute timer and answer out loud. Think about who is affected, what you still need to find out and what you would actually do. More in our Casper prep hub.
“A teammate missed a deadline and the rest of your group is frustrated. What would you do?”
Answer out loud in under a minute, the way the video section asks. Show how you would hear your teammate out and still get the work done.
Example answer written by Confetto
First I would talk with my teammate privately and ask what happened. Missing one deadline does not mean they stopped caring, and I would want the real reason before deciding anything.
Then we would agree on a realistic plan for their part. If they truly cannot finish it, I would ask the group to split the rest fairly, without sharing anything my teammate told me in confidence.
Finally I would check in a few days later to make sure the plan is working, so the group trusts each other again before the next deadline.
Sources: Acuity Insights pages, linked throughout and checked as of October 2026. Check Acuity's current instructions for your own test.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Casper test?
Acuity Insights estimates 65 to 85 minutes for the standard 2026-27 Casper test on its format page, while its advisor page says 90 to 110 minutes including two optional breaks. Block two and a half hours to be safe. Applicants to Australian undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education programs take a shorter version estimated at 45 to 65 minutes. Read Acuity's format and length page.
When do you get your Casper results?
Acuity sends results to your programs about two to three weeks after the test. You see only your quartile, which arrives about four to five weeks after the test. Scores are valid for one year. Read Acuity's before, during and after page.
Why does Acuity list both 65 to 85 and 90 to 110 minutes?
Its applicant format page for 2026-27 says 65 to 85 minutes, and its page for advisors says 90 to 110 minutes without naming a cycle. Acuity does not explain the gap, so plan your day around the longer figure. Read Acuity's advisor page.
How much time do you get to answer each Casper question?
One minute for each video answer. In the typed section, the two questions for a scenario share one 3.5-minute window. Read Acuity's format and length page.
Does Casper have breaks?
Yes, two optional ones on the standard test. You get up to 10 minutes after the video section and up to 5 minutes after the first four typed scenarios. The Australian teacher education version has only the 10-minute break. Read Acuity's format and length page.
Can you redo a Casper video answer?
No. Once a video answer is recorded you cannot retake it, unless a technical problem kept it from saving correctly. Read Acuity's video response page.
How early should you log in for Casper?
Acuity suggests logging in about 30 minutes before your start time. You also need to pass the system requirements check at least once in the six hours before the test. Read Acuity's before, during and after page.
Can you use your phone during a Casper break?
Yes. During an optional break you can check your phone, step out or grab a snack. The break timer keeps running, so be back before it ends. Read Acuity's break rules.