Updated
The Casper test is an online situational judgment test from Acuity Insights that many medical, PA, dental, nursing, pharmacy and vet programs require. You answer 11 scenarios (4 by video, then 7 typed), each with 2 questions, in about 65 to 85 minutes. Programs get your score, and you get a quartile.
| Made by | Acuity Insights. Casper is its open-response situational judgment test. |
|---|---|
| Format | 11 scenarios: 4 video-response, then 7 typed-response, 2 questions each |
| Timing | 1 minute per video answer, 3.5 minutes for both typed answers. About 65 to 85 minutes, with 2 optional breaks |
| Scoring | Trained human raters, a different one for each scenario. Programs see an overall score, and you see a quartile about 4 to 5 weeks later |
| Cost (2026-27) | US Medicine $85 (9 programs included), other US tests $50, Canada CA$50 |
| Next US Medicine dates | Oct 27, Nov 12, Dec 3, Jan 5 and Feb 9, Eastern time |
| Retakes | One test per test type per cycle. A retake only for a verified technical problem |
| Device | Desktop or laptop, Chrome or Firefox, webcam and microphone on. No phones or tablets |
Casper is a test of how you think through everyday situations with other people: a disagreement in a group, a friend who asks for an honest opinion, a rule that seems unfair. It is not a knowledge test, so there are no facts to learn and no right answer to memorize.
Acuity names nine aspects that its scenarios look at. Programs use the result next to grades and interviews to judge the people skills that grades don't show.
Casper has 11 scenarios in two sections: 4 video-response scenarios first, then 7 typed-response. Each scenario has 2 questions. Many older guides and school pages still describe the previous version, with 14 scenarios, 3 questions each and 90 to 110 minutes, so go by the format below.
| Video section | Typed section | |
|---|---|---|
| Scenarios | 4 | 7 |
| Questions | 2 per scenario, one at a time | 2 per scenario, on one page |
| Time to answer | A 10-second countdown, then 1 minute recorded per answer | 3.5 minutes for both answers together |
| Before the questions | An optional 30 seconds to reflect on the scenario | An optional 30 seconds to reflect on the scenario |
| Breaks | Up to 10 minutes after the video section | Up to 5 minutes after the first 4 typed scenarios |
The clock keeps running during breaks. Video answers save when the minute ends, and typed answers save and move on when time runs out. For timing tips by section, see how to prepare for Casper.
Trained human raters score every answer, and a different rater reads each scenario, so one first impression can't color the whole test. Your ratings are compared with other applicants on the same test type. Programs receive an overall score, and you receive a quartile.
Schools weigh Casper very differently. McMaster counts it for 32% of its interview-invitation formula and McGill for 20%. Manitoba ends eligibility below a set floor, and Boston University's PA program asks for the 3rd quartile. Many US schools only ask that you complete it. More in how Casper is scored.
Each test type has its own dates, and each program accepts only some of them. These are the sittings still open to book, in Eastern time as Acuity lists them (checked Oct 23).
| US Medicine (MD and DO) | Oct 27, Nov 12, Dec 3, Jan 5 and Feb 9 |
|---|---|
| United States Casper 2 (PA, PT, dental, vet and more) | Oct 27, Nov 12, Dec 3, Jan 5, Feb 9, Feb 23 and Mar 18 |
| Canada Casper 2 (medicine, PT, OT, pharmacy, dentistry) | Nov 5, Nov 29, Dec 1, Jan 7, Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 4 and Apr 8 |
Book at least 3 days ahead, and test at least 4 weeks before the earliest score deadline on your list, since results take 2 to 3 weeks to reach programs. One test covers every program that uses the same test type. Times, other test types and how to register: Casper test dates and registration.
You pay Acuity Insights when you book. The fee depends on the test type, and fees are non-refundable.
| Test type | Who takes it | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| US Medicine | MD and DO programs | $85, results to 9 programs included, then $20 per extra program |
| United States Casper 2 | PA, PT, dental, vet, graduate nursing and other graduate programs | $50, some programs add $20 each |
| United States Casper 1 | Undergraduate programs, such as undergraduate nursing | $50 |
| Canada Casper 1 and 2 | Canadian medicine, nursing, PT, OT, pharmacy, dentistry and more | CA$50, some programs add up to CA$20 each |
| Canada Postgraduate Medical Education | CaRMS residency programs that ask for Casper | CA$120 |
Rescheduling is free 31 or more days before your test and $20 after that. Acuity accepts fee assistance from AAMC and AACOMAS (medicine), CASPA (US PA programs), ADEA (US dentistry) and the UCAT bursary: tick the box and upload proof when you book.
Acuity's 2026-27 list has 37 US MD and DO programs (31 MD, 6 DO) and 49 US PA programs, plus dental, vet, nursing, PT and pharmacy programs. In Canada, most medical schools use it, but Ottawa, Toronto, Western, NOSM, TMU, Calgary, UBC and Alberta's MD program don't.
A few schools on Acuity's list say something different on their own pages, so check each school before you book. Look yours up:
You can't study facts for Casper, but you can get used to the timers and to giving a fair, complete answer quickly. One to three weeks is enough for most people.
Learn the format
Know the two sections, the countdown and the shared 3.5-minute typed clock before you practice.
Take Acuity's free practice test
It shows the official screens and timers. It isn't scored and doesn't match the real test's difficulty.
Practice on real timers, out loud and typed
Answer on camera for the video section and type both answers inside 3.5 minutes. Try a free sample scene or full Casper test prep.
Review against the aspects
After each set, check whether you named everyone affected, asked what you didn't know, and said what you would do and why.
Run the system check
Acuity requires it within 6 hours before your test, on the same computer, connection and room.
A simple approach for most scenarios: acknowledge everyone involved, find out the facts, then choose a fair option and explain why. More in how to prepare for Casper and our Casper sample questions.
You take Casper alone, at home or anywhere quiet, with your webcam on the whole time. Acuity staff may watch a session remotely.
Facts on this page come from Acuity Insights' own pages, checked October 24, 2026. Acuity changes dates and rules between cycles, so confirm anything important there.
Full prep is the Casper Prep Pass: $149/month or $99/week, cancel anytime.
Each page has a step-by-step approach, a scored sample answer and practice scenarios from our library of 1061.
Quick answers about the Casper test.
Casper is a registered mark of Acuity Insights. Confetto is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Acuity Insights or Casper. Practice scenarios are original and written by Confetto.
