The Casper test is an open-response situational judgment test from Acuity Insights. It uses 11 scenarios, beginning with video responses and followed by typed responses, and takes an estimated 65 to 85 minutes. Programs use Casper to assess interpersonal and professional skills alongside grades and knowledge-based exam scores.
The rules in this guide apply to the 2026-2027 admissions cycle. Although Acuity Insights administers and scores Casper, each academic program decides whether to require it, which test type applicants need and how to consider the results in its admissions process.
Casper Test at a Glance
- Casper presents everyday dilemmas and asks you to explain your decisions through video and typed responses.
- Your responses receive independent scores from trained human raters and produce one combined score for programs.
- You receive a quartile rather than your numerical score, and that quartile compares you with applicants taking the same test type.
- Preparation should focus on the official practice test, clear reasoning, balanced pacing and a reliable test-day setup.
What the Casper Test Measures
According to the Casper overview from Acuity Insights, Casper is an open-response situational judgment test that lets you show how you think, make decisions and approach complex situations. It measures interpersonal and professional competencies such as communication, ethical judgment, empathy, problem-solving and collaboration.
Programs use Casper to gain information beyond grades, knowledge-based exam scores, personal statements and letters of recommendation. The scenarios involve dilemmas you could encounter in everyday life rather than situations specific to medicine or another profession.
Each program determines whether to require Casper and how much weight to give the score. Check program admissions pages directly and use IMA’s guide to medical schools that require Casper to research individual school requirements. If another Acuity Insights assessment appears in your application process, see IMA’s Casper vs Duet guide.
Casper Test Format for 2026-2027
The Acuity Insights Casper format guide states that the 2026-2027 test has 11 scenarios. You complete four video response scenarios first and then seven typed response scenarios. Scenarios may be video-based or word-based, but you cannot switch the required response method.
Video Response Section
Each video response scenario contains two questions presented one at a time. You have one minute to record each answer. A video-based scenario identifies your role, presents a short video and gives you an optional 30-second reflection period. A 10-second countdown then appears before recording starts.
The video response section is required for every applicant. Acuity Insights says it added this section in the 2022-2023 period, and its research from that period found that video responses helped further reduce demographic differences in test performance.
Typed Response Section
Each typed response scenario presents two questions at the same time. You receive 3.5 minutes to answer both. Speech-to-text tools are prohibited unless Acuity Insights has approved them as an accommodation, so practice composing responses with the input method you will use on test day.
You may take an optional 10-minute break after the video section and an optional five-minute break after the first four typed scenarios. Acuity Insights estimates that the full Casper test takes 65 to 85 minutes. The format can vary slightly for select programs, including a shorter version used by Australian Teacher Education programs, so confirm the format associated with your test type.
How the Casper Test Is Scored
Acuity Insights uses certified human raters rather than AI to score Casper. All raters complete training and receive accreditation before evaluating responses. Applicants’ responses are anonymized, which means raters do not see a name, age or photo.
The same rater reviews both questions within one scenario, but scores each question independently. No rater evaluates the same applicant more than once. Acuity Insights then averages and standardizes the individual ratings to establish an applicant’s position relative to the applicable applicant pool.
Small grammatical errors, typos and incomplete sentences do not affect the score. Bullet points are also acceptable. Your typed and video responses produce one combined numerical score, with no topic-level breakdown, that goes to programs on your distribution list. Casper is not pass or fail and does not use a fixed grading rubric. Applicants do not receive the numerical score itself.
Understanding Your Casper Quartile Score
Acuity Insights automatically provides your Casper quartile about four to five weeks after your test and sends an email when it is available. The quartile places your performance in one of four groups relative to other applicants who completed the same test type. It is not the numerical score sent to programs.
A first-quartile result means other applicants provided stronger responses, but it does not mean you failed. Acuity Insights says most programs consider applicants from every quartile and use Casper as one part of a broader review. Because programs apply the results differently and applicant pools vary, the same result may be more competitive at one program than another.
Applicants in higher quartiles may demonstrate fuller explanations, productive use of the available time, empathy, impartiality, communication and familiarity with the format. Acuity Insights reports relatively high test-retest reliability, so results from multiple Casper tests will usually be similar, although a quartile can change when a score is near a boundary.
Casper Test Types, Dates and Scheduling
Choosing the Right Test Type
Your Casper test type depends on the country, program category and, for some Canadian programs, language. Acuity Insights says the United States Medicine (MD or DO) test type remains unchanged for 2026-2027. Test types are not interchangeable, and programs accept only the type they specify. Verify each requirement on the program’s admissions website before reserving.
Finding and Reserving a Test Date
The Acuity Insights Dates and Fees page displays each program’s test type, available dates and times, distribution deadlines, required identification numbers, language requirements and fees. Times initially appear in Eastern Time, but you can change the display to your local time zone.
To reserve, select the applicable country, language, admissions cycle, program types, schools, application identification numbers and test date before paying. Acuity Insights says to reserve at least three days in advance to allow for identification verification and payment processing. Last-minute reservations are not guaranteed.
Dates and score-delivery timelines are established in advance with participating programs, and some dates or times can fill. Acuity Insights recommends choosing the earliest available date you can complete. If no single test date covers all of your programs, reserve the earliest date that qualifies for at least one program and add the others later.
Distribution Deadlines and Score Delivery
A distribution deadline is the final date on which you can send results to a program. It may differ from the program’s application deadline. You may add another program after testing if it accepts the same test type and its distribution deadline has not passed, but an additional program fee applies.
Acuity Insights sends results to programs already on your distribution list about two to three weeks after testing. A program added later receives them within one business day. You do not receive an email when delivery occurs, but your account status changes to “Completed, Results delivered.” Confirm that your name, date of birth and identification numbers match the information on your admissions applications.
Rescheduling, Cancellation and Retakes
Rescheduling is free at least 31 days before the original date and costs $20 within 30 days or after the date has passed. You may reschedule after a missed date if another eligible date remains. Acuity Insights may waive the fee for approved fee assistance or a verified medical or technical issue.
You may cancel before starting, but cancellation is final and non-refundable. Acuity Insights does not create custom dates. When the Start button appears, you have 15 minutes to begin or you must reschedule.
You can take a particular Casper test type once per admissions cycle. A retake is considered only for a verified technical issue reported to Acuity Support within one week. Your result is valid solely for the cycle and test type for which you completed it, so you must test again in a new admissions cycle.
Casper Fees and Fee Assistance
Acuity Insights charges a base testing fee plus a fee for each program receiving your results. The applicable amounts appear on the Dates and Fees page after you identify your programs. Fees apply to the current admissions cycle and are final, non-refundable and nontransferable. Acuity Insights does not issue refunds if you select the wrong program, language or cycle, so review every selection before paying. Include these charges when planning your broader medical school application costs.
Applicants with approved fee assistance may qualify to take Casper without paying the testing or distribution fees. For U.S. Medicine tests, Acuity Insights recognizes the AAMC/AMCAS Fee Assistance Program, AACOMAS FAP, Texas JAMP and Texas Early Assurance. You must upload proof showing your name, email address or identification number and approval dates. Without valid proof before test day, you may owe the full fee. A program may also send eligible applicants a Program Fee Waiver code, but that code covers only the issuing program.
Casper Test Day Requirements
Prepare Your Equipment and Testing Space
According to the Casper prep page from Acuity Insights, you need a laptop or desktop computer because smartphones and tablets are not supported. Your internet connection needs minimum speeds of 1.5 Mbps for downloads and 2 Mbps for uploads. You also need a working webcam and microphone throughout the assessment.
Acuity Insights supports only Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. Complete the System Requirements Check within six hours before your test using the same computer, internet connection and setup you plan to use. Before testing, restart the computer, close other applications, disable extensions such as Grammarly and turn off any VPN.
Log in about 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Take the test alone, preferably in a quiet private space. Your webcam and microphone support identity verification, proctoring and video responses, so the camera must remain on, uncovered and facing you. Casper has no formal dress code, and raters judge your responses rather than your appearance, but Acuity Insights advises against distracting clothing such as pajamas.
Request Accommodations Early
Accommodation requests and supporting documents are due at least four weeks before the test date. Common approvals include additional time, speech-to-text or text-to-speech software and a scribe or reader. Closed captions appear by default on all assessment videos.
Acuity Insights does not charge to review a request or provide format changes such as extra time. If approved assistive software or personnel is necessary, however, you must arrange and pay for that support. Your accommodation status and documents remain confidential and are not shared with the programs receiving your results.
How to Prepare for the Casper Test
Complete the Official Practice Test
Acuity Insights recommends completing the full 11-scenario practice test in your account because it reproduces the format and experience of the actual assessment. Applicants who complete it tend to perform better than applicants who do not, and research indicates that familiarity with the format and platform is associated with slightly higher performance on average.
Your practice responses are not saved or reviewed, and you may repeat the assessment as often as you want. Use each attempt to become comfortable with the order of the sections, the reflection period, the countdown and the separate response limits. Because you will not receive feedback on the substance of your answers, focus on whether you can state a decision and support it clearly within the available time.
Explain Your Reasoning
Acuity Insights advises explaining why you would take an action, not merely stating what you would do. Each question receives an individual score, so give both questions meaningful attention rather than spending nearly all your time on the first. If time remains, use it to clarify your reasoning or add an important consideration.
For video practice, work in a well-lit private room with the webcam facing you and practice speaking clearly on camera. Acuity Insights suggests using a device application such as Camera or Photo Booth to practice recording yourself.
Build Skills Beyond Test Practice
Acuity Insights does not offer paid coaching and does not endorse third-party preparation. It reports that applicants using third-party materials or no preparation perform worse than those using its free resources. The company also states that surface-level attempts to game the assessment do not improve scores. Official practice is therefore most useful for learning the format while you continue developing communication, empathy, ethical judgment and problem-solving over time.
Experiences involving real interaction, responsibility and reflection can give you opportunities to develop those qualities outside a testing environment. IMA’s guide to gaining clinical experience can help you consider appropriate options as you build the broader experiences that support your application.
Planning Your Next Casper Steps
Start with each program’s requirements and the test type it needs, then reserve the earliest date you can complete, as Acuity Insights recommends. Take the official practice test, check your equipment and explain both your decision and your reasoning in every response. If a school asks for the AAMC’s own situational judgment test instead, see IMA’s AAMC PREview exam guide. If you want help coordinating Casper with the rest of your application, IMA’s medical school admissions consulting can provide individualized support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Is the Casper Test?
The Casper test takes an estimated 65 to 85 minutes. That estimate includes four video response scenarios, seven typed response scenarios and two optional breaks.
How Is the Casper Test Scored?
Certified human raters score anonymized Casper responses. Each question receives an independent rating, and the ratings are averaged and standardized to compare your performance with the applicable applicant pool.
Do You Get Your Casper Score?
No, applicants do not receive their numerical Casper score. You receive a quartile, while programs on your distribution list receive the single combined score from your typed and video responses.
What Does a Casper Quartile Score Mean?
A Casper quartile shows how your performance compares with other applicants who took the same test type. A first-quartile placement indicates that other applicants gave stronger responses, but it is not a failing result.
How Much Does the Casper Test Cost?
Casper costs include a base testing fee and a separate fee for each program receiving your results. Check the Acuity Insights Dates and Fees page for the amounts associated with your test type and selected programs.
Can You Retake the Casper Test?
You generally cannot retake the same Casper test type within one admissions cycle. Acuity Insights considers a retake only for a verified technical problem reported to Acuity Support within one week.
How Far in Advance Should You Book the Casper Test?
Reserve your Casper test at least three days before the test date. Acuity Insights recommends selecting the earliest date you can complete because sessions can fill and an earlier reservation gives you more flexibility if you need to reschedule.
How Do You Prepare for the Casper Test?
Begin with the free official practice test in your Acuity Insights account. Practice explaining why you would take an action, divide your time between both questions and rehearse video responses on the equipment you will use for the real assessment.
