CASPer FAQ | PrepTrack

Use this CASPer FAQ to separate what you need to know before test day from what you need to verify in your Acuity Insights account. For the full testing roadmap, start with the Ultimate Guide to CASPer.

For applicants who want structured support alongside this article, PrepTrack's CASPer prep resource connects ethical reasoning, timed practice, and AI feedback in one CASPer prep routine.

Quick Answers

Question	Short answer
What is CASPer?	An online, open-response situational judgment test from Acuity Insights.
How long is CASPer?	Usually about 65-85 minutes.
How many scenarios are on CASPer?	For most 2026-2027 applicants, 11 scenarios: 4 video-response and 7 typed-response scenarios.
Do programs get my quartile?	Programs receive the program-facing CASPer result. Applicants receive a quartile later.
When are results sent?	Usually about 2-3 weeks after the test.
When do I see my quartile?	Usually about 4-5 weeks after the test.
Can I retake CASPer?	Usually no for the same test type in the same admissions cycle, except verified technical issue cases.

What Is CASPer Testing?

CASPer is not a knowledge test, and it is not designed around memorized medical facts. It is a timed assessment of how you respond to people-centered situations involving judgment, communication, fairness, ethics, collaboration, empathy, resilience, problem solving, motivation, and self-awareness.

That matters because strong preparation should not be about scripting perfect answers. Your goal is to practice reading or watching a scenario, identifying the conflict, considering the people affected, and explaining a reasonable response under time pressure.

What Is the CASPer Format?

For most applicants in the 2026-2027 cycle, CASPer has 11 scenarios in a fixed order: 4 video-response scenarios first, then 7 typed-response scenarios.

Section	Scenarios	Questions	Time to answer
Video response	4	2 per scenario	1 minute per question
Typed response	7	2 per scenario	3.5 minutes total for both questions

Each video-response question is presented one at a time. Each typed-response scenario shows both questions together, so you need to divide the 3.5 minutes between them. Scenarios may be video-based or word-based, and either type can appear in either response section.

There is usually an optional 10-minute break after the video section and an optional 5-minute break after the first 4 typed-response scenarios.

How Should I Prepare?

Start with the free practice test in your Acuity account and complete the system checks before test day. The official practice test helps you learn the interface, timing, camera and microphone setup, and the difference between speaking an answer and typing one.

A practical prep session should include three tasks:

Prep task	What to check
Practice video answers	Can you give a clear answer in 1 minute without rambling?
Practice typed answers	Can you answer both questions in 3.5 minutes total?
Review your reasoning	Did you explain what you would do and why it is fair, professional, and realistic?

Acuity says third-party coaching and prep can hinder scores compared with using official free resources. If you use outside practice, keep it focused on timing, structure, and reflection rather than memorized scripts.

How Are CASPer Responses Scored?

Each scenario is evaluated by a different trained human rater. Responses are anonymized before evaluation, and typed and video responses are combined into one overall program-facing CASPer result.

Applicants do not receive a detailed numerical score. Instead, applicants usually receive a quartile score about 4-5 weeks after the test. Your quartile compares your performance with other test takers in the same test type and cohort.

Applicant quartile	What it generally means
4th quartile	Your responses were rated stronger than most applicants in your cohort.
3rd quartile	Your responses were above many applicants in your cohort.
2nd quartile	Your responses were below many applicants in your cohort.
1st quartile	Other applicants generally had stronger responses; it does not mean you failed.

Higher quartiles may reflect stronger demonstrated competencies, fuller explanation, more effort, or better familiarity with the test format. They do not guarantee an admissions outcome.

How Are CASPer Scores Sent?

CASPer results are sent directly from Acuity Insights to the programs on your distribution list. They are not sent through AMCAS, CASPA, TMDSAS, OUAC, or another application portal.

Programs usually receive results about 2-3 weeks after your test. You can check whether your score was sent by reviewing the status in your Acuity account. For a more detailed walkthrough, use How to Send CASPer Scores.

Can I Add Schools After CASPer?

Yes, you can add programs after completing CASPer if those programs are still accepting scores and require the same test type. If you add a program after the initial 2-3 week processing period, results are usually sent within 1 business day.

There are limits. You can remove or swap programs only before taking the test. After the test, adding a program is possible only when the test type, country, language, and deadline rules still match. For the step-by-step version, read Can You Add Schools After Taking CASPer?.

Can You Retake CASPer?

In general, you can take the same CASPer test type only once per admissions cycle. A new CASPer test is required for a new admissions cycle or when programs require a different test type, country, or language.

Retakes are considered only for verified technical issues reported to Acuity Support within one week of the assessment date. If something goes wrong on test day, document it immediately and contact Acuity Support promptly.

How Do I Know Which Schools Require CASPer?

Do not rely on memory, screenshots, or old forum posts. Requirements can vary by program, cycle, country, language, and test type. Confirm the requirement in three places: Acuity Dates and Fees, the program page in your Acuity account, and the school admissions page.

Distribution deadlines may differ from admission deadlines, so treat CASPer logistics as their own checklist item. For a careful verification process, use Schools That Require CASPer.

Related CASPer Resources

Final Takeaway

Most CASPer confusion comes from mixing up format, quartiles, score delivery, retakes, and school requirements. Learn the test format early, complete the official practice and system checks, verify every program requirement, and leave enough time for results to be processed before deadlines.