If you searched what is the casper test, the short answer is that CASPer is an online, open-response situational judgment test used by medical schools and other people-centered programs to assess how you reason through interpersonal and professional situations. For applicants who want structured practice after learning the basics, PrepTrack's CASPer prep can help turn the test from an abstract requirement into a repeatable reasoning routine.
CASPer is administered by Acuity Insights, not the AAMC. It is different from the AAMC PREview exam, and each school decides whether CASPer is required, recommended, or not used for a given cycle. For a broader overview, start with the Ultimate Guide to the CASPer Test, then verify your exact program requirements in your Acuity account and on each program's admissions page.
The test does not ask you to recall biology, chemistry, or medical facts. It asks how you would respond when people disagree, when fairness is at stake, when confidentiality matters, or when a teammate, patient, classmate, or coworker may need support.
What Is the CASPer Test?
The CASPer test is an online situational judgment test that presents realistic scenarios and asks you to explain what you would do and why. Your responses are open-ended, so the goal is not to pick a multiple-choice answer. The goal is to show judgment, empathy, communication, professionalism, and self-awareness under time pressure.
| CASPer feature | What it means for applicants |
|---|---|
| Test type | Online, open-response situational judgment test |
| Administrator | Acuity Insights |
| Response modes | Video responses and typed responses |
| Main skill tested | Professional judgment in people-centered situations |
| Best preparation style | Timed scenario practice plus structured review |
A strong response usually avoids assumptions, identifies the people affected, gathers relevant context, and chooses a proportionate next step. That is why memorized scripts rarely work well. The scenario details matter.
What CASPer Measures
Acuity describes CASPer as evaluating professionalism-related attributes such as collaboration, communication, empathy, fairness, ethics, motivation, problem solving, resilience, and self-awareness. In practice, that means you may be asked to respond to a conflict, handle a concern about dishonesty, support someone under stress, or balance competing responsibilities.
CASPer is not trying to determine whether you already sound like a physician. It is looking for how you reason when there is no perfect answer. A useful answer often shows that you can slow down, treat people fairly, and act within your role instead of escalating too quickly or ignoring the issue.
For a deeper explanation of the test category, read CASPer SJT Explained. If your main concern is scoring, What Is a Good CASPer Score? explains how applicants should think about quartiles without inventing a universal cutoff.
CASPer Format for 2026-2027 Applicants
For most 2026-2027 applicants, Acuity's standard format includes 11 scenarios across two sections: 4 video-response scenarios followed by 7 typed-response scenarios. Exact requirements can vary by program and test type, so use your Acuity account as the final source for your cycle.
| Section | Scenarios | Questions | Time limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video response | 4 | 2 per scenario | 1 minute per answer |
| Typed response | 7 | 2 per scenario | 3.5 minutes total per scenario |
| Breaks | Optional | N/A | After video section and partway through typed responses |
Most applicants should expect the test session to take about 65-85 minutes, including optional breaks. You should also budget time before test day to complete setup, check your webcam and microphone, and work through the official practice materials in your Acuity account.
How CASPer Is Used in Medical Admissions
Schools usually receive CASPer results directly from Acuity based on the distribution list you select. Acuity states that results are typically sent to programs about 2-3 weeks after the test, while applicant quartile results are usually available later, about 4-5 weeks after the test.
CASPer is one part of a broader application. It does not replace grades, MCAT scores, clinical exposure, service, essays, or interviews. Schools may use it differently, which is why you should avoid assuming that every program weighs it the same way. For more context, read How Medical Schools Interpret CASPer Scores and CASPer Quartiles Explained.
How to Prepare After Learning What CASPer Is
Once you understand the test, preparation should become practical. Do not spend most of your time reading definitions. Spend it practicing short, timed responses and reviewing whether your answer actually addressed the situation.
| Prep task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Practice video responses | Builds comfort speaking clearly within 1 minute |
| Practice typed responses | Builds speed without sacrificing judgment |
| Review for assumptions | Prevents unfair or premature conclusions |
| Name stakeholders | Keeps your answer people-centered |
| State a next step | Shows practical judgment, not just good intentions |
A simple starting drill is to take one scenario and answer three questions: Who is affected? What information is missing? What is the most fair next step within my role? For timed practice, use a CASPer practice test after you understand the format.
FAQ About What Is the CASPer Test
What is the CASPer test in simple terms?
CASPer is an online situational judgment test where applicants respond to realistic interpersonal or professional scenarios. If your question is what is the casper test, think of it as a timed assessment of judgment, communication, empathy, and professionalism rather than academic knowledge.
Is CASPer an AAMC test?
No. CASPer is administered by Acuity Insights. AAMC PREview is a separate exam administered by the AAMC, and schools may use one, both, or neither depending on the program and cycle.
Does CASPer have right answers?
CASPer does not work like a standard multiple-choice test. Strong answers usually gather context, avoid assumptions, consider the people affected, and choose a fair action that fits the applicant's role.
How soon should I start preparing for CASPer?
Start once you know you need the test and have checked your distribution deadlines. Many applicants benefit from a few weeks of focused practice rather than months of passive reading.
Related CASPer Resources
- PrepTrack CASPer prep
- Free CASPer practice test
- Ultimate Guide to the CASPer Test
- CASPer SJT Explained
- CASPer Test Format and Instructions
- CASPer Quartiles Explained
- How Medical Schools Interpret CASPer Scores
Final Takeaway
CASPer is a timed, open-response situational judgment test used to assess how you reason through people-centered problems. Learn the format, verify requirements in Acuity and with each program, then practice making clear, fair, role-appropriate decisions under time pressure.