What is Casper and how do you prepare?

You’re getting ready to apply to an Australian university and you see “Casper” as part of the admissions requirements.

This test helps determine behavioural tendencies of applicants pursuing people-centered programs like physiotherapy, teacher education, and even veterinary medicine.

Is the Casper test required for medical schools in Australia?

Unlike some medical schools in Canada, Australian medical schools do not require the Casper as part of their admissions process.

 

The Casper (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) our universities work with is an aptitude test that assesses a student’s decision-making skills, thought processes, and people skills through open-ended questions. This is what’s known as a situational judgment test (SJT). It asks what you would do in a tough situation, and more important, why. This helps determine behavioral tendencies of applicants pursuing people-centered (or animal-centered) professions.

Why is Casper important?
Casper will provide universities with a more complete view of you and your skills—beyond book smarts!

Keep in mind, universities haven’t implemented the test as a way to make the application process more difficult. In fact, the 2025/2026 version of the test is now shorter because universities were looking for ways to reduce the burden of the application process.

Most schools that require the Casper are using it to replace interviews as part of the admissions process. It’s just a different format to allow universities to assess skills and attributes such as resilience, critical thinking, and communication.

When should you write test?
It’s important to familiarize yourself with Casper to ensure you are ready to complete your test at an appropriate time. The earlier you write it, the better!

There are typically three scheduled test dates per admissions cycle.

Dates are announced on the official Casper website, and are typically updated in June each year. You’ll need to convert the listed times to your time zone. You may undertake the test on any of the available test dates for your admissions cycle.

Your OzTREKK application(s) must be submitted to the university before you will be able to register for a test date and you will need your university application ID to sign up. You’re encouraged to register at least three days before your preferred test date so they can process payment and account information.

What do you need to write the Casper?
You’ll need access to a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam (this is one way that the testing company will proctor your test), and a valid government identification card (driver’s license, health card, etc.).

Using a tablet to take the test is not recommended.

There are no designated testing centres, so the test can be completed anywhere there is a reliable internet connection available. System checks and internet connection speed tests are included in the registration process.

What is included in the Casper?
The test comprises 11 sections, four of which will include video responses and seven of which will be typed responses. In the video response sections, you’ll be presented with a scenario, followed by two questions (one at a time). You will then have one minute per question to record your answer. In the typed response sections, you’ll be presented with a scenario, followed by two questions (all at once). You will then have 3.5 minutes per question to type your answer.

In total, the test will take about 65–85 minutes, which includes scheduled breaks.

Can I review my video responses before sending them? Can I redo a video response?
Unfortunately, no. Once you’ve completed recording your video response, you cannot retake it unless you experience technical problems, and your response was not saved correctly. It’s best to complete the system requirements check before taking the test, and to take the practice test so you’re familiar with the set-up.

What does the test measure?
Casper is designed to allow you to demonstrate your skills beyond academia (like people skills) earlier on in the admissions process. The test assesses the following qualities:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Empathy
• Fairness
• Ethics
• Motivation
• Problem Solving
• Professionalism
• Resilience
• Self-awareness

Are the test questions program specific?
All scenarios will be generic ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your daily life. They are not specific to the program or profession to which you’re applying. You can find examples on the bottom of the Casper Test Prep page.

How do you prepare for Casper?
We know it may seem daunting to write such an open-ended test, but there are ways in which you can prepare and do your absolute best on test day! Here are a few tips for success:

• Familiarize yourself with the format of the test.
• Complete the system-requirements check to ensure your computer can run the test smoothly.
• Find a quiet place to take the test.
• Use the full allotted five minutes to complete each section in detail.
• There are no right or wrong answers! Just be yourself.

Take a practice test
Within your Acuity Insights Account there is a full 11-scenario sample test you can run through as many times as you like. Since it’s just a practice test, your answers will not be submitted for review or feedback. Take this opportunity to seriously consider the scenario you are presented, then try to answer the three probing questions as you would in a true test sitting. This will help you get a sense of the time limit and can help you practice formulating responses quicker.

Do I get a break during the test?
Yes! You’re entitled to 2 optional breaks: one right after the video response section (10 minutes), and one half-way through the typed response section (5 minutes).

How long will it take to receive your results?
Your results will be reported to the school(s) you have selected approximately three weeks after you write the test. It will then take some extra time for the university to assess your scores and do a final evaluation.

Why don’t I get to see my score on the CASPER?

It’s understandable you want to know how well you scored, especially when you’re probably a high-achieving student and were excited to get other test scores like your MCAT or DAT. The reason you don’t receive your personal score is because your result is ranked in relation to others who took the same test on the same day as you and each school uses the scores differently.

You will, however, find out which quartile you were placed in 4–5 weeks after you complete your test to give you an idea of where you placed in relation to your peers.

How long are my assessment results valid for?
Your results are only valid for a single application cycle, and only for the program type for which you completed the assessment(s).

Can you retake the test?
Unfortunately, no, applicants are not permitted to re-take a Casper test (for the same country and program area) more than once per admissions cycle.

Is it the same test as required for Canadian schools?
No, the test is specific to each university and program. Tests taken for another program area or geographical region will not be valid for Australian applications.

*

If you have any questions about the Casper, please let us know. We’re here to help! Contact us at info@oztrekk.com or call us toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355.