The CASPer Test: A Detailed Guide

When applying to join a health professional program, you will be required to follow a process of several stages. This typically begins with submitting an application form, followed by rounds of screening and tests. If you are successful in the assessment stage, you may be invited for an interview.

One of the assessments that are used by medical schools and health professional programs around the world is the CASPer Test. 

CASPer, or Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, is a test designed to assess candidates' interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and professionalism. 

It forms a part of the admissions process for various health and professional programs, where soft skills are as critical as academic performance.

This guide will provide an overview of the test's structure, key components, and preparation strategies to help you excel.

What Is the CASPer Test?

The CASPer Test is an assessment tool that evaluates non-cognitive skills through a series of scenarios. This online, open response situational judgment test asks what actions you would take in a tough situation, and why.

As the test analyzes the behavioral tendencies of program applicants, it plays a vital role in identifying candidates that will be outstanding health professionals. 

The CASPer test is especially important in this field, as it determines whether individuals possess the interpersonal qualities needed for roles in medicine, nursing, and social work.

The assessment complements traditional tests, as it evaluates a candidate's ability to handle real-world situations, communicate effectively, and demonstrate ethical judgment.

Using CASPer results, college admission committees can make course offers to the most promising applicants.

Structure of the CASPer Test

Format and Timing

Consisting of two sections, the CASPer test features a total of 14 scenarios that ask how you would respond.

The two sections consist of scenarios in the form of video clips and written prompts. 

In the video response section, you will watch four video-based scenarios and read two word-based scenarios. 

For each of the six scenarios, you will be required to video record your answer to two open-ended questions. The questions will be presented one at a time and you will have one minute to record each of your responses.

Moving on to the typed response section, you will watch five video-based scenarios and read three word-based scenarios. 

There will be three open-ended questions for each scenario. Here you will type your answers. The 24 questions will all be presented on the same page, and you will have five minutes to respond to all three questions.

As you will be answering against the clock, it is very important that you manage your time effectively. 

Scenario Types

Some of the scenarios you might encounter on the assessment include ethical dilemmas, interpersonal interactions, and teamwork challenges.

As a health professional, you will likely need to deal with these scenarios regularly. The assessment is designed to mimic real-life situations to deduce how you would manage.

Response Format

Note that you will be required to answer the scenario questions through both written and verbal responses. To succeed on the CASPer test, clear and concise communication is of the utmost importance. 

Your responses should reflect critical thinking, empathy, and ethical reasoning. You need to be able to demonstrate that you have the ability to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.

Example Questions for the CASPer Exam

Below you will find several CASPer test examples to support your CASPer exam prep. 

Ethical Decision-Making

Question 1:

You are a nurse, and one of your patients refuses to take their medication, even though it is critical for their recovery. What would you do?

a) Force the patient to take the medication because it is essential.
b) Respect the patient’s decision and report it to your supervisor.
c) Try to understand why the patient refuses and offer alternative solutions.
d) Ignore the refusal and continue with your duties.

The correct answer is: c) Try to understand why the patient refuses and offer alternative solutions.

This response demonstrates ethical reasoning and empathy by considering the patient's perspective and working toward a solution.

Question 2:

Your friend confides in you that they cheated on an important exam. How do you respond?

a) Keep their secret and hope they don’t get caught.
b) Encourage them to confess to the teacher.
c) Tell the teacher yourself because it’s the right thing to do.
d) Distance yourself from the situation.

The correct answer is: b) Encourage them to confess to the teacher.

This response balances integrity with loyalty, guiding the friend toward ethical behavior without directly betraying their confidence.

Communication

Question 1:

A colleague misunderstands your instructions and makes a mistake on a project. What’s the best way to address the situation?

a) Correct the mistake yourself and move on.
b) Explain the mistake to the colleague in a calm and constructive manner.
c) Report the mistake to your manager to prevent further issues.
d) Avoid bringing it up to avoid conflict.

The correct answer is: b) Explain the mistake to the colleague in a calm and constructive manner.

This response shows strong communication skills, focusing on collaboration and problem-solving rather than blame.

Question 2:

During a team meeting, one of your teammates keeps interrupting you and others. How would you handle the situation?

a) Confront them during the meeting and ask them to stop.
b) Address the issue privately after the meeting.
c) Ignore the interruptions and continue speaking.
d) Complain to the manager about their behavior.

The correct answer is: b) Address the issue privately after the meeting.

This response demonstrates diplomacy and effective communication, handling the issue in a respectful way without causing conflict.

Collaboration

Question 1:

You are assigned to work with a teammate who has a completely different working style than yours. How would you approach the project?

a) Insist on using your preferred method because it’s more efficient.
b) Try to find a compromise that works for both of you.
c) Let the teammate take the lead on the project.
d) Work on separate parts of the project to avoid conflict.

The correct answer is: b) Try to find a compromise that works for both of you.

This response shows a collaborative spirit, recognizing the importance of teamwork and adaptability.

Question 2:

Your team is close to a deadline, but one member is falling behind on their tasks. What would you do?

a) Offer to help them complete their tasks.
b) Report the issue to your supervisor and move on.
c) Let the teammate know they are slowing the team down.
d) Ignore the issue and focus on your own work.

The correct answer is: a) Offer to help them complete their tasks.

This response demonstrates teamwork and a willingness to support others for the greater good of the project.

Empathy

Question 1:

A patient expresses fear and anxiety about an upcoming surgery. What is your response?

a) Reassure them that the surgery is routine and nothing will go wrong.
b) Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings.
c) Ignore their concerns and focus on the medical procedure.
d) Suggest they talk to another medical professional.

The correct answer is: b) Listen to their concerns and validate their feelings.

This response shows empathy by acknowledging the patient’s emotions and providing emotional support.

Question 2:

You see a co-worker struggling with personal issues that are affecting their performance at work. How do you handle it?

a) Talk to them privately to see if they need support.
b) Ignore the situation as it’s not your place to interfere.
c) Report the issue to HR to address it formally.
d) Ask other colleagues if they’ve noticed the same thing.

The correct answer is: a) Talk to them privately to see if they need support.

This response shows empathy and a caring attitude, while also respecting the colleague’s privacy.

Preparation Tips for the CASPer Exam 

If you are to pass the CASPer Test and join your chosen health program, preparation is key.

Familiarize Yourself With the Test Format

Setting aside time to understand the test structure and timing will pay off on assessment day. Familiarizing yourself with the CASPer format can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.

It will also mean you can spend less time learning how to respond as you will already understand the video and written response types.

Practice Situational Judgment

As the CASPer test is a situational judgment test, engaging in practice scenarios is a great way to support your CASPer exam prep. 

By considering the same type of situation presented in the CASPer exam, you can enhance your ability to think critically and respond effectively under pressure.

Develop Communication Skills

The CASPer test requires you to provide clear and concise verbal and written responses to what can be tricky scenarios. What’s more, the short time limit does not allow very long for planning what you will say.

For this reason, engaging in CASPer test prep by developing your communication skills is very important. You can do some CASPer test practice by writing and filming responses to hypothetical scenarios. This will help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence in your ability.

Reflect on Personal Experiences

It is likely that you have already come across similar scenarios to the CASPer test examples. These may be ethical dilemmas and teamwork challenges. 

A great way to prepare for the CASPer exam is to reflect on your past experiences, whether in team settings, clinical environments, or volunteer work. 

Think about the situation you were in and how you responded. This can help you to draw on relevant examples when writing or recording your responses during the test.

Seek Feedback

An effective way to know whether your communication is clear enough is to practice giving responses to your peers and mentors. They can provide constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement. This practice will strengthen your interpersonal skills ahead of the assessment.

What to Expect on the CASPer Exam Day

Before the Test

As the test is taken online, you will need to ensure that you have the necessary equipment, such as a computer and stable internet connection. You should also arrive at the testing platform early.

Make sure to review any specific instructions provided by the test administrator.

During the Test

 As explained above, the test is timed and so you will need to answer each question against the clock. When engaging with the various scenarios and providing your responses, try to stay calm and focus on demonstrating your thought process and reasoning. 

It is also important to manage your time wisely, so you can give your full answer without running out of time.

After the Test

Around two to three weeks after you sit the CASPer test, your results will be sent to the medical schools that you have applied to. 

You won’t get the exact results yourself and will instead receive a ‘quartile’ that indicates how you performed compared to your peers. This information will be sent to you around a month after you take the test.

Regardless of which quartile you score in, the CASPer exam serves as a valuable tool for self-reflection and professional growth. The assessment is a great opportunity to learn and develop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the CASPer Test in admissions?

The purpose of the CASPer test is to identify candidates who possess the interpersonal skills necessary for roles as medical professionals. 

How long does the CASPer Test take to complete?

The CASPer test typically takes 90 to 110 minutes to complete, including breaks.

What types of scenarios are included in the CASPer Test?

The types of scenarios can include ethical issues, teamwork dilemmas, and questions on conflict of interest.

How should I prepare for the written responses in the test?

You can do some CASPer test practice by writing and filming responses to hypothetical scenarios. This type of CASPer test prep will help you identify areas for improvement and build confidence in your ability.

What happens after I complete the CASPer Test?

After you complete the test, your scores will be sent to the medical schools you have applied to. The school admissions team will use your results to determine if you are a good match for a health course.

Final Thoughts

The CASPer Test is an important tool for assessing the non-cognitive skills necessary for success in health and professional fields. It is designed to ensure that the most suited candidates are selected to train as a medical professional.

As the test evaluates interpersonal skills – as opposed to cognitive skills that can be learned – it is important that you approach the test with confidence and answer honestly. 

Whatever the outcome, the insights gained from the assessment can inform your personal and professional development. 

Reflecting on your interpersonal skills will help you to become a well-rounded candidate.