How Is the CASPer Test Scored? What Applicants Should Know

How Is the CASPer Test Scored? What Applicants Should Know

The CASPer test can feel like a black box. You finish the scenarios, submit your answers, and… wait. There’s no detailed report, no numeric breakdown, and not even a clear explanation of what made your performance strong or weak. Understandably, many applicants wonder: How is the CASPer test actually scored?

This blog unpacks what we do know about CASPer scoring—based on official sources, test-taker insights, and admissions trends. Whether you’re preparing for medicine, nursing, PA, or another professional program, this guide will help you understand how to focus your preparation in a way that aligns with what matters most.

Is CASPer Scored Like a Typical Exam?

Not exactly. Unlike academic tests with objective right and wrong answers, CASPer is a subjective, holistic assessment. The goal isn’t to test knowledge—it’s to evaluate how you think, communicate, and respond to ethically or emotionally complex situations.

CASPer evaluates non-cognitive skills such as:

• Empathy and compassion
• Ethical judgment
• Professionalism
• Self-awareness
• Communication
• Maturity under pressure

There are no multiple-choice questions or scores out of 100. Instead, each answer is reviewed and rated by human scorers.

Who Scores Your CASPer Responses?

CASPer is scored by a large pool of trained human raters, recruited and certified by Acuity Insights (formerly Altus Assessments). These scorers are intentionally diverse and do not evaluate you based on background, identity, or language style—as long as your answers are clear.

Each rater only sees one scenario per applicant, so they won’t compare your answers across stations. This design is meant to reduce bias and prevent one weak answer from affecting your overall result.

Scorers are trained to assess how well you demonstrate thoughtful, empathetic, and effective judgment in real-life dilemmas. They score each response using a rubric—but the exact scoring system is not disclosed publicly.

Do You Get a CASPer Score?

Yes, but it’s not detailed.

For most applicants, you’ll receive your CASPer quartile: a percentile grouping that tells you how your performance compared to others in your applicant pool in the same country. The quartiles are:

• First Quartile (0–24%)
• Second Quartile (25–49%)
• Third Quartile (50–74%)
• Fourth Quartile (75–100%)

For example, if you score in the Fourth Quartile, your overall performance was stronger than 75% or more of other test-takers in your group.

Some programs receive raw scores, while others only receive a ranking or pass/fail signal. You won’t know exactly how each school uses your CASPer score unless they state it on their admissions website.

What Traits Are CASPer Raters Looking For?

Though the rubric isn’t public, Acuity Insights has identified several core competencies CASPer is designed to measure:

• Collaboration and teamwork
• Empathy and emotional intelligence
• Ethical reasoning
• Resilience and adaptability
• Professional integrity
• Communication skills
• Self-awareness and reflection

Your responses are assessed holistically based on how well you demonstrate these attributes. Grammar, spelling, and writing style are not important—as long as your answer is readable and makes sense.

How Are Typed vs. Video Responses Scored?

Both sections are scored by human raters and contribute to your overall CASPer score.

Typed Section:

• 7 scenarios with 2 questions each, 3.5 minutes to record all response per scenario
• Responses are scored for clarity, structure, ethical awareness, and empathy
• Length matters less than organization and insight

Video Section:

• 4 scenarios with 2 questions each, 1 minute to answer all question per scenario
• Raters assess your tone, pacing, communication style, and ability to respond calmly and clearly
• Confidence, authenticity, and structure matter more than polish

Both sections give you a chance to show the same core skills—just in different formats.

What Doesn’t Impact Your CASPer Score?

There are several myths about CASPer scoring. Here’s what doesn’t matter:

• Typing speed — You won’t be penalized for writing shorter responses, as long as they’re clear and complete
• Flawless grammar or fancy vocabulary — CASPer is not an English test
• Country of origin or first language — Raters are trained to score fairly across accents and expression styles
• Perfection — You don’t need to give the “perfect” answer. CASPer is about reasoned thinking, not ideal solutions

Tips to Improve Based on What We Know About Scoring

1. Show empathy and fairness in every scenario

Start by acknowledging how others may feel. Always aim for a balanced, respectful approach—even when the issue is difficult or emotionally charged.

2. Be clear and structured

Use simple, organized answers. A few short, well-structured sentences are better than one long, rambling paragraph.

3. Offer reasonable actions—not extremes

Don’t be passive, and don’t overreact. CASPer rewards mature, proportionate responses that show personal responsibility without being impulsive.

4. Reflect honestly in personal questions

If asked to describe a time you failed, don’t avoid the question. Show growth, self-awareness, and how you turned the experience into something constructive.

5. Practice both typed and video responses

Your video tone, pacing, and confidence matter. Record yourself speaking. Are you rushing? Sounding flat? Fix it now, not during the real test.

Frequently Asked Question: Can You Improve Your CASPer Score with Practice?

Yes. While you can’t “study” CASPer the way you study for math or science, you can absolutely improve your:

• Timing and pacing
• Clarity and structure
• Comfort with video responses
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Skill in applying ethical reasoning

Practicing in test-like conditions helps reduce nerves and sharpen the exact traits CASPer aims to evaluate.

Final Thoughts

While CASPer scoring may not be transparent, the qualities being assessed are no secret. Programs want to see applicants who think ethically, communicate clearly, and respond to challenges with empathy and professionalism.

You don’t need to write perfect answers—you need to write thoughtful ones. Focus on structure, show that you care about others, and stay composed under pressure. That’s what scoring high on CASPer really looks like.

Learn more about CASPer Tips on Myls Learn and start practicing CASPer mock interviews on Myls Interview.