How to Prepare for the CASPer Test: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Succeed

What Is the CASPer Test and Why Do Universities Use It?

CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test used by universities and professional schools to evaluate applicants' interpersonal skills, ethics, and emotional intelligence. While your grades and academic record show how well you’ve performed in school, CASPer assesses the qualities that matter just as much—especially in healthcare, education, and people-centered professions.

CASPer is used widely in Canada and the United States, with increasing adoption in Australia, the UK, and other countries. Whether you’re applying to medical school, nursing, PA programs, teacher education, or dentistry, chances are high that a school on your list requires CASPer as part of their admissions process.

It’s designed to measure how you respond under pressure, how you think through ethical dilemmas, and how you reflect on difficult interpersonal situations. The test can’t be “memorized” or aced with facts—but it absolutely can be prepared for.

Which Programs Require CASPer?

In Canada, CASPer is required by:

• McMaster University Health Sciences and Physician Assistant programs
• University of Ottawa MD and U of T MD and Nursing programs
• Queen’s, UBC, Dalhousie, Memorial, and more for health-related disciplines
• Many teacher education and midwifery programs

In the U.S., it’s used by:

• 40+ medical schools including Tulane, Drexel, and Texas A&M
• PA schools like Yale, Northeastern, and Quinnipiac
• Nursing, dental, and veterinary programs

You can find the full, updated list of participating programs on the official CASPer/Altus Suite website. The list grows every year.

What to Expect on the CASPer Test

CASPer is structured into two main parts:

1. Typed Response Section

You’ll complete 7 scenarios (a mix of video and text-based prompts). Each scenario includes 2 open-ended questions, and you’ll have 3.5 minutes to type your responses.

2. Video Response Section

You’ll face 4 scenarios, each with 2 open-ended questions that you’ll answer using your webcam. You get 1 minute to record each spoken answer.

The full test takes approximately 65 to 85 minutes. It includes a 10-minute break between sections and another 5-minute break halfway through the typing portion.

Each scenario presents a dilemma—like handling a group conflict or making an ethical choice—and tests how thoughtfully and constructively you respond. There’s no perfect answer, but your responses are evaluated for depth, empathy, fairness, and professionalism.

What Skills CASPer Looks For

CASPer aims to assess characteristics that are essential for success in healthcare, education, and other service-based professions. These include:

• Compassion and empathy
• Ethical decision-making
• Clear and respectful communication
• Problem-solving under pressure
• Professional integrity
• Self-awareness and reflection
• Accountability and fairness

It’s not about having all the answers—it’s about showing that you can think critically, respond with empathy, and navigate complex situations with maturity.

Common CASPer Scenario Types

Here are examples of the kinds of situations CASPer might present:

• One of your team members is being excluded by others—what do you do?
• You catch a classmate cheating—how should you respond?
• Your supervisor makes a decision you disagree with—how would you address it?
• You’re asked to take on more work when you’re already overwhelmed—how do you handle it?

Some questions ask you to take a stance on a social or ethical issue, while others prompt you to reflect on personal experiences—like how you’ve handled failure or dealt with a challenging moment in your life.

How to Prepare for CASPer

While CASPer is designed to assess how you respond in the moment, smart preparation helps you perform more confidently and effectively. Here’s how to prepare:

Understand the Test Format

Start by learning how the test is structured and how much time you have for each section. The more familiar you are with the process, the less stressful it will feel.

Practice with Timed Scenarios

Use sample prompts to practice both typing and recording answers under real test conditions. This helps you get used to organizing your thoughts quickly and expressing them clearly.

Learn Ethical Reasoning Strategies

Frameworks like SPIES (Stakeholders, Problem, Implications, Ethical Principles, Solution) help you break down ethical dilemmas and respond with structure and logic.

Reflect on Past Experiences

Many strong responses are grounded in real-life events. Think back on moments that showed your empathy, decision-making, or growth. These stories help make your answers more personal and persuasive.

Practice Staying Calm and Focused

The pressure of a timed test can affect performance. Build confidence through mock practice, especially for the video section, so you can deliver your answers calmly and clearly.

How Myls Interview Helps You Succeed on CASPer

At Myls Interview, we’ve created a complete support system for CASPer prep—not just to help you answer questions, but to help you think, reflect, and communicate like the strongest candidates do.

Here’s what you’ll get with our CASPer prep program:

Full Simulated CASPer Tests

Practice with both typed and video questions under realistic test timing, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

Coaching on Structured Response Techniques

We show you how to use ethical reasoning frameworks like SPIES or PREP to keep your answers clear, thoughtful, and on-point.

Focused Skill Development

We’ll help you build the attributes CASPer looks for—like empathy, accountability, and fairness—through guided sessions and real feedback.

Video Response Coaching

Learn how to deliver effective, confident responses on camera. Myls tutors and mentors coach provide feedback on tone, pacing, body language, and clarity.

Progress Tracking and Feedback

We help you identify which personal characteristics you’re demonstrating well—and which ones you need to work on—so you improve consistently with every session.

CASPer may be unpredictable, but your preparation doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re applying to med school, nursing, PA, or education, Myls Interview helps you walk into the CASPer test ready to think, speak, and lead with confidence.

Start your CASPer prep with confidence!

Join Myls Interview for free and unlock a personalized study plan tailored to your success.