Double check your account information and the time zone carefully prior to test day to ensure your account information is accurate and that you have the correct date and time for your test. Test times are in the North American Eastern time zone EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) or EST (Eastern Savings Time), unless indicated otherwise. To avoid time zone scheduling issues, check the countdown timer on your test page in your Altus Suite account.

Given the online nature of Casper, ensuring that your computer system can support the test is very important to your success on test day. As such, we recommend that you verify your computer set-up and environment by taking the System Requirements Check:

• at least 3 days prior to your test day to provide time to resolve any potential issues in advance of your test
• with the same set-up and in the same environment that you plan to take the test in

This is all to ensure that your webcam, microphone, keyboard, browser and internet connection speed are adequate and all working properly. To be safe, be sure to restart your computer on the day of your test to make sure all needless background programs are closed.

Going into the test knowing what to expect is the best way to prepare! Be aware that there are 12 sections to be completed in 60-90 minutes. You are given an optional 10-minute break after six sections, where you can stand up to stretch or use the washroom.

Each section has either a video-based or word-based scenario. Each scenario is followed by a set of three questions. You are asked to type out your response to each question in the designated text box. You have five minutes to respond to ALL three questions.

When the timer is up, you are automatically directed to the next section where you are presented with a new scenario.

Get a sense of the types of scenarios that you may be presented with. All scenarios are generic ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your everyday life. They are NOT specific to the program or profession you are applying to. Be sure to read the associated questions and consider all aspects of the dilemma.

Completing the Casper System Requirements Check will ensure your computer is ready for test day. There is also a full 12-section sample test you can run through as many times as you like. As 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 with, 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 five-minute time limit and can help you practice formulating responses quicker.

During the test, be sure to read all three questions fully, take a few seconds to reflect, then plan your response. Being aware of what all three questions are asking can help you avoid repeating yourself in your responses as you move from question to question. It can also help you avoid missing a question altogether given the time limit.

We encourage test takers to do their best to respond to ALL three questions. Answering just one question out of the three may impact your final score as it’s harder for raters to interpret which thought is associated with which question prompt.

During the test, ensure you take all five minutes to respond to the three questions in each section. This is important because we have found that test takers who have taken all five minutes tend to score higher than those who do not. So do yourself a favor and take all five minutes!

Along the lines of taking all five minutes to respond to all three questions, you will most likely feel pressed for time. Try not to worry if you don’t finish your thought or sentence before being automatically progressed to the next section. Just take a deep breath and focus on the new scenario. Raters are trained to ignore incomplete sentences as they know you are under a time limit and instead focus on your train of thought and try to understand the general point you are trying to make.

Remember: everyone is in the same situation as you and is feeling pressed for time. Know that taking the full five minutes is actually an advantage and can help with your success on the test.

The test requires your full concentration as it progresses through the scenarios
and sections automatically. Be sure to find a space that is free of distractions and noise.