Before your Casper test day
Ensure your account information and test details are correct
- Double-check your account information for accuracy, including the test date, time, and time zone.
- Test times are either in the North American Eastern time zone EDT/EST (Eastern Daylight /Standard Time) or Australian Eastern time zone AEDT/AEST (Australian Eastern Daylight/Standard Time), unless indicated otherwise.
- Check the countdown timer on your Acuity Insights account to avoid time zone scheduling issues. You can access this page by going to my.acuityinsights.com/test once logged in.
Check your computer system requirements
Because Casper can only be taken online, ensuring your computer system setup can support the test is crucial.
To take Casper, you will need:
- A computer (laptop or desktop), ideally using Windows or macOS.
- Smartphones and tablets (e.g., iPads) are not supported and may experience technical issues. Hybrid/2-in-1 devices (e.g., Microsoft Surface) and other operating systems (e.g., Linux, ChromeOS) may also experience technical issues.
- The latest version of Chrome or Firefox. Other browsers (e.g., Safari) are not supported. You can download the latest version here.
- A working webcam and microphone for the duration of the entire test.
- Download speeds of at least 1.5 Mbps and upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps. You can verify your bandwidth speed here.
At least three days before your test, you should:
- Complete a system requirements check in your Acuity Insights account. You can access the system requirements check by going to my.acuityinsights.app/systemrequirements once logged in.
- Use the same setup and environment you plan to use on test day.
- Ensure your webcam, microphone, keyboard, browser, and internet connection function properly.
- Note: we recommend using wired inputs or your computer’s built-in microphone, if possible. Wireless headphones/earbuds and microphones (e.g. AirPods) can experience connectivity issues or run out of battery during your test. If you use wireless inputs, disconnect all other Bluetooth devices to prevent interference.
- Restart your computer on test day to close unnecessary background programs.
Familiarize yourself with the test format
The best way to prepare is to get familiar with Casper’s format so you know what to expect.
Casper takes 90-110 minutes to complete and you will respond to 14 scenarios in two main sections: video responses and typed responses.
Learn more about how video and typed responses work
Take the practice test
- We recommend you prepare by taking the full 14-scenario practice test in your Acuity Insights account. The practice test simulates the exact experience and format of your actual Casper test. You can access your practice test by going to my.acuityinsights.app/casper once you are logged in.
- Applicants who complete the practice test tend to perform better on Casper than those who don’t.
- Consider each scenario, then try to answer the questions as you would in an actual test sitting. You’ll become familiar with the time constraints and can practice formulating responses more quickly, if needed.
- Because it is a practice test, your answers will not be saved or submitted for review or feedback.
- Feel free to do the practice session multiple times so you feel comfortable with the test format and being in front of the camera for the video response section.
We don’t endorse any third-party preparation courses
Although there are many third-party test preparation tools and courses available for Casper, we are not affiliated with any of them and we do not endorse their use. Because Casper is designed to elicit authentic responses, you don’t need anything to prepare other than taking the free practice test in your Acuity Insights account or any information on this website.
We’ve found that people who use third-party preparation materials and those who don’t prepare at all do worse than those who use our free resources.
On your Casper test day
Helpful strategies during your Casper test
- Use your time wisely
- Read all questions thoroughly and take a few seconds to plan each response.
- Use the total time allotted when responding to each question. If you finish responding before your time is up, consider if there’s anything you can add or clarify that can better explain why you chose the stance you did.
- Content is key
- Respond to every question with as much detail as possible, especially about your motivations. Make sure you explain why you would do something and not just what you would do.
- Focus on the content of your answers, rather than minor spelling or grammar errors. Raters are instructed to refrain from taking jargon or grammar mistakes into account.
- Feel free to use bullets when writing typed responses and don’t worry about writing paragraphs.
- Don’t worry if you don’t finish a thought, because raters know you are under a time limit and prioritize understanding your overall point.
- Remember that everyone is under the same time pressure as you, so if you get overwhelmed, take a breath and refocus so you can do your best on the next scenario.
Recording great video responses
- Be yourself: Showcase your unique personality by ensuring there are minimal distractions around you and just behaving as naturally as possible.
- Pay attention to body language and tone: Speak as clearly as possible and feel free to use gestures to emphasize points, if this is how you communicate naturally.
- Practice makes perfect:
- Get a better sense of the test format and the experience of being recorded during the actual test by taking the free practice test in your Acuity Insights account.
- To overcome camera shyness, you can use apps like Camera (PC) or Photo Booth (Mac) to practice recording yourself, then review the recordings to identify areas of improvement and get feedback from people you trust.
- Technical setup: Ensure your webcam is on, uncovered, and facing you. Your microphone should be close to your mouth for clear audio, with the volume adjusted for optimal recording, and speak as clearly as possible.
- Choose a good setting: Record your video responses in a well-lit and private room so you won’t be interrupted or accidentally display something in the video that you don’t intend for others to see.
- Check your attire: Raters focus on the substance of your answers and not your clothing, but be mindful that certain clothing choices can be distracting (e.g., pajamas). We recommend wearing simple, comfortable clothing like a dress shirt, sweater, or blouse, and pants to complete your Casper test.
Find a quiet place to take Casper
- Casper requires your total concentration, so find a space free of distractions.
- Raters will need to be able to hear your responses, so choose a space with little to no background noise that might interfere with your responses.
- If you can’t be alone in your testing space, ask people around you to keep their voices low, ask them to refrain from playing or listening to music, and keep pets away if possible.
Sample Casper scenarios
Review these sample scenarios, read their associated questions, and consider all aspects of each dilemma to get a sense of what the Casper test is like. Casper scenarios present ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your everyday life and are NOT specific to the program or profession you are applying to.
We also recommend taking the full 14-scenario practice test in your Acuity Insights account. The practice test simulates the exact experience and format of your actual Casper test. You can access your practice test by going to my.acuityinsights.app/casper once you are logged in.
Video-based scenario 1: Paternity Leave
Word-based scenario: Paying a Price