About CASPer
CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an online situational-judgement assessment developed and administered by Acuity Insights. It is used by a number of healthcare programs, including some Canadian medical schools, as one component of their admissions processes. Whether CASPer is required depends on the individual school, program, and language stream, and may change between cycles. Students should confirm the current requirement with each school and through the Acuity Insights website ↗.
What CASPer assesses
The assessment presents a series of scenarios — typically everyday, non-medical situations — followed by open-ended questions asking how the test-taker would respond, or what they would consider. According to Acuity Insights, the assessment is designed to sample characteristics such as communication, ethical reasoning, empathy, professionalism, collaboration, and the capacity to consider multiple perspectives. No clinical or scientific knowledge is required.
Current format
Duration
Approximately 65–85 minutes, including two optional breaks
Scenarios
Eleven scenarios in total, each followed by two open-ended questions
Video-response scenarios
Four scenarios, with one minute to respond to each question by recorded video
Typed-response scenarios
Seven scenarios, with three and a half minutes to respond to both questions in typed form
Technical requirements and accommodations
CASPer is completed online and requires a reliable internet connection, a webcam and microphone, and a supported browser. Test-takers are advised to complete the assessment in a quiet, well-lit environment. Acuity Insights provides accommodations for test-takers with documented disabilities or medical conditions; the accommodations process should be initiated well in advance of the intended test date.
Results
Test-takers do not receive a numerical score. Results are distributed directly to the programs the test-taker designates, in the form of a quartile ranking relative to other test-takers. Programs set their own deadlines for receipt of results, which should be confirmed before selecting a test date.
Preparation
CASPer is not designed to reward memorized responses or rehearsed formulas. Preparation generally focuses on familiarity with the format and on the capacity to communicate clearly within the time available. Approaches commonly adopted include:
- Completing the official Acuity Insights practice test to become familiar with the format, timing, and technical requirements
- Practising the articulation of reasoning — not only a conclusion, but the considerations that lead to it — under timed conditions
- Considering the perspectives of the various people involved in a scenario before responding
- Identifying information that is missing or uncertain, and acknowledging it where relevant
- Practising both typed and spoken responses within the time limits
Discussing CASPer with a mentor
Pathways mentors can share general tips on approaching the assessment and recommend preparation resources, drawing on their own experience. No preparation approach can assure a particular result, and mentors will not characterize what quartile may be required by any program. Scenario content is confidential to Acuity Insights and is not discussed.
Official resources
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Primary source: Acuity Insights. Format and policies are subject to change; the Acuity Insights website is authoritative.