Verify your account information, test date, and time
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 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. To avoid time zone scheduling issues, check the countdown timer on your test page in your Acuity Insights account.
Log in and complete a system requirements check before your test to avoid technical difficulties and ensure your computer can run the test on test day
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.
Familiarize yourself with the test format
Going into the test knowing what to expect is the best way to prepare!
The test is divided into 2 response sections; the video response section, which is the first portion of the test, followed by the typed response section. There are a total of 14 scenarios to be completed in 90-110 minutes.
You are given an optional 10 minute break once you have completed the video response section, and another optional 5-minute break after the first four typed response scenarios. During your break time, you can stand up to stretch or use the washroom.
Scenarios:
There are 2 types of scenarios; word-based scenarios present you with a short statement to consider. Video-based scenarios indicate your role in the scene and then play a short video. All video-based scenarios are equipped with optional closed captioning.
Response Sections:
In the video response section, you are presented with two word-based scenarios and four video-based scenarios which appear in randomized order. When each scenario finishes, you’ll have 30 seconds of reflection time and 10 seconds to read the question. You are then given one minute to record your responses to each of the two open-ended questions. Raters are instructed to not take jargon, accents, or grammar mistakes into account when evaluating your responses – do your best to answer both questions as clearly as possible. Your recording is either uploaded immediately once you submit your response or automatically after the one minute timer runs out. Once your response is submitted or the timer runs out, you are automatically advanced to the next scenario. You can choose to submit your responses before the timer runs out but keep in mind you won’t be able to go back.
In the typed response section, you are presented with three word-based scenarios and five video-based scenarios which appear in randomized order. When each scenario finishes, you have 30 seconds of reflection time and then you are given a total of five minutes to type your responses to three open-ended questions in the designated text boxes. Once the five minutes are up, you are automatically advanced to the next scenario.
Practice taking the test
There is a full 14-scenario sample test containing both the video and typed response sections that you can use to practice as many times as you like. As it is just a practice test, your answers will not be saved or submitted for review or feedback.
Take this opportunity to seriously consider the scenario you are presented with, then try to answer the probing questions as you would in a true test sitting. This will help you get a sense of the time limit and can help you practice formulating responses quicker. 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 have found that applicants who complete the practice test generally perform better on Casper.
You don’t need a third party prep course
There are many third party test preparation tools available for Casper. However, Casper is designed to elicit authentic responses from test-takers and as such does not require any more preparation than the free practice test and prep resources we have provided. We found that taking a 3rd party prep course, and not preparing at all were associated with worse test performance
Helpful strategies when taking your Casper test
Read the questions fully, then plan your response
In the video response section, for each scenario, the two questions are presented one at a time, and you are provided 10 seconds to read each question before the recording starts. Be sure to use this time to read the question, take a few seconds to reflect and plan your response.
When completing the typed response section of the test, for each scenario, all three questions are presented at once. 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..
Respond to all of the questions
We encourage you to focus on the content of your responses and do your best to respond to all of the questions in each scenario.
Casper raters are trained to disregard minor spelling and grammar mistakes when evaluating responses.Keep in mind that raters will accept any typed answer, whether it be in point form/bullet points or complete sentences.
Take the full time to respond
During the test, ensure you take the full minute provided for each question in the video response section and all five minutes to respond to the three questions in the typed response section.
This is important because we have found that test takers who have taken all the time available tend to score higher than those who do not. So, do try and make use of all the time you have!
Don’t panic if you don’t finish your thought in a scenario
Try not to worry if you don’t finish your thought or sentence before being automatically progressed to the next scenario. Just take a deep breath and focus on the new scenario. Raters are trained to ignore incomplete sentences in both sections, 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 response time available is actually an advantage and can help with your success on the test.
Find a quiet place to take 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. You’ll also want to make sure that there is little to no background noise. Ask people around you to keep their voices low or ask them to refrain from playing or listening to music and keep pets away if possible. You’ll also want to record your video responses in a room that is well-lit and private. This is to make sure you won’t be interrupted or accidentally display something in the video that you don’t intend for others to see.
Check your attire
We train our raters to focus on the substance of your answers and not your clothing, but be mindful that certain clothing choices are distracting (e.g., pajamas). While you don’t need to get too dressed up, it may help to think about how you’d like to be seen on camera by an interviewer. We recommend wearing smart casual attire like a dress shirt, sweater, or blouse, and pants to complete your Casper test. Remember that our raters are not evaluating your fashion choices, so keep it simple and comfortable.
Make sure you have the right equipment to take the test
The following equipment is required to take the test:
- a desktop or laptop computer with a webcam
- headphones or earphones with a microphone (or headphones and a separate microphone)
- a reliable, high speed-internet connection
- download speed of at least 1.5 megabytes per second (MB/s) and upload speed of at least 2 MB/s is required
- Verify your connection with an internet speed checker
To get your internet speed results, please wait a few seconds for the numbers on the site to stop changing. To get your upload speed, click on the ‘Show More Info’ button below your internet speed and wait a few seconds for the numbers on the site to stop changing).
Note that if you see the speed in gigabytes per second (GB/s), that’s sufficient!
Tips to record outstanding video responses
This is the time to showcase who you are as a person! As such, you’ll want to make sure there are as few distractions as possible that could affect a rater from being able to get a good sense of your unique personality. The most important thing to remember is to just be yourself! Here are some additional tips to help get that across successfully:
- Pay attention to your body language and tone. Try sitting up straight, use gestures to emphasize some of your points, and speak as clearly as possible.
- Maintain eye contact. Get comfortable being in front of and talking to the camera. Try to imagine yourself having a real conversation with someone.
- You can work through the awkwardness of being in front of the camera by having multiple practice runs recording yourself. You can practice with apps like Camera (if you’re a PC user) or Photo Booth (if you’re a Mac user). Review the video afterwards and identify areas for improvement. Get another person, such as a friend, to review your recordings and provide some feedback — it’s helpful to have another perspective!
- Make sure your webcam is turned on, uncovered, and facing towards you while your microphone is close to your mouth, the device volume is adjusted and you speak as clearly as possible.
- Finally, use the Casper practice test to get a better sense of the test format and how you’d look when being recorded during the actual test!
Get a sense of the types of scenarios that you may be presented with. All of the test scenarios present generic ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your everyday life. The scenarios 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.
