2025-26 Edition

The Complete Casper Test
Study Guide

Your comprehensive resource for mastering the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics

11

Sections

8

Competencies

65-85

Minutes

Get Started →

waving_handWelcome to Your Casper Prep Journey

This interactive study guide is designed to help you prepare for the Casper test with confidence. Unlike academic exams that test what you know, Casper measures who you are when facing real-world challenges—specifically, your personal and professional qualities critical for success in healthcare and other professional fields.

Work through each section at your own pace, use the interactive features to test your understanding, and track your progress as you go. Remember: there are no "right" answers on Casper—what matters is thoughtful, ethical reasoning.

check_circle What This Guide Covers

2025-26 test format updates
8 core competencies assessed
Decision-making frameworks (PPRDJF, STAR-L, etc.)
Video & typed response strategies
Ethical reasoning approaches
Common mistakes to avoid
Practice schedules & tips

lightbulb How to Use This Guide

Navigate using the sidebar menu
Click to expand detailed content
Use the built-in timer for practice
Check off sections as you complete them
Review the quick reference section
Toggle dark mode for easier reading

1

What Is Casper?

Understanding the purpose and nature of the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics

edit_noteDefinition

The Casper Test (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an online situational judgment test (SJT) designed to evaluate how you think, act, and communicate in complex, often ethically ambiguous situations.

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Key Distinction

Unlike academic exams that test what you know, Casper measures who you are when facing real-world challenges—specifically, your personal and professional qualities that are critical for success in healthcare and other professional fields.

local_hospitalWhy Schools Use Casper

▼

Professional schools (medical, nursing, veterinary, dental, and allied health programs) use Casper because it assesses non-academic competencies that are essential but difficult to evaluate through traditional applications:

01How you handle ethical dilemmas
02Your emotional intelligence under pressure
03Your ability to see multiple perspectives
04Your communication and reasoning skills
05Your alignment with professional values

blockWhat Casper Is NOT

▼

✗Not a test of medical knowledge or content
✗Not designed to have "right" answers
✗Not graded on grammar, spelling, or accent (for video responses)
✗Not a measure of your intelligence or academic ability alone

2

Test Format & Structure

Updated for the 2025-26 application cycle with key changes you need to know

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Major Update for 2025-26

As of the 2025-2026 application cycle, Casper was shortened by 20% to maintain quality while reducing test fatigue.

bar_chartFormat Comparison: Old vs. New

Aspect	Previous Format	New Format (2025-26)
Total Duration	90-110 minutes	65-85 minutes
Total Scenarios	14	11
Video Scenarios	6	4
Typed Scenarios	8	7
Questions per Scenario	3 (typed), 2 (video)	2 (all scenarios)
Typed Response Time	5 minutes	3.5 minutes
Scoring	Combined per scenario	Individual per question

Section 1

Video Response

Completed First

• 4 total scenarios (2 word-based, 2 video-based)
• 2 questions per scenario
• 1 minute per question, recorded via webcam
• Scored separately by human raters

Section 2

Typed Response

Completed Second

• 7 total scenarios (3 word-based, 4 video-based)
• 2 questions per scenario
• 3.5 minutes total per scenario
• Each question scored individually

track_changesWhat This Means for Your Preparation

▼

⚡

Fewer scenarios = higher stakes

Each response carries more weight

✂️

Conciseness matters more

You must express ideas clearly and efficiently

🧠

Less fatigue = clearer thinking

Shorter test allows for sharper focus

📈

Individual scoring changes strategy

You can't compensate a weak answer with a strong one

3

Core Competencies & Values

The eight competencies and four ethical principles Casper assesses

The Eight Core Competencies

Casper assesses these competencies that schools believe are essential for healthcare professionals. Click on each card to learn more.

1

Collaboration & Teamwork

Working effectively with others to solve problems and achieve shared goals.

2

Communication Skills

Expressing ideas clearly, listening actively, and adapting your communication style.

3

Professionalism & Integrity

Maintaining ethical standards, accountability, and representing your profession with honesty.

4

Empathy & Compassion

Understanding and validating others' emotions and concerns without judgment.

5

Ethical Reasoning & Equity

Applying ethical principles to navigate complex situations while considering fairness.

6

Self-Awareness

Understanding your own biases, strengths, limitations, and impact on others.

7

Resilience & Motivation

Persisting through challenges, bouncing back from setbacks, maintaining drive.

8

Problem-Solving

Identifying issues, considering multiple solutions, implementing thoughtful responses.

The Four Medical Ethics Principles

person

Autonomy

Respecting individuals' right to make their own decisions

Example: A patient refusing treatment should be supported, even if you disagree

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Beneficence

Acting in the best interests of the patient

Example: Recommending treatment because it will genuinely help

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Non-Maleficence

Avoiding or minimizing harm

Example: First, do no harm—choosing the option that causes the least damage

balance

Justice

Ensuring fairness and equitable treatment

Example: Allocating limited resources fairly rather than favoring certain groups

4

Decision-Making Frameworks

Structured approaches to organize your thinking and responses

PPRDJF Method

Problem → Perspective → Responsibility → Decide → Justify → Future

The most popular framework for structuring Casper responses, particularly for scenario-based questions.

1

Identify the Problem

What is the main issue or conflict? What would happen if you did nothing?

Example: A colleague appears intoxicated before surgery — Main problem: Patient safety is at risk

2

Explore Perspectives

Who is directly/indirectly involved? What might each person be thinking? Do NOT judge or assume.

3

State Your Responsibility

Identify your role. What responsibilities come with that role? What do you owe to the people involved?

4

Decide on a Solution

Choose an action based on ethical, legal, and scientific reasoning. Use IF/THEN logic.

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Key: When public safety is endangered, you MUST report to appropriate authorities.

5

Justify Your Decision

Explain WHY you chose this approach. Connect to ethical principles, professional standards, or patient safety.

6

Future/Follow-up (Optional)

What would you do differently next time? How would you prevent similar situations?

Alternative Frameworks

starSTAR-L Method (Behavioral Questions)

▼

Best for "Tell me about a time when..." questions:

S

Situation — Describe the context (who, what, when, where, how)

T

Tasks — What were you asked to do?

A

Actions — What specific steps did you take?

R

Results — How did it turn out?

L

Lessons Learned — What did you learn?

boltPPJD Framework (Quick Decisions)

▼

For quick decisions under time pressure:

P

Problem — What's the issue?

P

Perspectives — Who's involved?

J

Justification — Why this action?

D

Decision — What will you do?

5

Question Types & Strategies

Recognizing question types helps you select the right strategy

Type 1: Situational/Action Questions

Format: "What would you do in this situation?"

Strategy: Use PPRDJF framework, acknowledge ethical tension, show multiple perspectives, propose practical solution, explain reasoning.

✗ What NOT to Do

Be antagonistic or assume malicious intent
Skip reflection and go straight to action
Propose extreme solutions

Type 2: Reform/Prevention Questions

Format: "How would you prevent this in the future?"

Strategy: Acknowledge root cause, propose practical solutions, consider individual AND systemic approaches.

Type 3: Personal/Reflection Questions

Format: "What do you think about [topic/quote]?"

Strategy: Be authentic, connect to personal experience, show nuanced thinking, connect to professional values.

Type 4: Behavioral Questions

Format: "Tell me about a time when you..."

Strategy: Use STAR-L framework, choose examples showing growth, be honest about mistakes, describe what you learned.

Type 5: Big Picture Questions

Format: "What is the most pressing issue facing humanity?"

Strategy: Pick an issue you can speak to with depth, explain why it's pressing, show understanding beyond surface-level, connect to healthcare.

6

Video Response Mastery

Strategies for the recorded webcam portion of Casper

videocamVideo Response Format (2025-26)

• 4 scenarios total (2 word-based, 2 video-based)
• 2 questions per scenario
• 1 minute per question
• Recorded live via your webcam
• Completed before the typed section

✓ Raters WILL Focus On

Your train of thought
Your reasoning
Your ability to address the question
Your tone (curious, non-judgmental)

✗ Raters Will NOT Judge

Accent or pronunciation
Grammar or incomplete sentences
How you look
Background or lighting

Key Video Strategies

Simple 3-Part Structure

For a 1-minute response, aim for 2-4 substantive sentences:

Acknowledge: Show you understand the issue
Reason: Explain your approach ("I would... because...")
Impact: What outcome you're hoping for

Example Response

"This is concerning because patient safety is my primary responsibility. I would speak privately with my colleague in a calm, non-judgmental way to express that I've noticed something seems off. If they acknowledge they're impaired, I'd encourage them to step down; if they deny it, I'd report to a supervisor. This approach respects their dignity while protecting patients."

Time: 30-45 seconds. Plenty of room for breathing.

Video Response Practice Timer

1:00

7

Typed Response Mastery

Strategies for the written portion of Casper

keyboardTyped Response Format (2025-26)

• 7 scenarios total (3 word-based, 4 video-based)
• 2 questions per scenario
• 3.5 minutes total per scenario
• NO spell check available
• Each question scored separately by different raters

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Raters will NOT penalize spelling or grammar errors. They focus on the quality of your thinking.

rocket_launchPractice Your Typing Speed

Typing speed matters on Casper! With only 3.5 minutes per scenario, you need to type efficiently. We recommend aiming for at least 60-80 WPM to comfortably complete your responses.

keyboard Practice Typing Speed→

Time Management

Task	Time
Read scenario	15-20 seconds
Read both questions	10-15 seconds
Plan first answer	15-20 seconds
Write first answer	60-80 seconds
Plan second answer	15-20 seconds
Write second answer	60-80 seconds
Review/quick edit	10-20 seconds

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Key: Plan before you write. Those 15 seconds of planning saves you 30 seconds of writing and prevents rambling.

Quality Over Quantity

✗ Weak: "I would handle this professionally by communicating with everyone involved."

✓ Better: "I would first speak privately with the colleague to understand their perspective without judgment. If they confirm they made an error, I'd suggest we present it as a team discussion. This respects their dignity while addressing the problem."

8

Ethical Decision-Making

A systematic approach to navigating moral dilemmas

Framework for Ethical Reasoning

Work through these questions when facing an ethical dilemma

1

Identify the Ethical Tension

What competing values or principles are in conflict? (e.g., autonomy vs. beneficence)

2

Identify Stakeholders

Who is directly/indirectly affected? What does each party need or want?

3

Apply Ethical Principles

Autonomy, Beneficence, Non-maleficence, Justice

4

Consider Legal Obligations

What does the law require? When public safety is at risk, you MUST report.

5

Evaluate Options

What causes the least harm? What upholds both values and professional standards?

6

Decide and Justify

Be prepared to explain why your choice best balances competing principles.

Red Flags That Require Reporting

In healthcare, you MUST report to appropriate authorities when:

warning Patient safety is at risk
warning A vulnerable person may be harmed
warning Illegal activity is occurring
warning There's abuse or exploitation

9

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Learn from these pitfalls to strengthen your responses

cancel Mistake #1: Jumping to Judgment

Assuming you know what happened without gathering facts. Instead, say "Before I jump to conclusions, I'd want to understand..."

cancel Mistake #2: Being Too Harsh

Moralizing or shaming instead of addressing behavior professionally. Separate the person from the behavior.

cancel Mistake #3: Ignoring Your Responsibility

Blaming the situation instead of taking agency. Focus on what YOU would do, not why it's hopeless.

cancel Mistake #4: Extreme Solutions

Proposing disproportionate responses. Escalate gradually: "First I'd try X, and if that doesn't work, then Y..."

cancel Mistake #5: Running Out of Time

Spending too much time on one question. Practice with a timer religiously. Plan before you write.

cancel Mistake #6: Ignoring Emotions

Only addressing the problem-solving part. Start by acknowledging emotions: "This must be scary for..."

cancel Mistake #7: Sounding Like a Textbook

Using overly formal language. Use natural language: "I would..." not "One might consider..."

Red Flag Phrases to Avoid

cancel "This is a difficult situation..." (filler)

cancel "I would handle this professionally..." (vague)

cancel "always," "never," "obviously" (overconfident)

cancel "They clearly just don't care..." (judgmental)

10

Practice Strategies & Tips

Build a structured preparation plan for test day success

rocket_launch Sandbox Casper Prep

Practice with Real Casper Scenarios

Get access to full-length Casper practice tests, expert-reviewed model responses, and personalized feedback to boost your score.

Full Practice Tests

Expert Model Responses

Personalized Feedback

Start Practicing →

bar_chartBefore You Start Practicing

1

Assess Your Baseline

Take a full practice test to see where you stand. Identify your weakest area.

2

Create a Practice Schedule

2 weeks: 2-3 full practice tests per week
4 weeks: 1-2 full practice tests per week, daily targeted practice

4-Week Practice Structure

Week 1

Foundation Building

Learn frameworks (PPRDJF, STAR-L)
5 scenarios per day, written
Focus on structure over speed

Week 2

Video Introduction

Get comfortable on camera
3-4 video questions per day
Record and review yourself

Week 3

Intensity & Speed

Improve under time pressure
Timed full scenarios
Focus on conciseness

Week 4

Integration & Polish

Full test simulations
Get feedback from mentors
Fine-tune weak areas

calendar_todayDaily Practice Routine (30-45 min)

▼

5 min

Warm-up: Review one framework

20 min

Targeted Practice: 3 typed OR 2 video scenarios

15 min

Full Scenario: One complete scenario, timed

10 min

Review: What went well? What needs work?

track_changesManaging Test Day Anxiety

▼

Before Test Day

• Complete a full practice test to build confidence
• Ensure tech works (camera, internet)
• Get good sleep the night before

During The Test

• If you freeze, take a breath and start with what you know
• Remember: raters are looking for thinking, not perfection
• After difficult scenarios, take 10 seconds to reset

library_booksPractice Resources

link Official: casperpractice.org
menu_book Free: Many universities offer prep guides
group Study groups: Find peers preparing for Casper
medical_services Mentors: Ask health professionals how they approach dilemmas

library_books

Quick Reference

All frameworks and checklists in one place

extensionPPRDJF Framework

Step	Questions	Key Points
Problem	What's wrong?	Identify the core issue
Perspective	Who's involved?	Don't assume, gather facts
Responsibility	What's my role?	Identify your duties
Decide	What's the best action?	Use if/then logic
Justify	Why this choice?	Connect to principles
Future	How to prevent?	Shows systems thinking

timerTime Management Cheat Sheet

Video (1 min/question)

10 sec: Read question
5 sec: Think
45 sec: Speak
Aim: 2-4 sentences

Typed (3.5 min for 2 Q's)

30 sec: Read scenario + questions
20 sec: Plan each answer
60 sec: Write each answer
10 sec: Quick review

check_circleCore Competencies Quick Check

Before submitting, verify you've shown:

☐Collaboration: Respect for others?

☐Communication: Clear?

☐Professionalism: Boundaries?

☐Empathy: Acknowledged feelings?

☐Ethics: Sound reasoning?

☐Self-awareness: Biases?

☐Resilience: Growth shown?

☐Problem-solving: Practical?

You've Got This!

The Casper test measures who you are when faced with real dilemmas: your judgment, empathy, integrity, and ability to think clearly under pressure.

Start Practice Now→

1

No "right" answers

What matters is thoughtful, ethical reasoning

2

Show your thinking

Explain reasoning, don't just state conclusions

3

Stay curious

Ask questions before judging

4

Be yourself

Authenticity beats scripted perfection