How Long is the Casper Test?
You’ve prepared your transcripts, lined up recommendation letters, and mapped out your admission cycle—but are you ready for one of the most unique components of the medical school admissions process? The Casper test, a real-time situational judgment test from Acuity Insights, measures the soft skills that test scores can’t. But before you dive into Casper test prep, it’s crucial to ask: how long is the Casper test, and what does it actually include? This guide breaks down the full Casper test format, including both typed responses and the video response section, plus timing details, optional breaks, and what to expect on Casper test dates. Let’s get into it.
I. Casper Test Timing Overview
Understanding the timing of the Casper test is key to managing your pacing and performance. For the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the Casper test has been updated to a more streamlined format that lasts approximately 65 to 85 minutes in total. If you’re unfamiliar with the structure, start with this guide: What is the Casper Test? The test now begins with the video response section, which includes 4 scenarios. Each scenario contains 2 questions, presented one at a time, and you’ll have 1 minute to record your answer for each. This section evaluates how you respond under pressure and communicate verbally in real time. After completing this part, you’ll be offered an optional 10-minute break.
Next is the typed response section, consisting of 7 scenarios. Each presents a set of 2 questions shown simultaneously, and you’ll have 3.5 minutes to type your responses. After the first four scenarios in this section, a 5-minute break is offered. Overall, the Casper test format is designed to evaluate real-world decision-making and interpersonal judgment in a short but intense window. Whether using a sample test or full-length Casper practice test, simulating the actual timing will improve your readiness for test day. Make sure your device meets the necessary system requirements, and prepare accordingly for your scheduled Casper test date.
II. What's Included in the Casper Test?
The Casper test consists of two sections: the video response section and the typed response section. Together, these parts assess your ability to handle real-life, ethically complex situations using a combination of written and verbal communication. The updated Casper exam format for the 2025–2026 admission cycle features a total of 11 scenarios—4 in the video section and 7 in the typed section—with both video-based scenarios and word-based scenarios designed to evaluate key soft skills like empathy, professionalism, and ethical reasoning.
Video Section
The test begins with the video response section, where you’ll encounter 4 scenarios. Each scenario includes 2 questions that appear one at a time. You’ll have 1 minute to record your video responses for each Casper question using your webcam and microphone. This section gives insight into your verbal communication and ability to think quickly. After completing this section, you’ll be offered an optional 10-minute break to reset before moving into the second half of the test. Practicing with a sample test or practice test can help you get used to the pace and structure of this portion.
Typed Section
After the video portion, you’ll move on to the typed section, which contains 7 scenarios. For each, you’ll be presented with two questions simultaneously and will have 3.5 minutes to type your responses. The typed responses should be clear, structured, and thoughtful, as they give insight into how you reason through ethical dilemmas and respond to challenging circumstances in writing. After the first four scenarios, you’ll receive a 5-minute optional break. Like the video portion, these scenarios may be video-based or word-based, and they're designed to evaluate your judgment and values in a professional context.
III. How is the Casper Test Scored?
The Casper test score is designed to reflect a fair, multidimensional view of each applicant. To ensure objectivity, each of the 11 Casper exam scenarios is evaluated by a different rater—meaning no single rater sees more than one of your responses. This approach allows your overall Casper score to represent multiple independent evaluations, reducing bias and giving admissions teams a well-rounded sense of your judgment and communication skills.
Acuity Insights, the organization behind the test, trains and accredits all raters before they’re allowed to evaluate Casper responses. Raters assess your typed responses and video responses without access to any personal information—they don't know who you are or how you answered other parts of the test. Their goal is to assess the content and quality of your response in isolation, not your background or writing mechanics. In fact, minor grammar and spelling issues are not held against you.
Scoring is relative, meaning your responses are judged in comparison to how other test takers answered the same scenario. While Acuity Insights previously used a Likert scale from 1 to 9 to evaluate responses, they no longer disclose the precise scoring method. You won’t receive your actual Casper test results after finishing the exam. However, about a month after Casper test dates, quartile rankings are released for the video and typed responses, indicating how you performed compared to others. Quartiles are broken down as follows: first quartile (0–24th percentile), second (25–49th), third (50–74th), and fourth (75–100th).
IV. How to Prepare for the Casper Test Efficiently
Effective Casper test prep isn’t about memorizing content—it’s about improving how you think through complex scenarios and communicate your thoughts clearly, whether through typed responses or video responses. Since the Casper test format is unique, preparation should focus on practicing under realistic conditions, understanding what strong responses look like, and developing your comfort with both word-based scenarios and video-based scenarios. Below are key strategies to help you feel confident and composed on your Casper test date.
Practice with Timed Prompts
One of the best ways to prepare is by using a Casper practice test or timed sample test. These simulations help you get used to the pressure of answering Casper questions within the test’s time constraints—1 minute for video questions and 3.5 minutes for typed ones. Practicing under these conditions trains you to manage your time wisely, structure your thoughts quickly, and reduce anxiety on test day. CasperBooster offers a Typing Speed Test that mimics the unique demands of the written Casper section. It allows you to gauge both your speed and accuracy in real time—essential skills when every second counts. Make sure to mimic the full Casper test length (65–85 minutes) and take your two optional breaks as you would during the real exam to build mental stamina.
Review Sample Questions
Familiarizing yourself with common Casper exam scenarios—especially those involving ethical dilemmas, interpersonal conflict, or professional behavior—can help sharpen your judgment. Reviewing a variety of video-based and word-based scenarios will expose you to the themes that test takers typically encounter. CasperBooster’s Question Banks are especially helpful here, as they are organized by category and designed to help you understand how to approach specific scenarios that can appear on the Casper exam. Try to evaluate what makes one response stronger than another and reflect on how your responses align. This not only builds comfort with the format but also strengthens the clarity and relevance of your Casper responses.
Understand What to Write
Knowing what makes a high-quality typed response is just as important as practicing the format. CasperBooster offers both Text and Video Response Practice to help you refine your answers across both sections of the test. These practice sets simulate the real Casper exam environment and provide detailed feedback, so you can improve your structure, clarity, and tone. The goal isn’t to write as much as possible, but to offer thoughtful, structured answers that demonstrate insight, empathy, and professionalism. Focus on directly answering the question, supporting your reasoning, and avoiding vague or generic statements. For more guidance on this, check out our detailed resource: How Much to Write in a Casper Response?
V. How Many Times Can You Take the Casper Test?
The Casper exam can only be taken once per admission cycle, which means that no matter how many programs you apply to, you’ll only have one opportunity to complete the test and generate a Casper test score. Your performance—based on both your typed responses and video responses—is evaluated and then automatically shared with all programs you've selected through your Acuity Insights account.
Since retakes aren’t allowed within the same cycle, it's essential to take your Casper test prep seriously and approach your scheduled Casper test date with full readiness. Even though you won’t receive a detailed breakdown of your Casper test results, programs use your single score as a meaningful part of their holistic admissions process.
VI. How Long Does it Take to Get Casper Results?
After completing the Casper test, your Casper test results are typically sent to your selected programs within two to three weeks via your Acuity Insights account.While you won’t receive a detailed breakdown of your score, you will get a quartile ranking about a month after your test date. This ranking shows how your performance compares to other test takers, helping you gauge your standing. Keep in mind that schools interpret Casper scores independently, so what matters most is preparing thoroughly and submitting your best effort on test day.
VII. Final Thoughts
The Casper test may be shorter than other admissions exams, but its unique format—featuring both typed responses and video responses—demands serious preparation. Understanding the updated Casper test format, test timing, and how the Casper test score is calculated can help you approach your desired test date with clarity and confidence. From navigating word-based and video-based scenarios to practicing with a sample test under timed conditions, every step of your Casper test prep should be intentional. Since you only get one attempt per admission cycle, make it count. For more resources, strategy guides, and tools to strengthen your performance, explore more Casper prep tools and start preparing with confidence.