What is the CASPer Test and Which Australian Medical Schools Require It?
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You've worked hard on your grades, polished your personal statement, and mapped out your application timeline — then you discover that several Australian universities require something called CASPer. If you've never heard of it before, you're not alone. CASPer is still relatively new to the Australian admissions landscape, and many applicants are caught off guard. This guide breaks down exactly what CASPer is, which Australian institutions require it, when you need to complete it, and how to get started.
What Is the CASPer Test?
CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an online situational judgement test developed by Acuity Insights. It was created at McMaster University in Canada and is now used by hundreds of programmes across North America, Australia, and beyond.
The test is designed to assess non-academic qualities that are difficult to measure through grades or standardised exams alone — things like empathy, ethical decision-making, professionalism, communication, and collaboration. Rather than testing what you know, CASPer tests how you think and how you respond when faced with challenging human situations.
"Casper provides insights about many of these skills that inform professionalism and social intelligence. These skills include collaboration, communication, empathy, fairness, ethics, motivation, problem solving, resilience and self-awareness." — Acuity Insights
The test consists of a series of video-based and written scenarios. After watching a short video or reading a written prompt, you are given 3.5 minutes to type your responses to two questions for the written section. In the written section, you have 2 questions, with 1 minute each to record yourself saying an answer aloud to a camera. There are no multiple-choice answers — everything is open-ended. Responses are scored by trained human raters who assess your judgement, not just your writing style.
Which Australian Universities Require CASPer?
The use of CASPer in Australia has grown significantly over the past few years, particularly for postgraduate medical programmes. Below is a summary of Australian institutions and programmes that currently use CASPer as part of their admissions process. Always check directly with your target institution for the most up-to-date requirements, as policies can change each admissions cycle.
University | Location | Entry Type |
|---|---|---|
University of Notre Dame Australia | Sydney, NSW Fremantle, WA | Graduate entry |
Curtin University | Bentley, WA | Undergraduate entry |
University of Wollongong | Wollongong, NSW | Graduate entry |
When Should You Complete CASPer?
Timing is critical. CASPer scores are sent directly to your nominated institutions, and most programmes require your score to be on file before they will consider your application complete. Missing the deadline can mean your application is not assessed — regardless of how strong your other components are.
Here are the key timing principles to keep in mind:
Register early: Test dates fill up quickly, especially in peak periods (typically April-June for Australian graduate medical programmes). Aim to register at least 4–6 weeks before your preferred test date.
Check each university's deadline: Different institutions set different score-receipt deadlines. Some may require your CASPer score before the application portal closes; others set a separate deadline.
Allow processing time: After you sit the test, scores take approximately 2 weeks to be processed and distributed to institutions. Factor this into your planning.
One test per cycle: You can only sit CASPer once per admissions cycle. Your single set of scores is distributed to all institutions you nominate during registration.
How to Sign Up for CASPer
Registration is straightforward and done entirely online through the Acuity Insights platform. Here's a step-by-step overview of the process:
Create an account: Head to acuityinsights.app and create a free applicant account.
Select your programme type: Choose the relevant CASPer test for your target programme (e.g., Medicine — Australia/New Zealand). Different programme types use different versions of the test.
Nominate your institutions: During registration, you'll select which universities and programmes should receive your scores. Make sure you add all relevant institutions at this stage.
Choose a test date and time: CASPer is offered online and on-demand across multiple dates. Pick a slot that suits your schedule and gives you enough buffer before your application deadlines.
Pay the registration fee: There is a fee to sit the test, plus additional fees per institution you nominate beyond the initial inclusion. Check the current fee schedule on the Acuity Insights website.
Complete the technical check: Before your test date, run the required system check to ensure your webcam, microphone, and internet connection meet the technical requirements.
Other Important Things to Know
Your Score Is Holistic, Not a Pass/Fail
CASPer does not produce a simple pass or fail result. Instead, you receive a quartile score that shows how your responses compared to other applicants in the same testing cycle. Universities use this as one component of a broader holistic assessment — alongside your GPA, GAMSAT or UCAT score, and interview performance.
Preparation Matters
Because CASPer is open-ended and scored by humans, authentic and considered responses matter far more than memorised scripts. The best preparation involves practising your ability to think through ethical dilemmas calmly, articulate your reasoning clearly, and consider multiple perspectives before arriving at a position.
Technical Requirements
CASPer is a proctored online test, which means you'll need a stable internet connection, a functioning webcam and microphone, and a quiet private space. Review the full technical requirements on the Acuity Insights website well before your test date to avoid last-minute surprises.
Accommodations Are Available
If you require testing accommodations due to a disability or medical condition, you can apply through the Acuity Insights platform. Submit your request early, as accommodations require review and approval before your test date.
Key Takeaways
CASPer is becoming a standard part of the admissions process for health-profession programmes across Australia, and understanding it early gives you a genuine advantage. Register well ahead of your target universities' deadlines, nominate all relevant institutions during sign-up, and use the preparation period to practise articulating your values and reasoning under time pressure. A well-prepared, authentic response will always serve you better than a scripted one — so start early, practise consistently, and approach each scenario with genuine reflection.
Luke Livolsi
Tutor, Founder of CasperPrep