CASPer Study Guide 2026: Building Your Foundation
The CASPer question structure is divided into two distinct response formats: the typed section and the video response section. In the 2026 testing cycle, the exam consists of 14 scenarios total. Half of these are video-based scenarios where you watch a short clip of a social or professional dilemma, and the other half are word-based scenarios presenting a short prompt. The written section requires you to answer three open-ended questions for each scenario within a strict five-minute window. Conversely, the video response section allows 30 seconds of reflection followed by one minute to record a verbal answer for each of the two questions presented. This dual-format structure tests your ability to communicate effectively across different mediums while maintaining a consistent logical flow under a linear delivery model where you cannot return to previous sections.
Key Competencies Assessed: Beyond Right and Wrong
CASPer is a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) that measures ten core competencies, including empathy, ethics, communication, and problem-solving. It is crucial to recognize that the raters are not looking for a single "correct" answer. Instead, they use a Likert-scale scoring system to evaluate the quality of your reasoning. A high-scoring candidate demonstrates "social perspective-taking," which involves identifying all stakeholders in a conflict and acknowledging the validity of their differing viewpoints. For example, if a scenario involves a teammate failing to contribute, a low-scoring response might simply suggest reporting them. A high-scoring response would investigate potential personal hardships, offer support, and seek a solution that maintains team integrity while ensuring the project's success.
Creating a Personalized 8-Week Study Schedule
A robust CASPer preparation timeline should span approximately eight weeks to allow for cognitive habit-building. During weeks one and two, focus on "active observation"—noticing ethical dilemmas in your daily life or news cycles. Weeks three through five should be dedicated to mastering response frameworks and increasing your typing speed. By week six, you should transition into timed, single-scenario practice to build stamina. The final two weeks are reserved for full-length simulations that mimic the 90-to-110-minute duration of the actual exam. This gradual escalation prevents burnout and ensures that the Acuity Insights platform's interface becomes second nature, reducing technical anxiety on the day of the test.
Mastering the Written Response Section
Deconstructing a Typical Written Scenario Prompt
In the written section, the five-minute timer begins the moment the three questions appear. To maximize this time, you must quickly perform a stakeholder analysis. Identify the primary actor (usually you), the secondary parties directly affected, and the tertiary parties (such as an organization or the public) who might be impacted by your decision. For instance, if a scenario involves a friend asking for confidential information, the stakeholders include the friend, the person whose information is at risk, and your professional institution. Recognizing these layers immediately allows you to address the complexity of the situation rather than providing a superficial, one-dimensional answer that fails to meet the Construct Relevance criteria used by raters.
When learning how to answer CASPer questions, consistency is key. The Identify-Explain-Action (IEA) formula ensures you cover all necessary bases. First, "Identify" the core conflict and the emotions involved (e.g., "I recognize this is a difficult balance between professional duty and personal loyalty"). Second, "Explain" your thought process by considering multiple perspectives (e.g., "If I disclose this information, I breach trust; however, if I remain silent, safety may be compromised"). Finally, propose a non-judgmental "Action" that seeks a middle ground or a constructive resolution. This structured approach prevents rambling and ensures that even if you run out of time, the rater can see the logical progression of your ethical framework.
Typing Speed and Time Management Drills
Your CASPer typing practice should aim for a minimum of 40–50 words per minute. While raters are instructed to ignore minor spelling and grammar mistakes, a higher word count generally correlates with a higher score because it allows for more nuanced explanations. Practice drills should involve typing while summarizing a short video or news clip to simulate the cognitive load of the exam. Use a mechanical keyboard or the specific laptop you intend to use on test day to build muscle memory. Remember that the five-minute limit is shared across three questions; a common pitfall is spending four minutes on the first question and leaving the others blank. Aim to spend roughly 90 seconds per question, leaving 30 seconds for a final quick review.
Excelling in the Video Response Section
Overcoming Camera Anxiety and Presenting Professionally
The video response section is not an acting audition, but your non-verbal cues contribute to the overall impression of your professionalism. Maintain eye contact with the webcam rather than the screen to simulate a face-to-face conversation. Ensure your background is neutral and your lighting is front-facing to avoid shadows that might obscure your expressions. Practice "active listening" poses—even though you are talking to a camera—by nodding slightly when acknowledging a difficult point. This section is designed to measure your ability to remain composed under pressure, so if you stumble over a word, take a breath, correct yourself, and continue. Raters are looking for resilience and a calm demeanor, not a perfect script.
Structuring a Coherent 60-Second Verbal Answer
Sixty seconds is remarkably brief for an ethical discussion. You must avoid long preambles. Start with a thesis statement that summarizes your position (e.g., "In this situation, I would prioritize patient safety while maintaining a compassionate dialogue with my colleague"). Use signposting words like "firstly," "secondly," and "consequently" to help the rater follow your logic. Because you cannot edit a video response, you must practice the "think-aloud" technique. This involves verbalizing your internal deliberations so the rater understands why you chose a specific path. If you reach the 10-second warning, move immediately to your conclusion to ensure your final recommendation is recorded.
Reviewing and Critiquing Your Practice Recordings
Self-reflection is the most effective tool for the video section. Record yourself answering CASPer ethical scenarios and play them back with a critical eye. Look for "filler words" such as "um," "like," or "uh" which can detract from your perceived confidence. Assess whether your tone matches the gravity of the scenario; a lighthearted tone for a serious ethical breach will negatively impact your score in the Professionalism domain. Compare your recorded answers against the official CASPer evaluation criteria. Ask yourself: Did I sound judgmental? Did I offer a practical solution? Did I acknowledge the complexity? This iterative process helps bridge the gap between what you intend to say and how you are actually perceived.
Common Ethical Principles in Healthcare Scenarios
While CASPer is used for various programs, many scenarios lean toward healthcare-adjacent dilemmas. You should be familiar with the four pillars of bioethics: Autonomy (respecting a person's right to choose), Beneficence (acting in the best interest of others), Non-maleficence (doing no harm), and Justice (fairness and equality). You do not need to name these principles explicitly, but your answers should reflect their application. For example, if a patient refuses a life-saving treatment, your response should balance the principle of Autonomy with Beneficence, demonstrating that you understand the tension between respecting a choice and wanting to provide care.
Balancing Conflicting Priorities and Stakeholders
Advanced preparation involves mastering the "if/then" logic. This technique allows you to address missing information in a scenario. For instance, "If my colleague is struggling due to a lack of training, I would offer to mentor them; however, if their performance is due to negligence, I would follow the formal reporting protocol." This demonstrates critical thinking by showing you don't jump to conclusions based on limited data. By considering multiple branches of a situation, you show the rater that you are thorough and fair, qualities that are highly weighted in the Standardized Total Score calculated for your performance.
Practicing with Non-Healthcare Situational Judgement
Not all scenarios are clinical. You may face dilemmas involving a group project at school, a conflict at a retail job, or a personal issue with a neighbor. These test your transferable skills. The same rules apply: avoid taking sides immediately, gather more information, and seek a collaborative solution. Practice scenarios involving "boundary crossing"—such as a boss asking for a personal favor—where the challenge is to remain professional while saying no. Understanding the social contracts inherent in different environments (e.g., the difference between a friendship and a professional hierarchy) is essential for achieving a high quartile ranking.
Sourcing and Utilizing Practice Materials
Evaluating Quality in Third-Party Prep Books and Courses
When selecting resources for your CASPer study guide 2026, prioritize those that offer realistic simulations. Avoid materials that provide "template" answers to be memorized; raters are trained to identify and penalize formulaic responses that lack personal insight. Look for resources that explain the "why" behind a high-scoring answer. High-quality prep materials should include a variety of scenarios—both video and text—and provide detailed feedback based on the Acuity Insights rater rubric. Be wary of any service that claims to have "leaked" questions, as the exam bank is refreshed frequently to maintain test integrity.
Creating Your Own Scenario Bank from Current Events
One of the most effective ways to practice is to adapt real-world news stories into CASPer prompts. Look for stories involving corporate ethics, public health mandates, or community disputes. For each story, write three questions: one about the immediate conflict, one about the broader ethical implication, and one asking for a personal reflection on a similar experience. This helps you move beyond the "canned" scenarios found in prep books and develops your ability to handle novel stimuli. It also prepares you for the "personal experience" questions often found in CASPer, which ask you to describe a time you failed or faced a conflict.
The Role of Peer Feedback and Study Groups
CASPer is subjective by nature, making peer feedback invaluable. Join a study group where you can swap written responses or watch each other’s practice videos. A peer might point out that you sounded condescending in a video or that your written response ignored a key stakeholder. Use a peer-review rubric that focuses on specific traits like "non-judgmental tone" and "depth of analysis." Discussing different approaches to the same scenario can broaden your perspective, helping you internalize the multi-faceted thinking required to score in the top quartile of the applicant pool.
Final Weeks and Test-Day Strategy
Conducting Full-Length, Timed Simulation Tests
In the final two weeks, you must simulate the exact conditions of the exam. This means sitting in a quiet room, using the same computer, and completing all 14 scenarios in one sitting without stopping. This builds the cognitive endurance needed to remain sharp for the final sections of the test. Pay close attention to your energy levels; many candidates find their responses become shorter and less nuanced toward the end. If you notice this trend, practice mindfulness or breathing exercises during the optional 10-minute break provided mid-way through the exam to reset your focus.
Fine-Tuning Your Technical Setup (Computer, Webcam, Internet)
Technical failures are a significant source of stress. Ensure your browser is updated and compatible with the Acuity Insights system requirements. Perform a "System Check" on the official website at least 48 hours before your time slot. Check your internet upload speed, as the video response section requires a stable connection to upload your recordings in real-time. Use a wired headset if possible to ensure clear audio and to minimize background noise. Having a backup plan, such as a mobile hotspot or a secondary laptop, can provide peace of mind and prevent a technical glitch from ruining your test-taking opportunity.
Mindset and Stress Management Techniques for Test Day
On the day of the exam, your mindset is as important as your preparation. Approach each scenario as a fresh start; if you feel you performed poorly on one, do not let it affect the next. The CASPer scoring system is designed so that each scenario is graded by a different rater, meaning a poor performance in one section is isolated and will not bias the rest of your score. Focus on being present and authentic. Remember that the goal is to show you are a thoughtful, ethical, and communicative individual who is ready for the challenges of a professional career. Trust in the frameworks you have practiced and aim for clarity over complexity.