CASPer test day preparation: The 24-hour checklist
Final technical run-through and environment setup
The most critical component of what to do before CASPer test sessions is a comprehensive validation of your hardware. Unlike standard multiple-choice exams, CASPer requires a high-functioning webcam and microphone for the video response section. Within 24 hours of your start time, you must perform the System Requirements Check provided by Acuity Insights. This diagnostic tool assesses your internet upload speed, browser compatibility (preferably the latest version of Chrome or Firefox), and peripheral functionality. Ensure your computer is plugged into a power source; relying on battery power introduces an unnecessary risk of mid-exam shutdown. Furthermore, verify that your webcam is positioned at eye level. This minor adjustment ensures that you appear professional and engaged during the video recorded responses, facilitating a better connection with the human raters who will eventually score your performance based on the CASPer Rating Scale.
Mental preparation and anxiety management techniques
Effective managing CASPer test anxiety involves shifting from a mindset of "finding the right answer" to one of "demonstrating the right process." In the final hours before the test, avoid the temptation to over-analyze complex ethical dilemmas or memorize scripts. Instead, focus on your PPR framework (Problem, Perspective, Resolution). Remind yourself that the raters are looking for evidence of empathy, equity, and communication skills, not a specific legal or medical conclusion. To regulate your sympathetic nervous system, practice box breathing—inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding for four seconds each. This technique lowers cortisol levels and prevents the "amygdala hijack" that can occur when a particularly difficult scenario appears on screen. High-stakes performance is optimized when the brain is in a state of relaxed alertness rather than high-intensity stress.
Gathering required materials (ID, water, notepad)
A comprehensive CASPer test day checklist must include the physical items allowed within your testing radius. You are required to present a valid, government-issued photo ID for the check-in process; ensure this is on your desk and not tucked away in a wallet. You are also permitted one blank piece of paper and a pen to jot down initial thoughts during the scenario videos. This notepad is essential for capturing the names of characters or specific details that you may want to reference in your response to demonstrate active listening. Additionally, have a clear glass of water nearby. Since you will be speaking continuously during the video section, vocal fatigue can set in quickly. Ensure that your workspace is cleared of all non-permitted items, such as cell phones, smartwatches, or additional monitors, to avoid a Proctoring Flag during the automated room scan.
Executing a flawless check-in and system verification
Step-by-step walkthrough of the Acuity Insights check-in
Log into your Acuity Insights account at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. The check-in process is a multi-stage verification that begins with the Identity Verification step. You will be prompted to take a photo of your ID and a clear headshot. Following this, the system will perform a final check of your microphone and camera. It is vital to speak at a normal conversational volume during the mic test to ensure the gain levels are calibrated correctly. If the system detects background noise, it may prevent you from proceeding. This phase is also when you will be asked to agree to the Terms of Use and the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Read these carefully, as any breach—such as discussing specific scenario content after the exam—can result in the permanent nullification of your CASPer score.
How to pass the room scan and ID verification
The CASPer exam room setup must be validated through a 360-degree webcam scan. When prompted, move your camera slowly to show all four corners of the room, the surface of your desk, and the area underneath it. The goal is to prove that no unauthorized materials or individuals are present. If you are using a built-in laptop camera, this may require lifting and rotating the entire device. Ensure that your ID is held close enough to the lens for the text to be legible but far enough away that the camera can focus. If the image is blurry, the system may reject it, causing a delay that increases pre-test tension. A well-lit room is essential here; overhead lighting combined with a desk lamp (positioned behind the camera) prevents shadows that might obscure your face or ID details.
What to do if you encounter a check-in problem
Technical glitches during check-in are common and do not necessarily mean you will miss your exam. If the software freezes or fails to recognize your hardware, the first step is to refresh the browser. If the issue persists, look for the orange chat bubble in the bottom right corner of the screen. This connects you with the Acuity Insights Support Team. Do not attempt to fix complex driver issues yourself; follow the instructions provided by the support agent. It is important to document the interaction and take a screenshot of any error codes. Often, technical delays that occur during the check-in window are accounted for, and you may still be allowed to start the exam late once the issue is resolved. Remaining calm and following the official support channel is the fastest way to get back on track.
Section-by-section timing and response tactics
The 5-minute written response: Drafting and editing framework
The written portion of the CASPer test consists of scenarios followed by three open-ended questions. You have exactly five minutes to respond to all three. A high-yield CASPer test section strategy for this segment is the "1-1-3" timing rule: spend one minute on the first question, one minute on the second, and three minutes on the third, which is often the most complex. Do not prioritize perfect grammar or spelling; the raters are instructed to ignore typos as long as the meaning is clear. Focus on demonstrating social intelligence and professionalism by using "if/then" logic. For example: "If I approach the colleague privately, I can preserve the professional relationship; however, if the safety risk is immediate, I must escalate the issue to a supervisor." This shows you have considered multiple perspectives within the limited time provided.
The 1-minute video response: Composure and concision under pressure
For the video response section, you are given one minute to record your answer to each of the two questions presented. The key here is immediate engagement. Unlike the written section, you cannot go back and edit your words. Start your response by acknowledging the core conflict: "The primary issue here is the tension between patient confidentiality and public safety." This demonstrates situational awareness immediately. Maintain a steady pace and look directly into the camera lens, not at your own image on the screen. This simulates eye contact and conveys confidence. If you finish your thought before the 60 seconds are up, it is perfectly acceptable to stop recording early. Forcing extra filler words can dilute the impact of a strong, concise argument.
The CASPer test shifts from a 14-minute written section to a 10-minute video section (or vice versa depending on the current iteration). This requires a significant cognitive shift. The written section rewards typing speed and structured bullet points, while the video section rewards verbal fluency and non-verbal cues. During the brief transition instructions, take a moment to reset your posture. If you felt rushed during the typing, use the video section to slow down and emphasize your empathetic communication skills. Conversely, if you found the video section awkward, use the written section to be more analytical. Understanding that these sections are weighted similarly in your final quintile ranking helps you maintain a balanced effort across the entire 90-minute duration.
Optimizing your physical and digital test environment
Camera angle, lighting, and background best practices
Your physical environment acts as the backdrop for your professional persona. Position your webcam so that your head and shoulders are centered in the frame. Avoid sitting with a window directly behind you, as this creates a silhouette effect, making it impossible for raters to see your facial expressions—a key component of assessing your interpersonal communication. A neutral background, such as a plain wall, is ideal. Remove any posters or items with heavy text, as these can be flagged as potential "cheat sheets" during the automated monitoring. The goal is to make the environment so unremarkable that the rater focuses entirely on your reasoning and verbal delivery rather than your surroundings.
Minimizing on-screen distractions and ensuring clear audio
Digital distractions can be just as detrimental as physical ones. Before launching the exam, close all unnecessary applications, especially communication tools like Slack, Discord, or email clients. These programs not only consume bandwidth but can trigger pop-up notifications that break your concentration during a 60-second video response. Regarding audio, use a wired headset if possible. Bluetooth headphones are susceptible to battery failure or latency issues. A dedicated microphone near your mouth ensures that your articulation of ethical principles is captured clearly without the "room echo" often associated with built-in laptop microphones. Clear audio reduces the cognitive load on the rater, allowing them to focus on the substance of your answer.
Managing browser notifications and internet stability
Internet stability is the backbone of your CASPer test day strategy. If possible, connect your computer directly to the router via an Ethernet cable. If you must use Wi-Fi, ensure you are in the same room as the router and that other household members are not streaming high-definition video or gaming during your exam. Disable all browser extensions, particularly ad-blockers or "dark mode" plugins, as these can sometimes interfere with the video recording scripts on the Acuity Insights platform. If your connection drops momentarily, the platform is designed to save your progress, but the lost time can be stressful. Pre-emptively clearing your browser cache and cookies before the exam can also prevent session timeout errors.
In-the-moment strategies for overcoming challenges
What to do if you blank on a video response
It is common to experience a momentary lapse in thought when the recording light turns red. If this happens, do not panic or stop the recording. Use a "stalling" phrase that still demonstrates professional reflection, such as, "That is a complex situation with several stakeholders to consider." This gives your brain three to five seconds to regain its train of thought. If you truly cannot think of a specific solution, pivot to describing the ethical values at play, such as integrity or compassion. Raters are looking for your thought process; even an incomplete answer that identifies the correct moral conflict is better than silence or a visible display of frustration.
How to recover from a poorly phrased written answer
With only five minutes for three questions, you will inevitably write sentences that feel clunky or incomplete. If you realize you have made a logical error mid-sentence, do not spend time deleting and rewriting large blocks of text. Instead, use a quick corrective phrase like, "Furthering this, I would also consider..." and move into the correct reasoning. The CASPer scoring system is holistic; raters are trained to look for the "spirit" of the response. They understand the time pressure. If you run out of time mid-sentence on the third question, leave it. A strong, completed response to the first two questions is more valuable than three disjointed, unfinished thoughts. Focus your energy on the next scenario immediately rather than dwelling on the one that just passed.
Managing fatigue during the 90-minute test
CASPer is a marathon of rapid decision-making. To combat cognitive fatigue, utilize the optional 10-minute break between the written and video sections. Stand up, stretch, and look away from the screen to rest your eyes. Avoid checking your phone or reviewing notes during this time; the goal is a total mental reset. If you feel your energy flagging during the latter half of the test, use "active sitting"—straighten your back and lean slightly forward. This physical posture can trick the brain into a state of higher alertness. Remember that each scenario is independent; a "bad" performance on Scenario 4 has zero impact on the scoring of Scenario 5. Treat every new video as a fresh start for your test-taking endurance.
Post-test protocol and next steps
Confirming successful submission and receiving confirmation
Once you have completed the final response, you must follow the on-screen prompts to submit your entire test. Do not simply close the browser window. You should reach a "thank you" or "submission complete" screen. Within a few hours, you will typically receive an email confirmation from Acuity Insights. Log back into your portal to verify that the status of your test has changed from "scheduled" to "completed" or "under review." This status change is your primary assurance that your data has been successfully uploaded to the servers. Keep a record of this confirmation, as it serves as proof of completion should any discrepancies arise with the programs to which you are applying.
When to expect your CASPer results
CASPer results are not released immediately. Your responses are distributed to a diverse group of raters who score individual scenarios independently to eliminate bias. Typically, your CASPer score report (which indicates your quartile rank) is made available to you approximately 4 to 5 weeks after the test date. However, the schools you have selected will often receive the scores slightly earlier, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. It is important to note that you do not receive a raw score or specific feedback on your answers; you only receive your quartile placement (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quartile), which tells you how you performed relative to other applicants on that specific test date.
How to report a suspected irregularity or issue
If you believe a technical glitch or an external disruption significantly impacted your performance, you must report it immediately. Use the support chat before exiting the platform or email the official support address within 24 hours. Be specific: note the scenario number, the exact time the issue occurred, and the nature of the problem (e.g., "The video for Scenario 6 failed to load, costing me 30 seconds of response time"). Acuity Insights has a formal process for investigating test irregularities. While they rarely allow for a re-test, they may add a note to your file or, in extreme cases, void the attempt so you can reschedule. Prompt documentation is the only way to ensure your candidacy remains protected following a system failure.