How Long Is the Casper Test? Format and Timing

The standard Casper test takes about 65 to 85 minutes, including optional breaks. You answer 22 questions across 11 scenarios in one sitting, starting with 4 video-response scenarios and then 7 typed-response scenarios.

This guide breaks the time down by section, then covers the breaks, the tech check and how to pace your answers.

Casper test timing by section

That's 32.5 minutes of answering in a test of about 65 to 85 minutes. The rest goes on watching or reading each scenario, short optional pauses to think, the breaks and getting set up.

The video response section

The test opens with 4 video-response scenarios. For each one, you watch or read a scenario, then answer 2 questions out loud on camera.

You get 1 minute to record each answer, which adds up to 8 minutes across the section. A short countdown runs before each recording, and you can take an optional pause to think first. Acuity's format article gives the exact timings.

The typed response section

Next come 7 typed-response scenarios. Both questions appear on the same page, and you get 3.5 minutes to answer the pair.

That's 24.5 minutes of typing across the section. Split evenly, it's about 1 minute 45 seconds per question.

Breaks during the Casper test

The total of about 65 to 85 minutes includes optional breaks. There's one after the video section and another partway through the typed section.

You can skip them, but it's worth taking both. Stand up, have some water and let the last scenario go. Acuity's format article lists how long each break lasts.

Before you start: the tech check

The Casper test runs online on a computer, with your webcam and microphone recording your video answers. A tech problem on the day eats into your focus, so check your setup early.

Acuity's guide to what to know before, during and after the test covers the system check and when to run it. It also covers supported browsers and the room you'll need.

• Test your webcam and microphone in the browser you plan to use.
• Use a steady connection. Plug in a network cable if you can.
• Pick a quiet, private room where nobody will walk in.
• Log in early, so a password reset or an update doesn't eat into your start.
• Close other apps and silence your notifications.

If something goes wrong during the test, contact Acuity support straight away. The sooner they know, the sooner they can help.

How to pace yourself

Pacing your typed answers

Your typing speed decides how much you can say in 3.5 minutes. We suggest at least 60 WPM, and 80 WPM if you want room to think. That's our guidance, not an Acuity rule.

These figures allow about 15 seconds of reading before you start typing. Check your own speed on our free Casper typing speed test.

Here's a simple plan for each typed scenario.

1. About 15 seconds: read both questions and work out what each one asks.
2. About 1 minute 35 seconds: answer the first question, opening with the person and how they feel.
3. About 1 minute 35 seconds: answer the second question, then finish your last sentence.

Don't stop to fix small typos. Use that time to finish your thought instead.

Our typed response strategy shows how to structure each answer.

Pacing your video answers

You get 1 minute per video answer, and it goes fast when you're talking to a camera. A simple shape helps: name the person and how they're feeling, say what you'd do first, and say who else you'd bring in.

Lead with your main point, so it makes the recording even if time runs out. Practise out loud with a timer until the length feels natural.

Common timing mistakes

• Spending most of the typed time on the first question. Your second answer then gets rushed or cut off.
• Typing before you read both questions. You end up repeating yourself in the second answer.
• Only ever practising on paper. Speaking to a camera feels very different, so rehearse out loud.
• Skipping the breaks when you're tired. A short reset can help your later answers.
• Leaving your setup to the last minute. A camera or login problem eats into your time.

How long it takes from booking to results

You reserve your Casper test from your Acuity Insights account, choosing your country, admissions cycle, programs and a set date and time. Book at least 3 days ahead to allow time for ID checks and payment processing.

Acuity sends your Casper test results to the programs you've chosen about 2 to 3 weeks after your test. Your quartile score is available about 4 to 5 weeks after the test.

Our list of Casper test dates for the US and Canada shows every sitting this cycle. Pick one that leaves you time to practise first. Our guide to Casper scores and quartiles explains what your result means.

Practise with the real timing

The quickest way to get comfortable with the clock is to practise against it.

Build up in stages. Start with single timed scenarios, then all 7 typed scenarios back to back, then a full mock run.

Our free sample scenarios come with example answers, so they're a good first step. Timed practice comes next, where feedback on every answer shows you what was weak and what to fix.

For more worked examples, browse our Casper practice questions. Sitting in Australia? Our Casper test Australia guide covers the Australian sittings.