Sample scenarios

Casper practice questions with sample answers

12 practice scenarios in the Casper style: 8 typed and 4 video. Each one lists what a strong answer covers, plus our sample answers to both questions.

Our answers aren't graded, and they aren't the only way to answer. They show one approach that works: start with the people involved, weigh more than one view, and end on a first step. Sign up free to get feedback on what was weak in your own answers.

Typed-response scenarios (8)

You type your answers to both questions against the clock.

1

Keeping It Quiet

Situational · Professional integrity

A coworker you get on well with quietly tells you they have been making mistakes in work that others depend on, and asks you to keep it to yourself.

  1. Question 1

    What would you do in this situation, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Imagine that speaking up could cost them their job. How, if at all, would this change your response? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Acknowledges the coworker relationship and their trust, without letting it override the duty to people who depend on the work
  • Weighs the concrete risk of harm from the mistakes against loyalty, and lands on a defensible course of action
  • Suggests a proportionate first step, like encouraging them to disclose it themselves, before escalating
  • In question 2, holds the same ethical line while showing real empathy for the personal cost
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

My coworker is clearly frightened, and it took real trust to tell me. I'd thank them for being honest, then ask what's been going on, because mistakes often come from overload or stress at home. I've slipped up under pressure myself, so I'd say that too. But I couldn't promise to keep quiet. Other people rely on this work, and an unnoticed error could hurt them. I'd encourage my coworker to tell our manager themselves, since owning it usually goes better than being found out. I'd offer to help them plan what to say, or sit in if they'd like. If they refused, I'd tell them gently that I'd have to raise it, and why. Today, I'd find a quiet moment to talk it through with them.

Our sample answer to question 2

My coworker would be terrified of losing their income, and I'd feel the weight of that too. It wouldn't change what I do, only how carefully I do it. The people who depend on this work didn't choose the risk, and they deserve to be protected. I'd also remember that hidden mistakes tend to surface eventually, and that usually ends worse for everyone. So I'd urge my coworker to speak up first, because coming forward honestly is often treated more kindly. I'd ask whether extra training, a lighter load or some support could help them get back on track. Our manager may also know options I don't. This week, I'd offer to go with them to that conversation, so they don't face it alone.

2

Their Decision

Personal reflection · Respecting autonomy

Think of a time when someone close to you was set on a decision you strongly disagreed with.

  1. Question 1

    Briefly describe the situation and how you responded.

  2. Question 2

    Imagine that they went ahead and it turned out badly. How would you have felt, and what would you do differently next time? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Gives a specific, honest example rather than a generic one
  • Shows you voiced your view but ultimately respected the other person's right to decide
  • Reflects on the outcome with humility instead of self-justification
  • In question 2, names a concrete, realistic change in approach, because the reflection is the point
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

My younger brother Sami felt stuck and unhappy at university. Last year he decided to leave mid-degree and start a food truck with a friend. I strongly disagreed, because he'd borrowed money and the plan felt rushed. My first reaction was to list every risk, and I watched him shut down. So I stopped and asked what was drawing him to it. He told me he'd been miserable for months, which I hadn't realised. I shared my worries once, calmly, and suggested he ask about deferring rather than withdrawing. I also made clear it was his call and I'd back him either way. He chose to defer, and the first thing we did together was cost out his first three months.

Our sample answer to question 2

Sami would have felt embarrassed and probably scared about the money, and I'd have felt sad watching it happen. I might have felt a flash of 'I told you so', but I'd keep that to myself because it helps no one. What he'd need is someone who still believes in him. Our parents would be worried too, and they might pile on, so I'd encourage Sami to talk to them himself. Next time, I'd ask questions before offering any opinion, so I understand what's really driving the decision. I'd also help plan for the worst case earlier, like how he'd repay the loan. My first step would be sitting down with him to list his options now.

3

Not My Place?

Opinion · Looking out for others

Some people believe you should always step in when you sense someone is being mistreated; others feel it is not your place unless you are certain.

  1. Question 1

    Where do you stand, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Describe a situation where stepping in could actually make things worse. Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Takes a clear position but acknowledges the strongest point on the other side
  • Grounds the stance in the wellbeing of the person affected, not just principle
  • In question 2, shows nuance by recognising that good intentions can backfire
  • Stays measured and avoids absolutes throughout
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

I'd lean towards stepping in, gently. Picture a new colleague, Leila, who feels small and alone because she's talked over and mocked in meetings. Waiting until I'm certain could mean weeks more of that for her. I've been the new person, and one kind check-in made a huge difference to me. Stepping in doesn't have to mean confronting anyone. It can be asking Leila privately how she's finding things, or bringing the conversation back to her idea. I do see the other side, because acting on a wrong assumption can embarrass people or make things worse. That's why my first move is a quiet question, not an accusation. If Leila said something was wrong, I'd ask her what she'd like me to do next.

Our sample answer to question 2

Picture Tom, who's arguing with his partner in a supermarket and already feels embarrassed that people are staring. If I marched over, he'd feel humiliated, and his partner might feel ganged up on. I'd only be seeing a moment of their relationship, so I could easily misread it. If there were a controlling dynamic, a stranger's challenge could make things harder for the partner once they got home. Stepping in too fast can also take away someone's chance to handle it their own way. That doesn't mean walking away. I'd stay close enough to see what happens, and if anyone looked unsafe, I'd call for help straight away. If I knew them, I'd check in with the partner privately later, when it's safe to talk.

4

Out of My Depth

Situational · Knowing your limits

You are new somewhere and are asked to handle something on your own that you do not feel properly trained to do, while the person who asked is rushed and under pressure.

  1. Question 1

    What would you do, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Imagine that asking for help would clearly inconvenience the people relying on you. How, if at all, would this change your approach? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Prioritises safety and competence over the desire to appear capable
  • Communicates the limit respectfully and offers a constructive alternative rather than a flat refusal
  • Reads the other person's pressure with empathy while not being pushed past what is safe
  • In question 2, keeps the safety line but minimises disruption where possible
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

My supervisor is clearly stressed and stretched thin, and I'd want to ease that, not add to it. I'd also feel nervous admitting I'm not ready, because nobody wants to look incapable in a new role. But guessing at something I haven't been trained for could cause mistakes that land on customers or colleagues. So I'd be honest straight away, briefly and without fuss. I might say, 'I haven't done this before. Could you show me the key steps, or point me to someone who can?' Meanwhile, I'd offer to take a simpler task off their plate. That way the work keeps moving and nobody is put at risk. Later that day, I'd ask to book proper training.

Our sample answer to question 2

My supervisor would probably be frustrated by another interruption, and I'd feel guilty adding to it. It wouldn't change whether I ask for help, only how I ask. The people relying on this work would be let down far more by a mistake than by a short delay. I'd keep my request small and specific, so it costs them as little time as possible. I'd check first whether written instructions or another colleague could fill the gap. Once I'd learned the task, I'd write up the steps for the next new starter. That turns an awkward, inconvenient moment into something useful for the whole team. Right now, though, I'd ask for five minutes of their time.

5

Game Time

Situational · Handling conflict

You help coach a junior sports team on weekends. After a loss, a parent, Dana, confronts you in front of other families. She's angry that her son has barely played this season. The head coach picks the team, not you.

  1. Question 1

    How would you respond to Dana in the moment, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Imagine you privately agree that the head coach has been unfair to her son. What, if anything, would you do? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Stays calm and moves the conversation somewhere private, so nobody is embarrassed
  • Acknowledges Dana's feelings before explaining what you can and can't control
  • Doesn't criticise the head coach in front of families
  • In question 2, raises the concern through the right channel, starting with a direct conversation
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

Dana is upset and embarrassed on her son's behalf, and I'd take that seriously rather than getting defensive. I'd stay calm and suggest we step away from the other families, so nobody feels put on the spot. Then I'd let her explain without interrupting, because she may have been holding this in for weeks. I'd tell her I can hear how much it matters to her and to her son. I'd be honest that I don't pick the team, so I can't promise him more game time. I wouldn't criticise the head coach behind their back either. Instead, I'd offer to set up a meeting with the head coach this week. I'd also check in with her son at training, because he's the one this is about.

Our sample answer to question 2

Dana's son is probably feeling left out and starting to doubt himself, and that would weigh on me. Agreeing privately wouldn't mean going around the head coach, though. They may know things I don't, like attendance or an injury, so I'd ask before assuming. I'd raise it with them one on one, calmly, and focus on the kids rather than blame. I might ask whether we could share game time more evenly, since junior sport should be about development. If nothing changed and it kept happening to several children, I'd take it to the club's committee. That protects the players without undermining a colleague in public. My first step would be asking the head coach for ten minutes after Saturday's game.

6

Second Chances

Values · Forgiveness and boundaries

What does it mean to you to give someone a second chance?

  1. Question 1

    Describe a time you gave someone a second chance, or were given one.

  2. Question 2

    Imagine the same person lets you down again in the same way. How would you decide what to do next? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Gives a specific, honest example with a real person in it
  • Explains what a second chance means to you, not just what happened
  • Balances forgiveness with honesty about the impact
  • In question 2, sets fair limits without writing the person off
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

My friend Josh was ashamed and wouldn't look at me when he admitted he'd lost the camera I lent him. He'd also avoided me for a week, which hurt more than the camera. To me, a second chance means separating the mistake from the person, while still being honest about the impact. So I told him I was upset, mostly about the silence, and asked what happened. He'd been dealing with a lot at home and had panicked. We agreed he'd pay half the cost over a few months, and he did. Giving that chance mattered because it kept our friendship honest instead of ending it. That weekend, I invited him over for dinner so things wouldn't stay awkward.

Our sample answer to question 2

Josh would probably feel even more ashamed the second time, and I'd feel frustrated and a bit foolish for trusting him. I'd let myself cool off before deciding anything, so I respond fairly rather than angrily. Then I'd ask him directly what's going on, because a repeat can signal a bigger problem, like money trouble or stress. A second chance doesn't mean an endless one, though. I'd also think about what's fair to me, and to anyone else he might let down. If he owned it and had a real plan, I might keep the friendship but stop lending him valuables. If he couldn't take responsibility, I'd step back, kindly but clearly. My first step would be a calm, honest conversation within a day or two.

7

Effort or Results

Opinion · Fairness

Some people think effort matters more than results. Others say that, in the end, only results count.

  1. Question 1

    Which matters more to you, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Imagine you lead a team, and a hardworking member, Mei, keeps missing important targets. How would you handle it? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Takes a clear position early, then weighs the other side
  • Grounds the view in a real person's experience
  • Recognises that results matter when other people depend on them
  • In question 2, supports Mei while dealing honestly with the missed targets
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

Effort matters more to me, mostly. My cousin Kofi studied harder than anyone I know and still failed his first driving test, and he felt crushed. If only results counted, that effort would be worth nothing, and he might have given up. He passed on his second try. Effort is what people control, and it's what builds skill over time. Still, results matter when other people depend on them. A bus driver's good intentions don't help if passengers are late or unsafe. So I'd value effort, but pair it with honest feedback about results, so the effort goes somewhere. When someone tries hard and falls short, my first move is to recognise the work, then ask what they'd change next time.

Our sample answer to question 2

Mei would probably feel anxious and discouraged, especially if she's working late and still falling short. I'd want her to know I've noticed the effort, because that's real. But the team relies on these targets, so I can't ignore the gap. Her teammates may be picking up the slack, which isn't fair on them either. I'd meet her privately and ask what's getting in the way, rather than assuming. The problem might be unclear priorities, missing training, or too much work. Then we'd agree on one or two specific changes and check in each week. If the workload itself was unfair, I'd take that to my own manager. My first step would be booking a relaxed one-on-one with her this week, framed as support, not a warning.

8

The Extra Charge

Situational · Honesty under pressure

You work part-time at a busy café. You notice your manager, Chris, adding a small extra charge to some tourists' bills. It only happens to tourists who don't speak much English, never to regular customers.

  1. Question 1

    What would you do in this situation, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Imagine Chris says the café is struggling, and the extra money is saving everyone's jobs. How, if at all, would this change your response? Explain your reasoning.

What a strong answer covers

  • Checks the facts before assuming the worst about Chris
  • Recognises that the tourists can't easily question a bill
  • Declines to take part, and says so respectfully
  • In question 2, stays sympathetic to the pressure without accepting the dishonesty
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

Chris is probably under real pressure, but the tourists being overcharged would feel cheated if they found out. I wouldn't assume the worst straight away, because there might be a reason I don't know about, like a group surcharge. So I'd ask Chris privately and calmly, as a question rather than an accusation. If it was what it looked like, I'd tell him I'm not comfortable being part of it. It's unfair to people who can't easily question a bill, and it could hurt the café's name. I'd suggest stopping the charge and refunding anyone we could still reach. If it kept happening, I'd raise it with the owner. My first step would be a quiet word with Chris before my next shift.

Our sample answer to question 2

Chris would be scared for the café and for all of us, and I'd feel that fear too, since I need this job. It would make me more sympathetic, but it wouldn't make the charge right. The tourists are paying for a struggling café without knowing it, which isn't fair to them. It's also risky, because one complaint or review could cost more than the extra money brings in. I'd suggest honest options instead, like a clearly listed surcharge, a small price rise or a cheaper supplier. I'd also offer to help turn things around, maybe by promoting the café to local groups. My first step would be sitting down with Chris to go through those ideas this week.

Video-response scenarios (4)

You answer out loud, on camera. Read our sample answers aloud to get a feel for the pace.

9

Missed Shifts

Situational · Teamwork and empathy

You volunteer at a local food bank. Another volunteer, Ravi, has missed his last three shifts without telling anyone, and the rest of the team is stretched thin.

  1. Question 1

    What would you say to Ravi, and why?

  2. Question 2

    Ravi tells you he's been caring for a parent who is unwell. How would this change your approach?

What a strong answer covers

  • Opens with curiosity and care rather than blame
  • Is honest about the impact on the team and the people it serves
  • Looks for a practical fix, like fewer or more flexible shifts
  • In question 2, puts Ravi's wellbeing first and respects his privacy
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

Ravi might be feeling awkward or even guilty about the missed shifts, so I'd want to reach out kindly rather than confront him. The rest of us are tired, and I get why people are frustrated, but I don't know his side yet. I'd send him a message, or catch him in person, and say something like, 'Hey, we've missed you the last few weeks. Is everything okay?' If he's dealing with something, I'd listen first. Then I'd be honest that the team's been stretched, and ask whether his availability has changed. Maybe he needs fewer shifts, or a different day. Either way, knowing ahead of time helps us plan, and the families we serve rely on that. So my first step would be a friendly check-in today, before anyone assumes the worst.

Our sample answer to question 2

Ravi's probably exhausted and worried about his parent, and I'd feel bad that he's been carrying that alone. I'd thank him for telling me and say straight away that his family comes first. I've helped look after my grandmother, so I know how draining it can be. It would change my approach completely. Instead of asking about the missed shifts, I'd ask what would actually help him. Maybe that's a break from volunteering, or one flexible shift he can swap if something comes up. With his permission, I'd let the coordinator know, so the roster can be adjusted and nobody judges him. I might also share any carer support services I know of. My first step would be to ask Ravi what he'd like the team to know.

10

A Mistake That Mattered

Personal reflection · Accountability

Think about a time you made a mistake that affected someone else.

  1. Question 1

    What happened, and what did you do about it?

  2. Question 2

    What did you learn, and how have you used it since?

What a strong answer covers

  • Owns the mistake fully, with no excuses or blame-shifting
  • Shows awareness of how it affected the other person
  • Describes the concrete steps taken to put it right
  • In question 2, names a specific lesson and a real example of using it since
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

My teammate Grace was stressed and close to tears when she found out I'd sent our group report to the wrong tutor. I'd rushed it the night before the deadline and hadn't checked the address. It meant her section, which she'd worked hard on, looked late too. I felt awful, so I didn't make excuses. I told Grace straight away that it was my mistake, and I apologised. Then I emailed the right tutor, explained what happened, and made clear the delay was mine, not the group's. The tutor accepted it, luckily. Afterwards, I offered to take the final proofread on our next assignment, so Grace didn't have to worry. The first thing I did, though, was own it before anyone had to ask.

Our sample answer to question 2

Grace felt let down, and that stayed with me, because my rushing made her look bad through no fault of her own. I learned that small shortcuts can land on other people, and that owning a mistake quickly limits the damage. I also learned I work badly at the last minute, which wasn't easy to admit. Since then, I build in a buffer. I finish shared work a day early and check anything that goes out under other people's names. Last semester, I caught a wrong date in a club newsletter before it went to three hundred members, just because of that habit. When I do slip up now, I tell the people affected first, then fix it. My first step with any shared task is agreeing on who checks it before it goes out.

11

Every Evening at the Door

Situational · Empathy and boundaries

Your elderly neighbour, Mrs Kowalski, lives alone. She has started knocking on your door most evenings for help with small jobs, and it's cutting into the time you need for study.

  1. Question 1

    How would you handle this, and why?

  2. Question 2

    What might be going on for Mrs Kowalski, and who else could help her?

What a strong answer covers

  • Shows empathy for why Mrs Kowalski keeps knocking
  • Sets a boundary kindly, with a realistic alternative
  • Considers her wellbeing, not just your own time
  • In question 2, looks beyond yourself to family and local support, with her agreement
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

Mrs Kowalski is probably lonely, and those small jobs might be as much about company as help. I'd feel for her, because I'd hate to think of my own grandparents feeling isolated. But I'd also feel stretched. If I keep saying yes every night, I'll end up resentful, and that isn't fair to either of us. So I'd be kind but honest. I'd pop over at a quiet time and say, 'I really enjoy helping you, but I've got exams coming up.' Then I'd suggest a regular time, like Sunday afternoons, when I can help properly and stay for a cup of tea. That gives her something to look forward to and protects my study time. My first step would be having that chat this weekend.

Our sample answer to question 2

Mrs Kowalski might be feeling lonely or a bit frightened about managing on her own. Knocking most evenings could mean her health or memory is changing, or that she's lost someone recently. I'd gently ask how she's been, and whether she has family nearby. With her agreement, I'd let her family know she's needing more help, because they may not realise. There are also local services, like community visitor programs, home help or a neighbourhood group, that could support her. Her doctor could help too if she seems confused or unwell. The goal is a wider circle around her, not just me. My first step would be offering to help her call her family.

12

Staying Steady

Values · Resilience

What does resilience mean to you?

  1. Question 1

    Describe a time you needed it, and what helped you keep going.

  2. Question 2

    Imagine a close friend, Jonah, is struggling to bounce back after a big setback. How would you support him?

What a strong answer covers

  • Defines resilience in your own words, not a textbook line
  • Gives an honest example, including what and who helped
  • Shows self-awareness about coping, like asking for help
  • In question 2, supports Jonah at his pace and knows when to suggest professional help
Read our sample answers

Our sample answer to question 1

When my mum got sick during my final year of school, I felt scared and completely overwhelmed. To me, resilience isn't about never struggling. It's about finding a way to keep going while you struggle, and asking for help when you need it. That year, I was helping at home, working part-time and trying to study. For a while, I pretended I was fine, and my grades slipped. What helped was telling my teacher, Ms Okafor, what was going on. She helped me plan my study around hospital visits, and my friends took turns bringing notes. I also kept one thing just for me, which was my Saturday run. The first thing I'd tell anyone now is to say it out loud to someone they trust.

Our sample answer to question 2

Jonah's probably feeling embarrassed and flat, and he might be telling himself he's failed. I'd want him to know he's not alone, because I've felt like that too. First, I'd just spend time with him, maybe a walk or a meal, and let him talk if he wants to. I wouldn't rush to fix it or tell him to look on the bright side. Once he's ready, I'd help him break the next step into something small, like one email or one plan for the week. I'd keep checking in over the following weeks, not just the first few days. If he seemed really low, I'd encourage him to talk to a counsellor or his doctor, and offer to go with him. My first step would be texting him tonight to suggest that walk.

What Casper raters look for

Trained raters score Casper answers, and you get your result as a quartile compared with other test-takers. There's no single right opinion. Answers that do well tend to show three things:

  • Empathy: you show how each person in the scenario is likely to feel.
  • Perspective: you weigh more than one point of view before you decide.
  • Reasoning: you explain why, not just what you would do.

Our sample answers are built around those three. For how quartiles work and what programs see, read our guide to Casper scores and quartiles.

The full question bank

149 scenarios: 125 typed and 24 video. A free account includes one typed and one video scenario, timed, with AI feedback on what was weak. Paid plans open more of the bank, and Elite opens all of it.

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Casper practice questions: FAQ

Are these real Casper test questions?

No. Real Casper questions are confidential, so nobody can publish them. We wrote these in the style of the test: a short scenario followed by open-ended questions. They cover four common kinds of prompt: situational, personal reflection, opinion and values.

How long should a typed answer be?

Aim for a clear point and one or two reasons, not an essay. At 80 words per minute, you can type about 260 words in one typed scenario, shared across both answers. That's why our typed sample answers run 116 to 127 words each. If you type slower, cut the extra reasons first and keep the person and the first step. You can check your speed on our typing speed test.

How should I use these sample answers?

Answer each scenario yourself first, typed or out loud, before you read ours. Then check your answer against the points under what a strong answer covers. Ours are one good way to answer, not a script. Real scenarios won't match these, so practise the approach rather than the wording.

Can I practise these under time pressure?

Not on this page, but you can on Caspermate. A free account includes one typed and one video scenario with a timer, and AI feedback that shows what was weak in your answer. Paid plans open more of the 149-scenario bank, and Elite opens all of it. For Q1 to Q4 examples first, try our free Casper mock test.

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