The CASPer Test is a tool used by academic programs to assess applicants for non-academic attributes, also known as ‘people skills’. Some of these skills include problem-solving, communication, and ethics.
Written by Maryan Shaker
What is the CASPer Test?
The purpose of the test is to identify applicants with characteristics for success in a given program or profession. The test runs for 60-90 minutes with an optional 10-minute break midway. The test consists of 12 sections each containing a video or word-based scenario and three open-ended questions associated with the situation. You will have 5 minutes to respond to the 3 questions associated with each scenario.
How to Prepare
1) Improve Typing Speed
Try to improve your typing speed, as you are only given 5 minutes to develop an answer for each scenario. There are many websites that help develop this skill. Try these websites every night so that your typing does not become an issue during the test.
2) Personal Experience
Begin thinking about the times in your life that you may have failed, succeeded, or helped another. On the test, there may be personal reflection questions that ask you to relate back to a time in your life that a situation occurred. Thinking about some of these scenarios prior to the test will help you save time as well as develop a suitable answer.
3) Using Practice Scenarios
CASPER provides some practice scenarios to help you develop an understanding of what the scenarios will look like on the test. Practice providing solutions to these scenarios in a timely manner to help develop with efficiency on the test. Along with practice scenarios, try practicing with a full-length exam to give you a complete understanding of the CASPer test.
4) Answering the question
When marking, evaluators look for keywords and phrases to assess your responses. When developing a response make sure you read the scenario carefully and do not make assumptions. Next, identify the main issue and who is involved. Take into consideration how a given issue may indirectly impact others, the environment, or society. Furthermore, try using the “if ... then…” method. This type of response helps to cover all possibilities a scenario may pose. For example, if a scenario involves a suspected drunk man attempting to drive, possible use of the method may look like: “If the man is drunk and intends to drive then…” or “If the man is drunk and does not intend to drive then…”. Lastly, make sure you stay on topic and dive straight to the point. You are given a short amount of time to answer a variety of questions, so your answers should be fairly short and concise.
Conclusion
The CASPer Test is a situational judgement test that assesses how well you handle a variety of scenarios. Using the above tips and methods will make you feel more prepared. Remember to stay calm and to consider all aspects of a scenario before beginning your response.
Works Cited
“Test Prep - CASPer.” CASPer, 9 July 2020, takecasper.com/test-prep/#:~:text=Be%20aware%20that%20there%20are,a%20set%20of%20three%20questions.
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