CASPer is a virtually delivered, webcam monitored test that one can take from the comfort of their home via the Altus Suite website. This test consists of 2 sections.
- In the first section, test takers will have to type out responses to 3 written scenarios and 6 video scenarios.
- In the second section, test takers will have to record video responses to 2 written scenarios and 4 video scenarios.
In both sections, each scenario consists of three open-ended questions. Test takers will have 5 minutes to type out responses to all three questions in the scenario, or 1 minute to record their video-response to each of the three questions in the scenario. Once time is up, the test will automatically progress to the next scenario.
In total, the CASPer will take 100 – 120 minutes to complete. There is an optional 5 minute break halfway through Section 1, and an optional 10 minute break before the start of Section 2.
CASPer assesses future physicians for 10 characteristics:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy
- Equity
- Ethics
- Motivation
- Problem Solving
- Professionalism
- Resilience
- Self-awareness
These characteristics are assessed via video-based and word-based scenarios. For example, a video of two classmates talking about a difficult to work with group member. Or a written scenario, like a question prompting the test taker to think about a time in which they exhibited leadership during a time of adversity
The three follow up questions for each scenario can ask the test taker to:
- explain their viewpoint of the situation
- further explore other perspectives of the situation
- relate the situation to society as a whole
- relate the situation to an aspect of the test taker’s life, etc.
As one can see, the scenarios and follow up questions for the CASPer can be quite complex, thus there is not really one right answer for any CASPer question. Instead, test takers should focus on delivering answers with the 10 characteristics that the CASPer is assessing for in mind.
