The Casper test for PA school
Casper is an online test of how you think through real-world situations, and some PA programs require it. Boston University won't review a 2026–27 application without a Casper score and requires at least a 3rd-quartile score, and UW–Madison requires Casper of all applicants. You can take each Casper test type only once per cycle, and the score is good for that cycle only.
What the test looks like (2026–27)
- 11 scenarios: 4 video-response scenarios, then 7 typed-response scenarios.
- Video: 2 questions per scenario, one at a time, with 1 minute to record each answer.
- Typed: 2 questions per scenario shown together, with 3.5 minutes to answer each pair.
- Breaks: an optional 10-minute break after the video section and an optional 5-minute break after the first 4 typed scenarios.
- Total time: Acuity estimates 65 to 85 minutes.
Human raters score it, not AI, according to Acuity. You get a quartile showing how you did compared with others who took the same test, usually 4 to 5 weeks after your test.
The rules that trip people up
- One try per cycle. You can't take the same Casper test type more than once per admissions cycle, and you can't retake it to raise your score. Acuity considers a retake only for a verified technical issue.
- One cycle only. Scores are valid only for the cycle you took them in; reapplicants test again.
- Test types aren't interchangeable. Programs in different countries or program categories may need different test types. UW–Madison, for example, names the "United States Casper 2" assessment.
- Scores go to specific programs. If you apply to more than one program at the same school, add each one to your distribution list.
- Fees are final. Acuity says all fees are non-refundable and valid only for the current cycle. Costs depend on the test type and how many programs you send scores to; UW–Madison lists $50 plus a $20 distribution fee for its test.
- Book ahead. Acuity recommends reserving at least 3 days before your test date, and accommodation requests are due 4 weeks before your test.
How two programs use it
| Program | What its page says |
|---|---|
| Boston University 2026–27 | "CASPer scores are required. Applications without CASPer scores will NOT be reviewed." Minimum score for 2026–27: 3rd quartile; "Applications with scores below the 3rd quartile will not be considered." GRE and MCAT scores aren't reviewed. Its last Casper date was Aug 25, 2026 and its CASPA deadline Sept 1, 2026, so this cycle is closed |
| UW–Madison page checked Oct 2026 | All applicants must complete the United States Casper 2 assessment for each admissions cycle |
Acuity says each program decides how to use Casper, and the weight it gets varies.
How to get ready
- Check which programs on your list require Casper, and which test type and distribution deadline each one names, before you book.
- Pick a test date before your earliest program's distribution deadline, leaving time for scores to reach programs (Acuity says about 2 to 3 weeks after your test). Check for minimum scores too, like Boston University's 3rd quartile.
- Take Acuity's free practice test, which opens in your Acuity account after you reserve your Casper test and which you can take as many times as you like.
- Use the same name and email as your applications, and run Acuity's required System Requirements Check no more than six hours before your test. Your camera and microphone must stay on for the whole test.
- Ask about fee help if CASPA has approved you for its Fee Assistance Program. Acuity says approved applicants "may be eligible to have their Casper test fees waived or reduced."
Related guides
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Get the free kit →Quick answers
Do PA schools require Casper?
Some do. Boston University won't review a 2026–27 application without a Casper score and requires at least a 3rd-quartile score, and UW–Madison requires all applicants to complete it. Not every PA program uses it, so check each program on your list.
Can you retake Casper?
Not in the same cycle. Acuity Insights allows each Casper test type only once per admissions cycle (it considers a retake only for a verified technical issue), and scores are valid only for that cycle.
How long is the Casper test?
Acuity estimates 65 to 85 minutes for 2026–27: 4 video-response scenarios and 7 typed-response scenarios, with two optional breaks.
Sources (all opened October 2026)
- Acuity Insights: Casper test format and length (2026–27): https://intercom.help/acuityinsights/en/articles/4731665-what-is-the-casper-test-format-and-length
- Acuity Insights: Dates and fees, Casper validity and guidelines: https://my.acuityinsights.app/dates-times
- Acuity Insights: 10 important things to know before taking Casper (Oct 2026): https://acuityinsights.app/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/10-important-things-2026.pdf
- Acuity Insights: About Casper: https://acuityinsights.app/casper
- Boston University PA Program: How to apply (2026–27): https://www.bu.edu/paprogram/admissions/how-to-apply
- UW–Madison PA Program: Admission requirements: https://www.med.wisc.edu/education/physician-assistant-pa-program/admission-requirements/