Which Programs Require the CASPer Test?
Complete List by Country and Program Type
You have spent months building your application: GPA, references, personal statement, and extracurriculars. Then you discover that your target program requires something else entirely — the CASPer test. For many applicants, this realization comes too late to prepare properly. Knowing which programs require CASPer, and when you need to sit it, is one of the most important logistical steps in your university admissions timeline.
This guide covers every university program type that requires CASPer, covering medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, physician assistant, teacher education, and engineering programs, organized by country so you can confirm your requirements quickly and plan accordingly. Whether you are applying in Canada, the United States, Australia, or the United Kingdom, this is your starting point.
Applicants who have confirmed their program requires CASPer can begin structured preparation immediately through MYLS Interview, which offers AI powered mock interview practice across all nine CASPer competencies for every program type covered in this guide.
What Is the CASPer Test and Why Do Programs Require It?
The CASPer test is a standardized situational judgment test developed by Acuity Insights that evaluates non academic competencies including empathy, ethical reasoning, communication, collaboration, and professional judgment. Programs require it because academic metrics alone — GPA, MCAT, DAT, GRE — do not reliably predict how applicants will perform in the interpersonal and ethical dimensions of professional practice.
According to Acuity Insights, CASPer is currently required by hundreds of programs across more than a dozen countries. Programs use it as a pre interview screening tool, a composite admissions score component, or both. A research study published in Teaching and Learning in Medicine found that situational judgment test scores were significantly more predictive of professionalism ratings during clinical training than GPA or standardized test scores alone.[1]
CASPer is not one universal test. Acuity Insights administers separate test types for different program categories — US medical, Canadian medical, Canadian nursing, and others. Applicants who are applying to programs across multiple categories may need to register for and sit more than one version of the test in the same admissions cycle.
The nine official competencies CASPer assesses across all program types are:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy
- Fairness
- Ethics
- Motivation
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Self Awareness
Medical Programs That Require CASPer
Medical programs that require CASPer span MD, DO, and international equivalent programs across four major regions. The CASPer test for medical applicants is the most widely used version of the assessment and has the longest history, having been first adopted by McMaster University's Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine in 2010.
CASPer requirements may change between admissions cycles. Applicants should always verify the current requirements directly through their target medical schools and the official Acuity Insights program directory before registering for a test.
Canada
Canadian MD programs were the first to adopt CASPer and continue to represent the largest single group of requiring institutions. As of recent admissions cycles, Canadian medical schools that require or use CASPer as part of their admissions process include:
| Program | Institution | Province |
|---|---|---|
| MD Program | McMaster University | Ontario |
| MD Program | University of Toronto | Ontario |
| MD Program | Queen's University | Ontario |
| MD Program | McGill University | Quebec |
| MD Program | Dalhousie University | Nova Scotia |
| MD Program | University of Ottawa | Ontario |
| MD Program | Northern Ontario School of Medicine | Ontario |
| MD Program | University of Calgary | Alberta |
| MD Program | University of Alberta | Alberta |
| MD Program | University of British Columbia | British Columbia |
| MD Program | University of Manitoba | Manitoba |
| MD Program | University of Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan |
Canadian medical school applicants sit the Canadian Medical test type. Requirements are confirmed annually — always verify on each program's admissions page before registering.
United States
Approximately 50 US MD and DO programs require CASPer as of the recent admissions cycle. US applicants sit a separate test type from Canadian applicants. Programs that may require CASPer include:
| Program | Institution | State |
|---|---|---|
| MD Program | Tulane University School of Medicine | Louisiana |
| MD Program | Drexel University College of Medicine | Pennsylvania |
| MD Program | Texas A&M School of Medicine | Texas |
| MD Program | Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine | New Jersey |
| MD Program | Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine | Massachusetts |
| MD Program | East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine | Tennessee |
| MD Program | Louisiana State University School of Medicine New Orleans | Louisiana |
| MD Program | UT Health San Antonio Long School of Medicine | Texas |
| DO Program | Multiple osteopathic programs | Various |
The full current list of US programs is maintained by Acuity Insights. Requirements change each cycle — always confirm directly with your target programs.
Australia
Australian medical programs that require CASPer include institutions using the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) pathway as well as undergraduate entry programs. Key Australian programs include:
| Program | Institution | State |
|---|---|---|
| MD Program | Monash University | Victoria |
| MD Program | Deakin University | Victoria |
| MD Program | University of Wollongong | New South Wales |
| MD Program | Griffith University | Queensland |
United Kingdom
CASPer is required by select UK medical programs, primarily those using contextual admissions processes or newer graduate entry pathways. Three Counties Medical School at the University of Worcester requires CASPer for all shortlisted applicants. Additional UK programs are adopting the assessment in subsequent cycles — verify directly with each institution.
Medical programs in New Zealand and Qatar also require CASPer. Confirm requirements through the Acuity Insights program directory for the current admissions cycle.
Dental Programs That Require CASPer
Dental programs that require CASPer assess the same nine competencies as medical programs but weight communication and patient empathy particularly heavily given the nature of clinical dental practice.
Canada
Canadian dental programs requiring CASPer include:
| Program | Institution | Province |
|---|---|---|
| DDS Program | University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry | Ontario |
| DDS Program | University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry | British Columbia |
| DDS Program | Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry | Nova Scotia |
| DMD Program | McGill University Faculty of Dental Medicine | Quebec |
United States
A growing number of US dental schools are adopting CASPer. Confirm current requirements for each program directly, as the dental school adoption rate has increased significantly in the 2025 to 2026 cycle.
Australia
Australian dental programs at institutions including the University of Queensland and the University of Melbourne have adopted CASPer for select entry pathways. Confirm requirements with each institution for the current cycle.
Veterinary Programs That Require CASPer
Veterinary programs that require CASPer represent one of the fastest growing adoption segments. Pre vet applicants are a significantly underserved audience for CASPer preparation content, yet the assessment is identical in structure to the version taken by medical and dental applicants.
Canada
| Program | Institution | Province |
|---|---|---|
| DVM Program | University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College | Ontario |
| DVM Program | University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine | Alberta |
| DVM Program | University of Prince Edward Island Atlantic Veterinary College | PEI |
| DVM Program | University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine | Saskatchewan |
Australia
Australian veterinary programs at the University of Melbourne and the University of Queensland require CASPer for select applicants. Confirm for the current cycle directly with each institution.
United States
US veterinary programs adopting CASPer include programs at several land grant universities. Requirements are expanding each cycle — confirm with your target DVM programs directly through the Acuity Insights directory.
Nursing Programs That Require CASPer
Nursing programs that require CASPer use a dedicated test type — the Canadian Nursing test type — that is separate from the medical school version. This is one of the most important distinctions for nursing applicants to understand. If you are applying to both nursing and medical programs, you may need to register for and sit two separate CASPer tests.
Canada
Canadian undergraduate nursing programs requiring CASPer are primarily in Ontario and British Columbia. The accepted test window for nursing applicants is typically December to March — narrower than the MD window of July to May. Key programs include:
| Program | Institution | Province |
|---|---|---|
| BScN Program | University of Toronto Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing | Ontario |
| BScN Program | McMaster University School of Nursing | Ontario |
| BScN Program | Queen's University School of Nursing | Ontario |
| BScN Program | University of Ottawa School of Nursing | Ontario |
| BScN Program | University of British Columbia School of Nursing | British Columbia |
| BScN Program | University of Victoria School of Nursing | British Columbia |
For a complete dedicated breakdown of nursing CASPer requirements, see our specialized guide on nursing programs that require CASPer.
Physician Assistant Programs That Require CASPer
PA programs that require CASPer span both Canada and the United States. PA applicants take the same CASPer test type as medical school applicants in their respective country. The scenarios are not PA specific — CASPer assesses general professional competencies — but PA programs tend to weight collaboration and communication competencies particularly heavily in their admissions decisions.
| Program | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|
| PA Program | McMaster University | Canada |
| PA Program | University of Toronto | Canada |
| PA Program | Drexel University | United States |
| PA Program | Yale University PA Program | United States |
| PA Program | Multiple additional US programs | United States |
Confirm current PA program requirements through the Acuity Insights directory, as this list expands each admissions cycle.
Teacher Education and Other Programs That Require CASPer
Teacher education programs represent a growing but underserved CASPer audience. Several Canadian faculties of education require CASPer for BEd and concurrent education program applicants.
Teacher Education, Canada
| Program | Institution | Province |
|---|---|---|
| BEd Program | University of Toronto Ontario Institute for Studies in Education | Ontario |
| BEd Program | Queen's University Faculty of Education | Ontario |
| Concurrent Education | Multiple Ontario universities | Ontario |
Engineering, Canada
Western University's engineering faculty has required CASPer for undergraduate applicants since September 2024, making it one of the first undergraduate engineering programs globally to adopt the assessment.
Other Health Professions
Additional programs requiring CASPer include pharmacy, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, midwifery, and social work programs at select institutions across Canada and Australia. Always confirm directly with your target program.
CASPer Test Types by Program Category
One of the most common registration mistakes applicants make is selecting the wrong CASPer test type. The table below clarifies which test type applies to which applicants.
| Program Category | CASPer Test Type | Test Window |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Medical programs | Canadian Medical | July to May |
| US Medical and DO programs | US Medical | July to May |
| Canadian Nursing programs | Canadian Nursing | December to March |
| Canadian PA programs | Canadian Medical | July to May |
| Australian programs | Australian | Confirm per cycle |
| UK programs | UK | Confirm per cycle |
| Teacher education | Canadian Education | Confirm per cycle |
If your programs span multiple categories, you will need to register separately for each applicable test type. Scores from one test type are not transferable to programs requiring a different type.
Which Programs Require CASPer: Answers to the Questions Applicants Ask Most
Who needs to take the CASPer test?
Any applicant applying to a program that lists CASPer as a required or recommended component of its admissions process needs to take the test. This includes applicants to MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, BScN, PA, BEd, and select engineering programs across Canada, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Qatar. Applicants should verify requirements for each specific program on its admissions page, as requirements change each admissions cycle.
What happens if I apply to programs in multiple countries?
Applicants applying to programs in multiple countries may need to sit more than one CASPer test type, as Canadian, US, Australian, and UK programs each use region specific test versions. Scores from one test type are not shared across test types. Register separately for each applicable version and confirm the test window and deadline for each.
When should I take the CASPer test?
The recommended registration window for most applicants is March to May for Canadian and US medical programs. Canadian nursing applicants must register between December and March. Australian and UK program windows vary by institution. Register as early as possible within the relevant window, as popular test dates fill several weeks in advance.
Where do I register for the CASPer test?
CASPer registration is completed through the Acuity Insights platform at acuityinsights.app. You will need to create an account, select the correct test type for your program category, choose a date and time, complete payment, and designate which programs receive your scores.
Why do programs require CASPer instead of relying on interviews or personal statements?
Programs require CASPer because traditional application components do not reliably predict professional competencies such as empathy, ethical reasoning, and communication under pressure. CASPer provides a standardized, bias reduced measure of these qualities that can be applied to all applicants before the resource intensive interview stage. It allows programs to identify applicants whose non academic competencies match the demands of professional practice, not just academic coursework.
How do I know which CASPer test type to register for?
Select your test type based on your program category and country. Canadian MD applicants select Canadian Medical. US MD and DO applicants select US Medical. Canadian nursing applicants select Canadian Nursing. If you are applying to programs across categories, register separately for each applicable test type. The Acuity Insights registration platform will guide you through test type selection during the registration process.
How MYLS Interview Helps Applicants Across Every Program Type
Once you have confirmed which programs require CASPer and which test type applies to you, the next step is preparation. MYLS Interview is an AI powered mock interview preparation platform that supports applicants across every program type covered — medical, dental, veterinary, nursing, PA, and teacher education.
About MYLS Interview
MYLS Interview is a dedicated mock interview and admissions preparation platform offering over 190 interview programs and 24,000 practice questions. Built specifically for professional program applicants, it covers CASPer, MMI, university admissions assessments and career interviews with AI powered feedback on every response.
Learn more about MYLS Interview
Our Features
- 190+ interview programs covering CASPer across all program types and test versions
- 24,000+ practice questions across all nine CASPer competencies and all scenario types
- Video response practice with playback and structured delivery feedback
- AI powered response feedback scored against the official CASPer competency framework
- Program specific preparation tracks for MD, nursing, dental, vet, education and different program applicants
- Timed mock tests replicating real CASPer conditions — typed and video sections in sequence
How We Can Help You
Knowing which programs require CASPer is the first step. Scoring in the Q3 or Q4 range requires structured, deliberate practice with feedback. MYLS Interview's program specific tracks ensure that your practice scenarios match the competency mix your target programs weight most heavily — clinical ethics for MD programs, interpersonal communication for nursing programs, collaboration and team dynamics for PA programs. Whether you are a first cycle applicant or returning after a lower than expected quartile result, MYLS Interview gives you the diagnostic feedback and practice volume needed to improve.
Start Your CASPer Preparation Today
Every program on this list uses CASPer to evaluate qualities that the rest of your application cannot demonstrate — how you reason through ethical complexity, how you communicate under pressure, and how you treat the people around you when things are difficult. Those qualities can be demonstrated more reliably and more consistently with structured preparation than without it.
Applicants who have confirmed their program requires CASPer can begin scored, AI powered practice immediately with FREE CASPer test practice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do all medical schools require CASPer?
No. Not all medical schools require CASPer. In Canada, most MD programs require it, but requirements vary by institution and admissions cycle. In the United States, approximately 50 MD and DO programs require CASPer as of 2026 — out of more than 150 accredited medical schools. Always confirm requirements directly on each program's admissions page or through the Acuity Insights program directory before registering.
Is CASPer the same test for medical school and nursing?
No. Medical school applicants and nursing applicants take different CASPer test types administered by Acuity Insights. Canadian nursing applicants take the Canadian Nursing test type, which has a different registration window (December to March) than the Canadian Medical test type (July to May). Scores from one test type are not transferable to programs requiring the other. Applicants to both nursing and medical programs must register separately for each test type.
Can I use one CASPer score for multiple programs?
Yes, within the same test type. A single CASPer sitting covers score distribution to multiple programs of the same test type — the base registration fee covers a set number of programs, with additional programs available for an extra fee per score report. However, if your programs span multiple test types (for example, Canadian Medical and Canadian Nursing), you will need to sit separate tests for each type.
How long are CASPer scores valid?
CASPer scores are valid for one admissions cycle only. Scores do not carry over to subsequent cycles. Applicants who are reapplying in a new admissions cycle must retake the CASPer test for that cycle, regardless of their previous score.
What is the difference between CASPer required and CASPer recommended?
When a program lists CASPer as required, all applicants must complete it for their application to be considered. When a program lists CASPer as recommended, completion is optional but may strengthen the application. Some programs treat a strong CASPer result as a positive differentiator even when it is not mandatory. When in doubt, take it — the preparation investment is the same either way.
Does CASPer replace the MMI?
No. CASPer and the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) are separate assessments that evaluate overlapping but distinct competencies. CASPer is an asynchronous online test completed before the interview stage. The MMI is a live, in person or virtual interview format used at the interview stage. Many Canadian medical schools require both in the same admissions cycle. Preparation for one supports the other, as the same ethical reasoning frameworks apply to both.
Where can I find the official list of programs that require CASPer?
The official and most current list of programs that require CASPer is maintained by Acuity Insights. This list is updated each admissions cycle. Because requirements change year to year, always verify directly on each program's admissions page in addition to consulting the Acuity Insights directory.
Reference: [1] Saxena A, Desanghere L, Dore K, Reiter H. Incorporating a situational judgement test in residency selections: clinical, educational and organizational outcomes. BMC Med Educ. 2024 Mar 26;24(1):339. doi: 10.1186/s12909-024-05310-8. PMID: 38532412; PMCID: PMC10967042.