CASPer preparation
CASPer Cheat Sheet: A One-Page Prep Summary
This is a one-page summary of the CASPer facts and habits worth knowing before test day. Review it in advance. You cannot use it during the test: Acuity's rules allow blank paper, a pen or pencil and a hard-copy dictionary, but not pre-written notes. Every fact below comes from Acuity's own pages, linked in the sources.
The CASPer cheat sheet
1. Format
- Scenarios
- 4 video, then 7 typed (standard 2026–2027 test)
- Questions
- 2 per scenario
- Video answers
- 1 minute per question, recorded
- Typed answers
- 3.5 minutes for both questions together
- Before answering
- Optional 30-second reflection after each scenario
- Breaks
- Optional 10 minutes after video; 5 minutes after the first 4 typed
- Total time
- About 65 to 85 minutes
Source: Acuity format page. Australian Teacher Education: 2 video, 6 typed, one break.
2. Every answer
- Say what you would do.
- Explain why, not only what.
- Consider the other people involved.
- Answer both questions; each is scored on its own.
- Use the full time to explain your position.
- Bullets are fine in typed answers; minor spelling and grammar are not counted.
Sources: preparation page, scoring.
3. Rules
- Take it alone; webcam and microphone on throughout.
- Allowed: blank paper, pen or pencil, hard-copy dictionary, food and drink, headphones.
- Not allowed: pre-written notes, phone, smartwatch or wearables, speech-to-text without approved accommodations.
- Computer only, with Chrome or Firefox.
Source: Acuity test rules.
4. Test day
- Run the system requirements check within 6 hours of your start.
- Log in about 30 minutes early.
- Problems: use the chat bubble straight away.
- Results: programs at about 2 to 3 weeks; your quartile at about 4 to 5 weeks.
Sources: system check, before, during and after.
Each box links to the full guide on that topic: CASPer format, answer structure, test rules and the test-day guide.
Using blank paper on test day
Your paper must start blank, so the cheat sheet has to be in your head, not on your desk. Paper is still useful. One suggestion of ours, not an Acuity instruction: during the 30-second reflection, write three words: the main issue, your action and your reason. That short plan keeps a one-minute video answer from drifting and reminds you to answer both typed questions.
Do not spend reflection time writing full sentences. Raters see only your typed and video responses, according to Acuity's scoring explanation, so the paper is for you alone.
The week before: what to do with this sheet
- Take the official practice test. Acuity says you can repeat it as often as you like; it is not graded. See what the practice test does and does not tell you.
- Practise the answer habits on fresh scenarios until they are automatic, rather than memorizing phrases. Our guide to why buzzwords fall flat explains why.
- Rehearse your setup in the room, on the computer and at the time of day you will test.
- Re-read this page the day before, then put it away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cheat sheet during the CASPer test?+
No. Acuity's rules allow blank sheets of paper, a pen or pencil and a hard-copy dictionary, but pre-written notes are not allowed. Review a cheat sheet before the test instead.
Can I write notes during CASPer?+
Yes, on blank paper with a pen or pencil. The paper must start blank; notes you write during the test are allowed.
What should a CASPer cheat sheet include?+
The current format and timing, the rules on what is allowed, and the habits raters reward: a clear action, the reasons for it, other perspectives and answers to both questions.
How long is each CASPer answer?+
In the standard 2026–2027 test, you have 1 minute to record each video answer and 3.5 minutes to type both answers in each typed scenario.
Sources and scope
Checked November 6, 2026 against Acuity's format page, test rules, preparation page, scoring explanation, system check and practice test article and before, during and after guide. The layout and the three-word reflection plan are original, AI-assisted CasperCoach editorial material. CasperCoach is independent of Acuity Insights. Formats differ by test type; check your own account.