Scores and results
How Long Is a CASPer Score Valid? One Cycle, One Test Type
A CASPer score is valid for one admissions cycle and one test type. Within that cycle, the same result goes to every program on your distribution list that uses that test type. You need a new test if you reapply in a later cycle or apply to programs that require a different test type, country or language.
The official rule: one cycle, one test type
Acuity Insights, which runs CASPer, states the rule in its score validity article: your score is valid only for the admissions cycle in which you took the test, and only for the specific test type you completed. Its examples of test types include US Professional Health Sciences and Canadian Medicine. You cannot reuse a score for a future cycle or a different test type, even for a similar program in another country or language.
So “Does my CASPer score expire?” has a slightly different answer than you might expect. There is no fixed shelf life such as 12 months. The score belongs to a cycle, and it stops being usable when you apply in the next one.
If you are unsure which test type your programs need, our guide to CASPer test types explains how to check before you book.
Why CASPer scores do not carry over
CASPer is a relative measure. Acuity's advisor FAQ contrasts it with the MCAT: CASPer is valid for one year because the test content changes every year, and responses are assessed against the pool of applicants taking the same test. Its quartile article describes scores as z-scored relative to the strength of your peers' responses.
A score from last year's pool, on last year's scenarios, is therefore not comparable with this year's. Your quartile can also change between tests. Acuity lists reasons such as scores near a quartile boundary, a different applicant pool and improved familiarity with the format.
Reuse or retest: common cases
Most questions about validity are really one of these situations. The answers below come from Acuity's validity and retake articles.
| Situation | Answer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Adding another program that uses the same test type, this cycle | Reuse it | One test per type covers every program on your distribution list for the cycle. |
| A program uses CASPer at screening, interview and ranking stages | Reuse it | Acuity says your initial result is used throughout the cycle; you do not retest between stages. |
| CaRMS Round 2 after testing for Round 1 | Reuse it | Acuity gives this exact example: the same Canadian postgraduate result is used for Round 2. |
| Reapplying next year after no offer | New test needed | Scores cannot be carried into a future admissions cycle. |
| Applying to a program that requires a different test type | New test needed | A score is valid only for the test type you completed. |
| A similar program in another country or language | New test needed | Acuity says this applies even when the programs are similar. |
| You want a better result in the same cycle | Not allowed | One test per type per cycle. Retakes are considered only for verified technical issues reported within one week. |
The same-cycle limit is covered in more detail in can you retake the CASPer test. Adding programs after you test is a distribution task, not a new test; see how to send CASPer scores.
A worked example
This is a hypothetical applicant, used to show how the rules combine.
- October 2025: Sam sits the Canadian Medicine test for the 2025–2026 cycle and sends results to four medical schools. Adding a fifth school with the same test type in January only needs a distribution change.
- Spring 2026: Sam receives no offers and decides to reapply.
- 2026–2027 cycle: Sam needs a new reservation and a new test. The 2025 result cannot be sent, whatever the quartile was.
- Same cycle, new plan: If Sam also applies to a program requiring a different test type, that is a second test in the same cycle.
The practical consequence: if you are reapplying, you are not “keeping” a good score or “escaping” a weak one. Every reapplication starts with a new sitting, so plan the date and preparation time like a first attempt.
What to check before you book
- Confirm the cycle. Make sure the reservation is for the admissions cycle you are applying in.
- Confirm the test type for every program on your list, including country and language.
- Check the final test date and distribution deadline on Acuity's Dates and Fees page. Our CASPer test dates guide summarizes the current cycle.
- Add every program that uses the same test type, so one sitting covers them all.
If you need a new test, give yourself time to prepare. Our preparation timelines guide helps you plan backwards from your date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a CASPer score expire after a year?+
It is tied to an admissions cycle rather than a fixed number of months. Acuity says your score can only be used for the admissions cycle in which you took the test, and only for that test type.
Can I reuse my CASPer score if I reapply next year?+
No. Acuity says you cannot reuse a CASPer score for a future admissions cycle. Reapplicants need a new reservation and a new test.
Do I need a separate CASPer test for each school?+
No, not for the same test type. One test covers every program on your distribution list that uses that test type during the cycle. A different test type, country or language needs a separate test.
Can I retake CASPer in the same cycle to replace my score?+
No. Acuity allows one test per test type per admissions cycle. Retakes are only considered for verified technical issues reported to Acuity Support within one week of the test date.
Sources and scope
Checked October 19, 2026 against Acuity's score validity (updated August 6, 2026), retake and quartile articles and its advisor FAQ. The worked example is hypothetical and the case table is original, AI-assisted CasperCoach editorial material. CasperCoach is independent of Acuity Insights. Individual programs can set their own requirements, so check each program's official page as well.