The Casper test takes approximately 65 to 85 minutes to complete for the 2026 cycle.
Acuity Insights has officially shortened the exam. It now consists of 11 total scenarios (down from 14), featuring a video response section, a typed response section, and two optional breaks.
⏱️ The Exact Time Breakdown (New 2026 Format)
The Casper test is strictly timed and cannot be paused. Much like pacing yourself for the MCAT exam schedule, time management here is critical. Here is exactly how your ~80 minutes will be spent:
System Check & Intro
You will complete a webcam/microphone check on the official Acuity Insights testing portal, verify your ID, and watch a brief introductory tutorial before the official timer starts.
Part 1: Video Response Section
4 Scenarios: After the scenario, you have 10 seconds to reflect. You are then asked 2 questions and given exactly 1 minute per question to record your video answer.
Optional Breaks
You receive a 10-minute break after the video section, and a newly added 5-minute break halfway through the typed section. You can step away from your webcam during these times.
Part 2: Typed Response Section
7 Scenarios: After each scenario, you have 30 seconds to reflect. You are then given a total of 3.5 minutes to type your answers to 2 questions simultaneously (reduced from the old 5-minute timer).
💡 Why the Casper Test Feels So Fast
While 65-85 minutes is shorter than many professional assessments (like the USPS 474 Exam), Casper is specifically designed to pressure-test your situational judgment. You do not have time to outline perfect essays.
- The 3.5-Minute Typing Trap: Under the new rules, you only have 3.5 minutes to answer two questions. That is roughly 1 minute and 45 seconds per question. Prioritize your most important thoughts first.
- Auto-Submission: When the video or typing timer hits zero, the system automatically submits your answer and moves to the next screen. Do not panic if you get cut off mid-sentence; evaluators expect this.
- No Going Back: Once you submit an answer or the timer runs out, you cannot return to previous questions to edit them.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pause the Casper test to go to the bathroom?
No. Once the test begins, you cannot pause the timer. You are strictly monitored via webcam. You may only leave the view of your webcam during the two official scheduled breaks (the 10-minute and 5-minute intervals).
What happens if I run out of time while typing on Casper?
When the 3.5-minute timer expires, whatever you have typed in the boxes will be automatically saved and submitted. Evaluators are trained to ignore spelling errors and unfinished final sentences, as the time pressure is intentional.
How much time do you get to read the scenarios?
For video-based scenarios, the video plays once and cannot be paused. For word-based scenarios, there is no strict time limit to read the prompt itself, but you should read it efficiently. After the scenario concludes, you get 10 seconds of reflection time for video responses, and 30 seconds for typed responses before the timers begin.