Residency Programs Requiring the Casper Test in 2026: Complete Guide for Applicants

If you are planning to apply for a residency program, you may encounter the Casper test as part of the admissions process. While many residency programs focus heavily on academic performance and clinical training, some also use Casper to assess the non-academic qualities that define exceptional physicians.

This guide explains what Casper is, why residency programs use it, which programs require it, and how to prepare effectively. You will also find links to official resources and strategies for standing out in the competitive residency selection process.

What Is the Casper Test for Residency?

Casper, or the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, is a situational judgment test created by Acuity Insights. Unlike exams that focus on medical knowledge, Casper evaluates:

• Ethical decision-making
• Communication skills
• Empathy and compassion
• Professional judgment
• Problem-solving in complex scenarios

You respond to short written or video prompts within strict time limits, demonstrating how you might handle real-life clinical and interpersonal challenges.

Why Do Residency Programs Require Casper?

Residency directors know that success in medicine is about more than textbook knowledge. Physicians work in high-pressure environments where emotional intelligence, professionalism, and collaboration are critical.

Casper provides programs with:

• A non-cognitive evaluation tool that supplements GPA, board scores, and clinical evaluations.
• A fair, standardized way to compare applicants from different schools and backgrounds.
• Insights into how candidates might navigate ethical dilemmas or communicate with patients and colleagues.

Residency Programs That Require Casper (2026)

Below is the current list of U.S. residency programs requiring Casper. Always verify requirements with the program directly and through the Acuity Insights test dates and requirements page.

Anesthesiology

• University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – Anesthesiology Residency
• Rush University – Anesthesiology Residency
• University of Florida – Anesthesiology Residency
  
  

Internal Medicine

• University of Connecticut School of Medicine – Internal Medicine Residency
• Wayne State University Sinai Grace Hospital – Internal Medicine Residency
  
  

Interventional Radiology

• Hofstra/Northwell Health – Integrated Interventional Radiology Residency
  
  

Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Creighton University, Phoenix – OB-GYN Residency
• St. Joseph’s Hospital – OB-GYN Residency
• OhioHealth Riverside – OB-GYN Residency
• Episcopal Health Services – OB-GYN Residency
• The Brooklyn Hospital Center – OB-GYN Residency
• Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine – OB-GYN Residency
  
  

Urology

• North Shore University Hospital & Long Island Jewish Medical Center – Urology Residency
  

Residency Programs Where Casper Is Optional

Some programs list Casper as optional but may still consider scores if submitted:

• Emory School of Medicine – Anesthesiology Residency
• Ascension Providence Hospital – OB-GYN Residency
• North Shore University Hospital & LIJ – OB-GYN Residency

Programs That Require Duet in Addition to Casper

Duet is another Acuity Insights assessment. It is not a test of knowledge but a values and program fit tool that compares your priorities with a residency program’s characteristics.

Always check the program’s website and Acuity Insights requirements to see if Duet is also required.

How to Prepare for Casper for Residency

Casper is not about memorization, but preparation can help you perform with confidence.

• Practice timed responses to ethical and professional scenarios.
• Review common themes such as informed consent, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity.
• Reflect on personal experiences during clinical rotations or internships.
• Improve both written and spoken communication, as Casper includes video responses.
• Gain diverse patient care exposure through opportunities like Go Elective’s global health internships to build a strong bank of real-life examples.

FAQs: Casper for Residency

1. Do all residencies require Casper?

No. Only some programs use it. Always confirm with your target program.

2. Why is it becoming more common?

Residency spots are competitive, and Casper gives programs another way to evaluate professionalism, empathy, and communication skills alongside clinical ability.

3. How much can you prepare?

You can’t memorize answers, but you can practice clear, concise reasoning under time pressure and strengthen your real-world examples.

Final Thoughts

Residency programs that require Casper are looking for more than academic excellence. They want residents who can navigate the human side of medicine with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.

By preparing thoughtfully, practicing with realistic scenarios, and drawing from meaningful clinical experiences. Whether in the U.S., or through immersive international healthcare internships, you can approach Casper as an opportunity to stand out.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Medical Electives, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Residency,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 14, 2025