Guide to CASPer/Altus Test for PA Admissions
The CASPer test, also known as the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, is a crucial component of gaining entry Manitoba’s physician assistant program.
Excelling in this test can greatly enhance your chances of securing a coveted spot in PA school.
Note: Please refer to Manitoba’s Master of PA Studies Official Program website for the most accurate, up-to-date information about admissions.
I. CASPer Test and PA Admissions
a) Only Manitoba’s MPAS Program utilizes CASPer
Manitoba’s PA Admissions process involves several steps. In addition to submitting a Pre-PA resume, PA Statement of Intent references, candidates also have to complete the online CASPer test.
Based on what is submitted, competitive candidates are invited for a PA school interview.
The Ontario PA programs do not utilize CASPer.
b) How is CASPer weighted for PA Admissions?
The CASPer test does not individually determine whether or not you will secure a spot for the PA school interview at Manitoba. Instead your CASPer score augments your application.
II. Understanding the CASPer Test
a) What is CASper?
CASPer stands for Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics. It is an online assessment designed to evaluate your non-cognitive skills, including your ability to make ethical decisions, handle challenging situations, and demonstrate effective communication.
b) Structure and Format of CASPer
The CASPer test is conducted online and consists of multiple video scenarios that PA school candidates must respond to through a video recording and/or type-written response.
During the test, you'll be presented with a series of real-life scenarios, each accompanied by several probing questions. These scenarios are designed to simulate situations that evaluate your ability to think critically, make ethical decisions, and communicate effectively.
To complete the CASPer test, you'll have a limited amount of time for each section, typically around 3-5 minutes. This time constraint emphasizes the need for efficient time management during the test, ensuring that you can carefully read and comprehend each scenario while leaving sufficient time to compose your responses.
Format of CASPer for Manitoba MPAS
In the most recent 2022-2023 admissions cycle, the response was:
15 responses TOTAL
9 written responses
6 video prompts
3 text prompts
5 minutes/3 questions
6 video responses
4 video prompts
3 text prompts
3 min/3 questions
It's important to note that CASPer does not have a right or wrong answer. Instead, it focuses on your thought process, your ability to empathize, and your ethical reasoning skills. As a result, each response is unique to your perspective and experiences, making it crucial to respond authentically and thoughtfully.
c) Step by Step Outline of how CASPer Test works
Registration
Create an account on the official CASPer website
Select a test date and pay the fee.
Test Confirmation and Instructions:
Receive a confirmation email with details about the test date, time, and technical requirements. The test usually has to be completed by a certain date.
Familiarize yourself with the instructions provided in the email.
Test Day:
Ensure you have a reliable computer with a stable internet connection.
Log in to your CASPer account at the designated time.
Complete the pre-test tutorial to familiarize yourself with the test format and navigation.
Test Structure:
The CASPer test typically consists of 15 sections.
Each section presents a video-based scenario or text-based scenario followed by open-ended questions
You will have a limited amount of time, usually around 3-5 minutes, to answer each set of questions.
Scenario Presentation:
Watch a video-based or read a text-based scenario that depicts a real-life situation.
Pay close attention to the details of the scenario, including the characters involved, their actions, and the context.
Question Response:
After reading/watching the scenario, the three open-ended questions will appear on the screen.
Read each question carefully, ensuring you understand the key points being addressed.
Construct your responses, considering the ethical, professional, and interpersonal aspects of the situation.
Time Management:
Manage your time effectively to ensure you have sufficient time to read the questions and provide thoughtful responses.
Keep track of the time remaining for each section to stay on pace and complete all questions within the allocated time.
Test Completion:
After answering the questions for a section, you will proceed to the next scenario and set of questions.
Continue this process until you have completed all sections of the CASPer test.
Submission:
Review your responses, ensuring they reflect your thoughts and intentions accurately.
Once you are satisfied, submit your answers.
Test Results:
The CASPer test results are typically sent directly to the PA programs you have designated during the registration process.
d) What is CASPer snapshot?
The CASPer Snapshot is a relatively new addition to the CASPer assessment suite. While the traditional CASPer test assesses situational judgment and interpersonal skills through written responses to video-based scenarios, the CASPer Snapshot focuses on providing a snapshot of the applicant's personal and professional attributes through video-based questions. This has been an optional part if Manitoba’s PA Admissions in the past, but is a great way to round out your application if you decide to submit it.
The CASPer snapshot consists of several short-answer questions, with applicants recording video responses to each question.
The CASPer Snapshot aims to offer admissions committees additional insights into an applicant's interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, and personal attributes. It provides a more dynamic assessment by allowing admissions committees to observe the applicant's verbal communication, body language, and presentation style.
The Snapshot questions may cover a range of topics, including experiences, motivations for pursuing a career in healthcare, teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and ethical dilemmas. Applicants are encouraged to respond authentically, showcasing their genuine qualities and characteristics.
It is crucial to carefully follow instructions, practice video responses, and ensure that you present yourself professionally and effectively in your recorded answers.
III. Background Reading for CASPer
a) Read about CASPer & Situational Judgement Tests
The CASPer test falls under the category of situational judgment tests, which evaluate an individual's decision-making abilities in various scenarios. To excel in this type of assessment, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with situational judgment tests in general.
Read as much you can online (and helpful videos on youtube) including practice resources and sample questions available online. You’ll be able to see different types of CASPer scenarios and allow you to practice analyzing situations and selecting the appropriate course of action. In section IV “Practice Questions for CASPer test”
b) Research the PA Program Mission and Values
Thoroughly research the physician assistant program you are applying to. Familiarize yourself with Manitoba’s MPAS program's mission, values, and educational approach. Understanding their expectations and priorities can help you gain valuable insights into the qualities they value in a prospective PA students. Take note of any specific attributes or skills they emphasize, such as empathy, teamwork, or cultural competence.
c) Review Ethical and Professional Guidelines
One key aspect of the CASPer test is evaluating your ethical reasoning and professional judgment.
Familiarize yourself with ethical frameworks and professional guidelines relevant to the healthcare field. This includes principles such as patient autonomy, confidentiality, informed consent, and cultural sensitivity.
d) Read about CanMEDS-PA competencies
The CanMEDS-PA framework outlines the various competencies essential for effective healthcare practice, including medical expertise, communication, collaboration, professionalism, health advocacy, scholarship, and leadership.
By familiarizing oneself with the CanMEDS-PA competencies, pre-PA students can gain a deeper understanding of the core attributes that are valued in the profession. This knowledge can guide their responses during the CASPer test, helping them align their answers with the expected competencies. For example, when faced with situational judgment scenarios, candidates can draw upon their understanding of CanMEDS-PA competencies to showcase their abilities in areas such as communication, collaboration, ethical decision-making, and patient advocacy.
IV. Practice Questions for CASPer
a) How to Practice for the CASPer test
Manage your time: During practice sessions, set a timer for each scenario and aim to complete your responses within the allocated time. When taking the test, read each scenario carefully, ensuring a thorough understanding of the situation and the associated questions. Prioritize key points and allocate your time accordingly. Remember to leave enough time to compose well-structured and thoughtful responses.
Enhance your Critical Thinking Skills: To develop and enhance your critical thinking abilities, practice analyzing hypothetical scenarios and discussing potential solutions. Consider different perspectives, weigh the pros and cons of each option, and evaluate the potential outcomes.
Hone your Written Communication Skills: Practice typing written responses within time constraints to simulate the CASPer testing environment (3-5 minutes). When crafting your responses, focus on structuring your thoughts logically.
b) Sample CASPer Questions
Remember to approach these scenarios by considering multiple perspectives, addressing ethical considerations, and demonstrating effective communication and problem-solving skills. Reflect on your responses and seek feedback to continuously improve your approach to challenging situations.
Scenario: You are working as a volunteer in a busy emergency department and all other health care providers are busy attending to other patients. A patient arrives with a minor injury but appears to be extremely anxious and is causing disruption in the waiting area.
Follow-up questions:
How would you approach and address this situation while maintaining a calm and efficient environment?
How would you address the concerns of other patients in the waiting area who are affected by the disruptive behavior of this anxious patient?
If the patient's anxiety persists despite your initial interventions, how would you involve other members of the healthcare team to provide appropriate support and care?
Scenario: You witness a coworker taking credit for your work during a team meeting.
Follow-up questions:
How would you address the situation with your coworker, balancing the need to protect your work while maintaining a professional and constructive approach?
What steps would you take to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future and ensure fair recognition of your contributions?
How would you handle the impact of this incident on your working relationship with your coworker and the overall team dynamics?
Scenario: You are participating in a group project, and one team member consistently fails to meet deadlines and contribute adequately.
Follow-up questions:
How would you approach the underperforming team member to address the issue and encourage their active involvement in the project?
If the underperforming team member's behavior persists despite your initial interventions, how would you involve the project supervisor or team leader to rectify the situation?
How would you navigate the delicate balance between holding the team member accountable while maintaining a supportive and collaborative environment within the group?
Scenario: You witness a classmate cheating on an important exam.
Follow-up questions:
How would you address the situation with your classmate, balancing the need for academic integrity and fairness while maintaining a supportive and constructive approach?
What steps would you take to ensure the integrity of the exam and report the incident to the appropriate authorities or academic personnel?
How would you promote a culture of honesty and academic integrity within your educational institution to prevent future incidents of cheating?
Scenario: You are a close friend, and you have recently discovered that your friend is cheating on their romantic partner.
Follow-up questions:
How would you approach your friend about the situation, considering the delicate nature of the topic and the potential impact on their relationship?
If your friend is defensive or dismissive when confronted about their infidelity, how would you navigate the conversation to encourage self-reflection and accountability?
How would you balance your loyalty to your friend with the moral obligation to address the cheating and support the betrayed partner if they are unaware of the situation?
Scenario: You witness a friend engaging in a harmful behavior or addiction.
Follow-up questions:
How would you approach your friend about the observed behavior or addiction, expressing your concern while maintaining their trust and support?
What steps would you take to encourage your friend to seek help or access appropriate resources to address their harmful behavior or addiction?
How would you balance the responsibility of being a supportive friend with the need to prioritize your friend's well-being and encourage positive change?
Scenario: You work at a youth summer camp, when one camp attendee expresses discriminatory views towards another camp attendee based on their ethnicity.
Follow-up Questions:
How would you address the discriminatory views expressed by the camp attendee, ensuring the immediate well-being and emotional safety of the targeted camper?
After addressing the immediate situation, how would you take steps to educate the camper who expressed discriminatory views about the importance of inclusivity, respect for diversity, and fostering a welcoming environment at the summer camp?
Reflecting on this incident, how would you work towards creating a culture of inclusivity and understanding among all camp attendees, ensuring a safe and accepting space for everyone to thrive?
Final notes
Remember, the CASPer test is an opportunity to showcase your abilities to think critically, make ethical decisions, and communicate effectively. Approach it with confidence, authenticity, and a genuine commitment to the physician assistant profession.
