What is CASPer?
Institutions offering initial teacher education courses are required to select their students based on academic and non-academic criteria to determine suitability for teaching.
CASPer (computer-based assessment for sampling personal characteristics) is a test that gives students applying for an initial teacher education course an opportunity to demonstrate their suitability for a teaching career.
CASPer is made up of 12 sections: eight video-based scenarios and four text-based scenarios. Each scenario is followed by three open-ended questions. Test participants are asked to type in their responses within a time limit of five minutes.
The CASPer test assesses the following non-academic attributes:
- communication
- collaboration
- ethics
- empathy
- problem-solving
- professionalism
- equity
- motivation.
More information about the test
Further details about the test, dates and sample test content can be found on the CASPer website.
When do I need to sit the CASPer test?
If you are applying for the Bachelor of Education (Early Years), Bachelor of Education (Primary), Bachelor of Health and Physical Education, Master of Applied Learning and Teaching (Secondary) or Master of Teaching you will need to sit the CASPer test on one of the following dates:
Undergraduate dates and times
- Tuesday 10 December 2019, 8pm
- Tuesday 7 January 2020, 8pm
- Thursday 23 January 2020, 8pm
- Thursday 6 February 2020, 8pm
Postgraduate dates and times
- Tuesday 10 December 2019, 8pm
- Tuesday 7 January 2020, 8pm
- Thursday 23 January 2020, 8pm
- Thursday 6 February 2020, 8pm
How do I register for the test?
How you register for the CASPer test depends on whether you're applying for your Deakin teacher education course through VTAC or if you're applying directly to Deakin.
Applying through VTAC
You will need to enter your VTAC ID when registering for the CASPer test. You'll also be asked to provide government issued photo ID, e.g. a passport, driver licence or learner permit card. If you don’t have a valid government issued photo ID please contact support@takecasper.com.
When choosing a test date, make sure you select the right test for the courses to which you are applying (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate). Your results are sent directly to VTAC and the institutions to which you are applying. Results are not provided to the applicant. For more information about the VTAC and CASPer registration process, download the VTAC fact sheet.
Applying direct to Deakin
You'll need to enter your Deakin ID number in order to complete the registration process for CASPer. To get your Deakin ID number, start an application for the course you're interested in by visiting the Deakin University Applicant Portal. You'll be issued your ID number when you start your application. You can use this ID when registering for the CASPer test.
CASPer webinar
Join us as Deakin's Associate Head of School (Teaching & Learning), Associate Professor Amanda Mooney discusses the CASPer test with School Manager (Education) Jo Collins and Bachelor of Education (Primary) student Josh Miller.
Sample CASPer scenarios
Sample test scenarios are available on the CASPer website. Check out the examples and the types of questions included in the test to help you understand how CASPer works.
Test costs
Please be advised that applicants are responsible for the cost of the CASPer test. Deakin University will not be able to reimburse you any test costs.