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.
When do I need to sit the CASPer test?
If you are applying for the Bachelor of Early Childhood and Primary Education, 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.
CASPer test dates for courses starting in 2021:
- Friday 14 August 2020 at 10am AEST
- Friday 11 September 2020 at 7pm AEST
- Thursday 8 October 2020 at 11am AEDT
- Sunday 15 November 2020 at 1pm AEDT
- Tuesday 8 December 2020 at 8pm AEDT
- Friday 8 January 2021 at 8pm AEDT
- Thursday 28 January 2021 at 8pm AEDT
- Tuesday 9 February 2021 at 8pm AEDT
More information about the test
Further details about the test, dates and sample test content can be found on the CASPer website.
CASPer test webinar
Learn about the CASPer test from our education and teaching course experts and current students. Find out what the test involves, how it works, what you'll be assessed on and how to prepare.
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
Upon commencement of the CASPer registration process, you’ll be asked to enter one of the following Deakin ID numbers:
- Undergraduate applicants: DU2021UG
- Postgraduate applicants: DU2021PG
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.