Full List of Schools That Require CASPer (2026)

Canada has the highest adoption rate of CASPer among medical schools. The test was originally developed by researchers at McMaster University, and the majority of Canadian medical schools now require it. For Canadian applicants, CASPer is effectively a universal requirement.

CASPer adoption in the United States has grown significantly in recent years. While not yet as universal as in Canada, a growing number of allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) programs now require the test. US applicants should check each school individually, as requirements can change from year to year.

Several Australian medical schools have adopted CASPer as an alternative or complement to traditional situational judgment tests. The University of Newcastle was one of the earliest international adopters, and other Australian universities have followed.

Beyond Medical Schools: Nursing, Pharmacy, and Other Programs

CASPer is not limited to medical school admissions. A growing number of nursing programs, pharmacy programs, physician assistant programs, and other health professional programs also require the test. The competencies that CASPer assesses (empathy, communication, ethics, collaboration) are relevant across all healthcare fields.

Nursing programs that require CASPer include programs at McMaster University, the University of Toronto, and several others across Canada. In the United States, some physician assistant and nursing programs have also begun adopting the test.

If you are applying to any health professional program, check whether CASPer is required by searching for your specific program on the Altus Assessments website. The list of participating programs is updated each application cycle.

How Schools Use Your CASPer Score

Schools use CASPer scores differently. Some use it as a hard cutoff: if your score falls below a certain threshold, your application will not be reviewed further. Others use it as one factor among many in a holistic review, where a strong CASPer score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA or MCAT, and vice versa.

At McMaster, for example, CASPer carries substantial weight in the admissions formula and is used to screen applicants before interview invitations. At other schools, CASPer may be weighted less heavily but still serves as a meaningful data point in the file review process.

Regardless of how a specific school weights it, the principle is the same: a strong CASPer score can only help your application, and a weak score can significantly hurt it. Since you can distribute your CASPer score to multiple schools from a single test sitting, preparing well is one of the highest-return investments you can make in your application.

When to Take CASPer for Your Application Cycle

CASPer is offered on multiple dates throughout the application season. You only need to take it once per cycle, and you can send your score to all of your target schools from that single sitting. However, timing matters.

Most advisors recommend taking CASPer in the earliest available window for your application cycle. This ensures your score reaches all schools before their review deadlines. Taking a later test date is risky because score distribution can take two to three weeks, and some schools begin reviewing files on a rolling basis.

Start preparing at least four to six weeks before your intended test date. This gives you enough time to learn the format, practice under timed conditions, and take several mock exams to build confidence and improve your score.