Casper Test in Relation to Southern Cross University and Affiliated Institutes

When considering the Casper test for admission to courses associated with “Southern Cross” in Australia, it’s crucial to differentiate between Southern Cross University (SCU) and the Southern Cross Education Institute (SCEI-HE).

Southern Cross University (SCU) – Official Requirements:

As of early 2025, Southern Cross University’s primary method for assessing non-academic capabilities for its Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs involves an online questionnaire. Applicants are typically required to complete written statements demonstrating their alignment with the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) national professional standards for teachers. The official SCU website (scu.edu.au) does not prominently list the Casper test as a mandatory general admission requirement for its own Bachelor or Master of Education degrees, nor for its other direct-entry programs like those in health sciences.

Applicants should always refer to the specific course admission pages on the official Southern Cross University website (scu.edu.au) for the most current and direct non-academic entry requirements.

Southern Cross Education Institute (SCEI-HE) – Casper Requirement:

The Southern Cross Education Institute – Higher Education (SCEI-HE), an institution that may have affiliations or pathways related to SCU, does explicitly state a requirement for the Casper test for its teacher education programs.

• Courses Requiring Casper at SCEI-HE:
  • Postgraduate Teacher Education programs, such as the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
  • The specific Casper test required is usually CSP-20409 – Australian Postgraduate Teacher Education.
• Purpose at SCEI-HE: The test is used to measure attributes like motivation to teach, attitude toward learning, interpersonal and communication skills, resilience, self-efficacy, conscientiousness, and organization/planning skills.

What is the Casper Test? (General Information Applicable to SCEI-HE)

The Casper (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test is an online situational judgment test administered by Acuity Insights.

• Format: It presents a series of video-based and word-based hypothetical scenarios. After each scenario, you are asked a set of probing open-ended questions.
• Duration: Typically 60-90 minutes, though some versions can be 90-110 minutes, including optional breaks.
• Delivery: Completed online using a computer with a working webcam and microphone.
• Assessed Qualities: Designed to evaluate key personal and professional characteristics such as:
  • Collaboration and Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Ethics and Professionalism
  • Problem Solving and Judgment
  • Resilience and Adaptability
  • Self-awareness
  • Motivation
• Structure: The test usually involves sections where you type your responses and, in newer formats, sections where you record video responses.
• Scoring: Each section is scored by a different human rater. Applicants do not receive a specific score; results are sent directly to the selected institutions.
• Altus Suite: Casper is often part of the “Altus Suite,” which may also include “Snapshot,” a short, one-way video interview with standardized questions. SCEI-HE mentions Altus Suite, implying Snapshot might also be part of their requirement.

How Casper is Used in the Admission Process (Generally, and for SCEI-HE)

• Non-Academic Assessment: It provides institutions with a standardized way to assess non-academic qualities considered important for success in people-centered professions.
• Holistic Review: It complements academic scores and other application components to give a more well-rounded view of an applicant.
• Fairness and Objectivity: Aims to provide a more objective measure of personal characteristics compared to traditional interviews or personal statements alone.

Practical Information for Applicants (Primarily for SCEI-HE or if Casper is required)

If you are required to take the Casper test for an institution like SCEI-HE:

• Registration:
  • Visit the official Acuity Insights website (takecasper.com or acuityinsights.app).
  • Create an account using a government-issued photo ID and the same email address used for your program application.
  • Select the correct Casper test version (e.g., Australian Postgraduate Teacher Education – CSP-20409 for SCEI-HE) and the institution(s) to receive your results.
• Test Dates and Deadlines:
  • A limited number of test dates are available. Register at least 3 days before your preferred date to allow for identity verification and payment processing.
  • Pay close attention to the deadlines for test completion and score distribution set by the institution.
• Technical Requirements:
  • A desktop or laptop computer (smartphones/tablets not recommended).
  • Working webcam and microphone.
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Preparation:
  • Familiarize yourself with the test format by using the practice materials and sample test provided on the Acuity Insights website.
  • No specific subject knowledge is required. Focus on understanding the types of scenarios and how to articulate your reasoning clearly.
• Test Cost:
  • There is a fee to take Casper, and potentially additional fees for distributing results. SCEI-HE documentation mentions a fee of approximately $80 for students, but this should be verified on the official Casper website.
• Results:
  • Scores are sent directly to the institutions, typically 2-3 weeks after the test. You will not see your own score.
• Validity and Retakes:
  • Casper scores are generally valid for a single admissions cycle.
  • Retaking the same test type within the same cycle is usually not permitted.

Recommendations

1. Clarify the Institution: First and foremost, confirm whether you are applying to Southern Cross University (SCU) directly or to the Southern Cross Education Institute (SCEI-HE), as their requirements differ.
2. Check Official SCU Sources: If applying to Southern Cross University, consult their official website (scu.edu.au) for the specific non-academic requirements for your chosen course. For teacher education, this is likely the online questionnaire.
3. Check Official SCEI-HE Sources: If applying to Southern Cross Education Institute, refer to their website (scei-he.edu.au) and admission documents, which clearly indicate a Casper test requirement for relevant programs.
4. Contact Admissions: If in any doubt, directly contact the admissions office of the specific institution and course you are interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

This information should help you understand the nuances of the Casper test requirement in relation to entities named “Southern Cross” in the Australian higher education sector.