Federation University Australia does utilize the Casper Situational Judgement Test (SJT) as part of its admissions process for specific Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses, such as the Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary) and Bachelor of Secondary Education programs.

However, it’s important to note Federation University’s specific approach:

• Option Provided: Applicants needing to fulfill the non-academic selection requirement for these ITE courses generally have a choice between two online tests:
  1. Casper: The standard SJT administered by Acuity Insights (only the Casper component is compulsory; Snapshot is optional/recommended).
  2. NARTE (Non-Academic Requirements for Teacher Entry): An alternative online questionnaire.
• Mandatory Hurdle: Completing one of these assessments (either Casper or NARTE) is a mandatory hurdle requirement. Failure to complete an accepted test by the deadline makes an application ineligible, irrespective of academic results. The test serves to assess personal attributes and suitability for teaching.
• Fee Reimbursement: Uniquely, Federation University states it will reimburse the Casper test fee (cited as $80 in older documents, current fee should be checked on the Acuity Insights website) for applicants who choose Casper, remain enrolled after the census date, and meet eligibility criteria. NARTE is noted as being free.

How Casper Mock Tests Help Federation University Applicants (if choosing Casper):

For candidates applying to Federation University’s relevant ITE programs who choose to take the Casper test instead of the NARTE questionnaire, mock tests offer valuable preparation benefits:

1. Mastering the Casper Format:
   • Federation Context: Candidates opting for Casper need to navigate its specific online format: video and text-based scenarios followed by timed, typed responses. This differs from the NARTE questionnaire format.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Casper mock tests provide crucial familiarity with the Acuity Insights platform, the types of scenarios presented (video/text), the question structure, and the strict time limits for typing responses. This ensures candidates choosing Casper are comfortable with this specific test environment.
2. Demonstrating Teaching Suitability (Casper Style):
   • Federation Context: Casper is used to assess non-academic attributes essential for teaching, such as motivation, communication skills, resilience, ethics, empathy, and organisational skills.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Practice scenarios help candidates understand how to effectively showcase these teaching-specific qualities within the Casper framework. They learn to analyze situations, consider different perspectives (students, colleagues, parents), and articulate reasoned, ethical, and empathetic responses tailored to the Casper assessment style.
3. Developing Time Management for Typed Responses:
   • Federation Context: Casper requires formulating and typing responses to multiple questions within short timeframes (e.g., 5 minutes total for 3 questions).
   • Mock Test Benefit: Practicing under timed conditions is vital for developing the necessary speed and efficiency. Mock tests help candidates learn to manage their time effectively, ensuring they can provide thoughtful answers to all questions within Casper’s constraints.
4. Successfully Clearing the Chosen Hurdle:
   • Federation Context: Successfully completing either Casper or NARTE is mandatory for eligibility.
   • Mock Test Benefit: For those choosing Casper, practice increases the likelihood of successfully completing the test and meeting the non-academic suitability standard required by Federation University, thus clearing this essential admissions hurdle.
5. Building Confidence in the Selected Test:
   • Federation Context: Applicants make an active choice between Casper and NARTE.
   • Mock Test Benefit: If Casper is chosen, practicing specifically for it builds confidence in navigating that particular test, reducing anxiety and allowing candidates to perform to the best of their ability.

Conclusion:

While Federation University offers a choice (Casper or NARTE) for meeting the non-academic selection criteria for its Initial Teacher Education programs, Casper mock tests are a highly beneficial tool for applicants who specifically choose the Casper option. Practice helps these candidates master the unique Casper format, effectively demonstrate teaching suitability within its framework, manage the timing demands, and confidently clear this mandatory hurdle. Although the test fee may be reimbursed later by Federation University for eligible enrolled students, preparation via mock tests is still key to ensuring successful completion. As it is currently May 2, 2025, prospective students considering entry for 2026 should investigate test dates and begin preparation if choosing the Casper pathway. Always confirm the latest requirements directly with Federation University.