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Typing speed for the CASPer test

Last updated · 5 min read

Take the 3-minute typing testPractice full sentences

What the official format says about the typed section, and how to practice typing under time pressure on a computer keyboard.

If you're applying to a medical, nursing, dental, health-professions or teacher-education program, you may be asked to take Casper, Acuity Insights' situational judgment test. Part of it is typed, on a clock. This guide sums up what Acuity's own pages say about that section, then gives you a simple way to get comfortable typing full answers under time pressure, using free timed tests and lessons.

RiteType is not affiliated with or endorsed by Acuity Insights, and is not sponsored by them. Casper is a trademark of its owner.

How the typed section works (2026–2027 cycle)

Here is what Acuity Insights says about the format for the 2026–2027 cycle. Formats can change from cycle to cycle, so check the linked pages before your test.

  • 11 scenarios in total: 4 video-response scenarios, then 7 typed-response scenarios (format and length, About Casper).
  • Two questions at once, 3.5 minutes for both: each typed scenario shows 2 questions together, and you have 3.5 minutes to answer both (same pages).
  • Optional reflection time: there's an optional 30-second reflection period before you respond. Total estimated time is 65–85 minutes, with optional breaks (format and length).
  • Some programs differ: some programs, such as Australian teacher education, use a shorter format (About Casper).
  • What changed: typed responses went from 5 minutes for 3 questions to 3.5 minutes for 2 questions as of the 2025–26 cycle (2025–26 changes).

Does typing speed matter? What Acuity says

Acuity's answer is clear: speed isn't what gets scored. Its Myth vs Fact sheet says raters focus on the rationale and quality of responses, "not typing speed, response length alone, format, spelling, or grammar" (Myth vs Fact 2026). The same sheet adds that if typing isn't a strength, online typing resources may help you feel more comfortable under time constraints.

Acuity also says typos, incomplete sentences and small grammar mistakes don't affect your score, that full sentences or bullet points are both fine, and that many applicants don't finish typing all their thoughts (spelling and grammar).

So the balanced view is this: typing speed isn't scored, but if typing feels slow or awkward, it can take attention away from your thinking and leave ideas unwritten when time runs out. The goal of practice is comfort, not a number.

How many words fit in 3.5 minutes (simple arithmetic)

The table below is plain arithmetic: typing speed multiplied by 3.5 minutes. It is not a target, and it is not an Acuity figure. Acuity doesn't publish a required or recommended typing speed.

Typing speed Words in 3.5 minutes (arithmetic only)
30 WPM 105
40 WPM 140
50 WPM 175
60 WPM 210
70 WPM 245
80 WPM 280

Real answers come out slower than a typing test score, because you're thinking, reading two questions and deciding what to say while you type. Treat these numbers as a ceiling, not an expectation.

Find your starting speed

Start with the 3-minute typing test. It's the closest of our tests to the length of one typed scenario, and it includes capitals and punctuation, like a real answer. When that feels easy, try the 5-minute typing test to build stamina. You can also take a quick 1-minute test or browse all typing tests.

Your result shows net WPM and accuracy. If you're not sure what those mean, read WPM vs CPM. For context on how people in general type, see average typing speed, but remember there's no Casper speed to hit.

A 2-week typing practice plan for CASPer

This is a suggestion, not a guarantee. It's meant to make typing feel routine before test day, not to change any score.

Spend about 15 minutes a day: one sentence lesson, then one paragraph lesson, and a timed test every other day.

One more drill: make up short everyday dilemmas of your own (a friend asks to borrow money, a coworker misses a deadline) and type a two-part answer in a plain text editor, using your phone's or computer's timer set to 3.5 minutes. Don't reproduce or paraphrase official Casper scenarios.

Need a break? Try the typing games for adults.

Typing technique that holds up under a clock

  • Eyes on the screen. Looking down at the keys costs time and breaks your train of thought. Touch typing is the fix.
  • Keep going past typos. Acuity says small typos and grammar slips don't affect your score, so it usually makes sense to keep moving instead of fixing every error.
  • Use the right fingers. The finger placement guide shows which finger hits each key.
  • Sit well. Feet flat, screen at eye level, wrists straight and relaxed.

More tips are in how to type faster.

Test-day keyboard setup

Acuity requires a desktop or laptop computer; phones, tablets and Chromebooks aren't supported. You'll test your keyboard during the System Check (technical requirements). Speech-to-text tools aren't permitted unless they're pre-approved as an accommodation (format and length).

Practice on the same keyboard and computer you plan to use on test day, so the key feel and layout are familiar.

Sources

All checked on October 22, 2026:

RiteType is not affiliated with or endorsed by Acuity Insights, and is not sponsored by them. Casper is a trademark of its owner.

Frequently asked questions

What typing speed do I need for the CASPer test?

Acuity Insights doesn't publish a required typing speed. For the 2026–2027 cycle, each typed scenario gives you 3.5 minutes to answer two questions, and Acuity says raters focus on the quality of your reasoning, not typing speed, spelling or grammar. Practice typing clear answers under a clock so speed doesn't distract you.

Does typing speed affect your CASPer score?

Acuity Insights says raters assess the rationale and quality of your responses, not typing speed, response length alone, format, spelling or grammar. Typing faster can still help you get your ideas down within the 3.5-minute limit, so comfortable, accurate typing is worth practicing before test day.

How long do you have to type each CASPer answer?

For the 2026–2027 cycle, the typed section has 7 scenarios. Each shows two questions at once, and you have 3.5 minutes in total to answer both. There's an optional 30-second reflection period before you respond. Some programs use a shorter test format, so check your own test details.

Do typos count on the CASPer test?

No. Acuity Insights says typos, incomplete sentences and small grammar mistakes won't affect your score, and you can write in full sentences or bullet points. Because of that, it usually makes sense to keep typing rather than stop to fix small errors while the clock runs.

How can I practice typing for CASPer?

Practice typing full sentences with punctuation under a timer, on the same kind of desktop or laptop keyboard you'll use on test day. Timed tests of 3 and 5 minutes build steady pacing, and paragraph lessons build stamina. Acuity also offers a practice test for getting comfortable with the timed format.

Can I take CASPer on a tablet or with voice typing?

No. Acuity Insights requires a desktop or laptop computer; phones, tablets and Chromebooks aren't supported. Speech-to-text tools aren't permitted unless they're approved as a testing accommodation. Practice on a physical keyboard with the same computer setup you plan to use.