CASPer Sample Questions: Realistic Practice Scenarios & Expert Answers

How to Use These CASPer Sample Questions

The best way to use CASPer sample questions is to treat them like real practice rather than passive reading. Before looking at the model answer, pause and give yourself a strict time limit to respond to the scenario. Focus on identifying the key stakeholders, gathering missing information, balancing empathy with fairness, and communicating professionally.

When reviewing the sample answers below, pay attention to the structure of the reasoning rather than memorizing specific wording. CASPer responses that score well usually acknowledge multiple perspectives, avoid jumping to conclusions, and explain how conflicts could be handled respectfully and fairly.

Remember that CASPer is not testing whether you can find the “perfect” answer. Instead, it evaluates your judgment, communication style, professionalism, empathy, and ability to navigate difficult situations under pressure.

"BeMo Casper prep. Review for Dr. Joseph Narusis. I found the Casper Prep review sessions that I had with Dr. Joseph Narusis extremely helpful, as he explained the ways that I can progress and improve for my Casper test. He also provided great resources for me to work on as homework in my review session with him: after taking my simulations through my BeMo account, which I found to be the key for me through my progress journey." - BeMo student.

What These CASPer Sample Questions Are Testing

CASPer scenarios are designed to evaluate how you think through difficult interpersonal and professional situations under pressure. While each scenario is different, strong responses usually demonstrate skills such as:

• empathy and professionalism
• conflict resolution
• communication under pressure
• fairness and ethical reasoning
• teamwork and accountability
• self-awareness and reflection

As you work through the sample questions below, focus on identifying the main issue, gathering additional information before making assumptions, and explaining how you would respond professionally in different possible outcomes.

If you want a complete breakdown of the major CASPer question categories and strategies for each type, review our guide to CASPer question types.

Official CASPer Sample Questions #1: Toy Refund 

Prompt

You are an employee at a retail store, and you overhear an interaction between a customer and another employee at the cash register. The customer is here to return an item; however, he does not have a receipt for the purchased item and claims to have paid in cash. Despite assurances by the customer that he did buy the item at your store, your colleague informs the customer that, while he can provide store credit or an exchange, store policy does not allow refunds of more than $20 without a receipt. The customer informs your colleague that he really needs a refund given that this was a birthday purchase for his daughter, but now he desperately requires that money to buy his daughter’s prescription medication. You are the store manager, your colleague turns to you for advice.

What This Scenario Is Testing

• Balancing empathy with policy
• Professional communication
• Fairness and consistency
• Decision-making under uncertainty
• Conflict management

Key Considerations

• Does the customer have any proof of purchase?
• Is there flexibility within store policy?
• How can the customer be treated fairly without creating an inconsistent precedent?
• How should the employee communicate the decision respectfully?

Model Questions and Answers

1. As the store manager, would you give this customer a refund? Why or why not?

The most pressing issue is that the customer may not have enough money to buy his daughter’s medication, so I would approach the situation with empathy while still respecting store policy. Before making a decision, I would try to verify the purchase through a transaction history, loyalty account, or another store location. If I can confirm the purchase, then I would approve the refund and document the exception. If I cannot fully verify it but policy allows some discretion, then I would consider issuing the refund while informing senior management afterward. However, if I cannot verify the purchase and policy does not allow exceptions, then I would not issue the refund and would instead offer alternatives such as store credit or an exchange.

2. Imagine that you decide to refuse to give a refund. How would you communicate your decision to the customer? Explain your response.

If I decided not to issue the refund, I would speak to the customer privately and respectfully. First, I would acknowledge that the situation sounds stressful and ask whether they have any additional proof of purchase. If they can provide supporting information, then I would reassess the situation. If they cannot, then I would explain that store policy requires proof of purchase for refunds over a certain amount in order to ensure fairness for all customers. If the customer remains calm, I would focus on offering alternatives such as store credit or an exchange. If the interaction became disruptive or unsafe, then I would respectfully end the conversation and involve additional staff if necessary.

Why This Answer Works

This response works because it balances empathy with professionalism rather than focusing only on rules or only on emotions. The answer avoids making assumptions about the customer while still recognizing the importance of consistent store policy. It also demonstrates flexibility by considering possible verification methods and escalation pathways before making a final decision.

Common Mistake to Avoid

A common mistake in scenarios like this is immediately siding with either the customer or the employee without gathering additional information. Strong CASPer responses avoid extreme positions and instead focus on fairness, communication, and reasonable problem-solving.

Official CASPer Sample Questions #2: Group Contribution 

Prompt

You are a member of a study group and you observe members of your group having a heated conversation. Mike and John are confronting Sarah about her inconsistent contribution to the study group. Mike and John are upset that Sarah did not contribute to the study session today and accuse her of not being prepared. Sarah defends herself by saying that she has been busy writing an important paper. Mike and John inform her that they also had the same paper due and, despite that, were able to show up prepared for the session. They then accuse her of regularly coming to tutorials unprepared, suggesting that she’s only learning from the information that they have provided during the study sessions. Sarah informs them that she has been under a lot of stress and that they are not being fair to her. She prepares to leave due to their “negativity”. 

What This Scenario Is Testing

• Accountability in team settings
• Conflict resolution
• Compassion versus fairness
• Professional communication
• Managing uncertainty

Key Considerations

• Avoid making assumptions without evidence
• Respect privacy regarding medical conditions
• Maintain fairness to the rest of the group
• Explore solutions before escalation

Model Questions and Answers

1. One of your group members, Paul, has stopped contributing to your group assignment due to a medical condition. How should you and your group members handle this situation? Explain your response.

The most important issue is balancing fairness to the group with compassion for Paul’s possible medical condition. Before making assumptions, I would speak with Paul privately to gather more information about the situation. If the photo was old or Paul is still recovering, then I would respect his situation and help redistribute responsibilities fairly. If his health has improved enough for him to contribute again, then I would encourage him to rejoin the group and complete some of the remaining work. However, if it became clear that Paul was being dishonest and refused to contribute despite being able to do so, then I would escalate the issue to the professor so grading remains fair for everyone involved.

2. Imagine that Paul contributed a significant amount to the assignment before he put his courses on hold. How, if at all, would this change your response to the previous question? Explain your reasoning.

If Paul had already contributed significantly, I would be more sympathetic because he had already demonstrated commitment to the group. However, I would still want more information before making assumptions. If Paul is genuinely unable to continue, then I would acknowledge his earlier contributions and redistribute the remaining tasks fairly. However, if it became clear that he was capable of contributing but chose not to participate further, then I would discuss the issue with the instructor to ensure grading reflects each person’s contributions fairly. This approach balances empathy with accountability to the rest of the group.

Why This Answer Works

This response demonstrates professionalism because it avoids immediately accusing Paul of dishonesty while still recognizing the impact on the rest of the team. It balances empathy with accountability and focuses on gathering more information before escalating the situation.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Many students make the mistake of either completely excusing the behavior or immediately reporting the student without attempting communication first. CASPer responses should generally prioritize respectful dialogue and proportional escalation.

Official CASPer Sample Questions #3: No Gift Necessary

Prompt

You are sitting in on a conversation between Eric and Chloe, two volunteers under Mary, the volunteer coordinator. You are a colleague who also volunteers under Mary. Chloe and Eric receive thank‑you notes for their volunteer work; Mary’s note to Chloe contains cash with a message encouraging her to “get yourself a treat,” but Eric’s note contains only thanks. Both know that Eric put in most of the effort helping Mary the previous week. Chloe wonders whether Mary meant for her to share the money and says she could really use it. Eric later sees the cash and points out that he was the one who helped Mary the most. Chloe turns to you and asks what she should do in this situation.

What This Scenario Is Testing

• Fairness and professionalism
• Transparency in workplace relationships
• Ethical communication
• Team harmony

Key Considerations

• Avoid assumptions about intent
• Clarify misunderstandings directly
• Maintain professionalism
• Reduce interpersonal tension constructively

Model Questions and Answers

1. Mary, the volunteer coordinator, sent thank-you notes to both Chloe and Eric for their volunteering efforts, but only Chloe’s note included money. What, if anything, should Chloe do in this situation? Explain your reasoning.

The most important issue is maintaining fairness and professionalism while avoiding unnecessary conflict between team members. Before making assumptions, I would encourage Chloe to speak directly with Mary to clarify the intention behind the gift. If Mary explains that the money was intended specifically for Chloe, then Chloe can accept it without guilt. If the gift was intended for the group or Mary overlooked Eric’s contribution, then Chloe could share or return the money to avoid tension. If the misunderstanding continues creating conflict within the team, then I would encourage open and respectful communication to resolve the issue professionally.

2. Imagine that Eric frequently funds his volunteering efforts with his own money. How, if at all, does this affect your previous response? Explain your reasoning.

If Eric regularly spends his own money supporting the volunteer work, then his frustration becomes more understandable because he may feel his efforts are being overlooked. However, I still would not want Chloe to assume Mary acted unfairly intentionally. First, I would encourage Chloe to clarify the situation directly with Mary. If Mary confirms the money was intended only for Chloe, then Chloe could still consider sharing part of the gift as a gesture of goodwill. If Mary acknowledges Eric’s contributions were overlooked, then the situation could likely be resolved through direct communication and recognition of his efforts.

Why This Answer Works

This answer works because it prioritizes communication and clarification before judgment. Rather than escalating conflict or assigning blame immediately, it encourages professionalism, transparency, and direct communication to resolve uncertainty fairly.

Common Mistake to Avoid

A common mistake is assuming malicious intent too quickly. Strong CASPer responses usually avoid emotional reactions and instead focus on clarification, fairness, and respectful communication.

"I had an exceptional experience working with Simon Rousset, who provided the precise guidance I needed to feel confident and prepared. Their deep understanding of the CASPer format and their ability to break down each type of question were invaluable. They didn’t just teach me to answer questions—they helped me develop the structured thinking and ethical reasoning needed to succeed. The practice sessions were tailored to my strengths and weaknesses, making each session incredibly effective and personalized." - BeMo student.

Many students preparing for CASPer also practice with MMI interview questions because both formats evaluate communication, professionalism, and ethical reasoning under pressure.

Official CASPer Sample Questions #4: Paying a Price 

Prompt

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal.

What This Scenario Is Testing

• Self-awareness
• Resilience
• Prioritization
• Emotional maturity
• Reflection under pressure

Key Considerations

• Demonstrate thoughtful decision-making
• Reflect honestly without sounding overly dramatic
• Show growth and adaptability
• Connect the experience to long-term development

Model Questions and Answers

1. Briefly describe the situation and the sacrifice you made to accomplish the goal.

During my undergraduate studies, I once had to prepare for a major final exam while also being invited to a close friend’s family celebration. I knew the exam would have a significant impact on my final grade and ultimately my chances of getting into my desired program, but attending the event would mean losing an entire day of focused study. I decided to decline the invitation, which was difficult because I valued the relationship, and instead dedicated that time to revising the material thoroughly. This decision allowed me to prioritize my long-term academic goal, even though it meant temporarily disappointing someone close to me.

2. Imagine that despite the sacrifice made, you failed to accomplish the goal. How would you have felt in this situation? Explain your reasoning.

If I had made the sacrifice and still failed to achieve the goal, I would definitely feel disappointed at first. However, I would also recognize that meaningful goals often involve uncertainty, and that failure does not automatically mean the decision itself was wrong. I would reflect on what I could improve in the future, whether that involved my study strategies, time management, or preparation methods. At the same time, I would still value the experience because it reinforced important qualities like discipline, prioritization, and resilience. Learning how to handle setbacks constructively is important because future professional environments will also involve difficult decisions, uncertainty, and situations where effort does not always guarantee success.

Why This Answer Works

This response works because it reflects maturity, accountability, and resilience without exaggerating the situation. It explains the reasoning behind the sacrifice clearly while also demonstrating an ability to learn from setbacks.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Many applicants either choose examples that are too trivial or overdramatize the situation. Strong responses focus on thoughtful reflection, realistic growth, and emotional balance.

Please note: the first 3 questions are our interpretations of the video scenarios posted on the test administrator's website and can be viewed at takecasper.com. 

CASPer Written and Video Responses with Expert Answers

The following videos discuss expert strategies for answering written and video CASPer questions.

Written Response

Video Response

"I recently worked with Haitham Shoman to prepare for the Casper test, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. They had an in-depth understanding of the test format and provided clear strategies for tackling different types of scenarios. What stood out the most was their ability to tailor the sessions to my specific needs, offering constructive feedback that helped me refine my responses and build confidence. They were patient, encouraging, and always willing to go the extra mile, even staying longer to ensure I fully understood key concepts. Thanks to their guidance, I feel much more prepared and confident heading into the test. Highly recommend!" - BeMo student.

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Disclaimer: CASPer stands for computer-based assessment for sampling personal characteristics and is claimed to be a trademark of McMaster & Altus. BeMo does not recommend, endorse nor affiliate with CASPer, Altus or McMaster and vice versa. BeMo only provides preparation services and practice tests. To take CASPer, contact Altus directly.