Admissions

CASPer Test Requirement


All applicants to Dalhousie's Bachelor of Science (Nursing) program are required to complete a 90-minute computer-based online assessment (CASPer Test), in addition to meeting academic requirements. Successful completion of CASPer is mandatory in order to maintain admission eligibility.

CASPer is an online test which assesses for non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that are important for successful students and graduates of the Nursing program. In implementing CASPer, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivitiy in our admission selection process.

Please note that the CASPer test can only be written once within an admission cycle. Multiple test attempts are not permitted. Additionally, CASPer test results are only valid for one admission cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.

Please direct any inquiries on the test to CASPer provider, Altus.

A Dalhousie ID number (B00 number) is required to register for the CASPer test, and to have your results sent to Dalhousie. In order to receive a Dalhousie ID number you must:

  1. Apply to Nursing - Complete and submit the online Dalhousie undergraduate application for admission.
  2. Wait up to one week to receive your Dalhousie ID number - Your Dalhousie ID number will be sent to you via email up to one week after the submission of your application. Please monitor your email for communications from "Dalhousie Admissions". Your Dalhousie ID number can be found in the upper right hand corner of the letter (secured PDF) email attachment. It begins with "B00".

Once you receive your Dalhousie ID number you can use it along with a piece of government issued photo ID to register for a CASPer test date. Please note that CASPer is a separate organization that sets test dates for multiple Nursing programs across Canada. As such, the test dates may or may not align with the Dalhousie University application deadline for the Nursing program. Please plan accordingly so that you receive your Dalhousie ID number in time for the last CASPer test date registration. 

Test Dates & Registration

CASPer test dates and times for September 2022 Nursing admission will be available at takealtus.com in early Fall 2021.

You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times. Please note that these are the only testing dates available for your CASPer test. There will be no additional tests scheduled. 

Once test dates are posted, you can register for the CASPer test at takealtus.com using your Dalhousie ID number ('B00' number) and a piece of government-issued photo ID. Your Dalhousie ID number will be issued to you via email no later than one week after the submission of your Dalhousie Undergraduate Application. Please use an email address that you check regularly to ensure that you receive relevant updates to the test schedule.

Test Fees

There is an additional fee for applicants payable to CASPer for the CASPer test. CASPer fees consist of two components:

  • A fee to take CASPer - $40 (CAD)
  • A fee to distribute your results to the institutions you select - $12 (CAD) per school

For more information on CASPer fees please visit takealtus.com

Test Results

After a processing period, your CASPer score will be submitted directly to the programs you identified when registering for the test. CASPer score will be sent ONLY to those programs. You will not receive your CASPer score.

Once received by Dalhousie, your CASPer score will be used in combination with your academic performance for admission assessment.

Test Structure

The CASPer test is comprised of 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time limit.

No studying is required for CASPer, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at takealtus.com/casper. You should also review the technical requirements below and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test.

Technical Requirements

In order to take CASPer you will be responsible for securing access to a computer with audio capabilities, a webcam, and a reliable internet connection on your selected test date. CASPer can be taken practically anywhere that you can satisfy these technical requirements.

Please note that CASPer's policy is that no exceptions will be provided for applicants unable to take CASPer online due to being located at sites where internet is not dependable due to technical or political factors.