Altus Suite - Non-academic selection for Initial Teacher Education

All candidates who wish to enrol in any of Federation University Australia’s Initial Teacher Education programs will need to complete a non-academic selection component as part of the admission requirements.

Why do I need to complete a non-academic selection component?
This requirement is part of the the Victorian Framework for Selection into Initial Teacher Education. It requires all candidates into initial teacher education programs from 2018 onwards to include a non-academic selection component. At Federation University Australia, all candidates must complete Altus Suite. Altus Suite consists of two-parts, however only the Casper component is compulsory for Federation University applications.Some of the attributes that are assessed include:

  • how motivated you are to teach
  • strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • a willingness to learn
  • resilience and self-efficacy
  • how conscientious you are
  • organisational and planning skills.

How do I complete a non-academic selection component?
The assessment is completed through Altus Suite, which is an online screening tool designed to assess important personal and professional qualities against the Victorian Framework for Selection for Initial Teacher Education.

Altus Suite consists of:

  • Casper: a 60-90 minute online situational judgment test (SJT)
  • Snapshot: a 10-minute one-way interview with standardised questions

About Casper (compulsory for Federation University applicants)
The Casper test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 60-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarise yourself with the test structure at TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment, but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.

Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.

For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.

About Snapshot (optional for Federation University applicants)
Snapshot is a one-way interview tool that takes 15 minutes to complete. It is used to help programs get to know their applicants better by assessing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as motivation for the profession. Snapshot includes two mandatory practice questions to allow applicants to get familiar with the format and to test your audio and video capabilities. After you complete the practice portion, you will move on to record responses to three standardised interview-style questions. Applicants have two minutes to record each response. You will have time to read and consider each question during a 30-second reflection period before you begin recording. All recorded responses will be submitted to the program for review.

Where do I complete the non-academic selection component?
You will need to complete the assessment at a scheduled time. Candidates can only attempt the assessment once each academic calendar. Test times are in the Eastern time zone as indicated: EDT (Eastern Daylight Time) or EST (Eastern Savings Time).

We recommend you register at least three days before the date you’d like to take Altus Suite so you give yourself enough time for your ID to be verified and your payment processed.

To register for Altus Suite, you’ll need to have the following ready:

  • Government-issued photo ID –for example a passport, driver licence or learners permit card
  • Valid email address (the same one you will use to submit your application)
  • If you’re applying through VTAC, you’ll need to enter your VTAC number
  • If you are applying direct to Federation University Australia – you will need to enter your Federation University Australia Applicant ID Number or your Federation University Australia Student ID

In order to take Altus Suite, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop computer with webcam and audio capabilities. You will require the following for both account creation and completing Altus Suite:

  • Working webcam
  • Working microphone
  • Reliable high-speed internet connection

How much will it cost?
The Altus Suite test costs $80 and is non-refundable. The test cost is not charged to or received by Federation University Australia.

How is Altus Suite used in my admission application?
As well as an ATAR minimum score, your Altus Suite Casper assessment is compared to other candidates who take the assessment on the same day as you. For Federation University Australia, the lower threshold score is -2SD.

More information
In the advent of Altus Suite being unavailable, the University reserves the right to substitute an alternative non-cognitive assessment

Register for Altus Suite and more information