BCG Casey: How to Prepare and Pass the Test (2026)

Author: Taylor Warfield, Former Bain Manager and interviewer

Last Updated: March 19, 2026

 

BCG Casey is the online chatbot assessment that BCG uses to screen consulting candidates before live case interviews. You will solve a single business case through 8 to 10 sequential questions in about 25 to 30 minutes, then deliver a 1 minute video recommendation.

 

Roughly 30% of candidates pass this test, making it one of the most selective screening steps in consulting recruiting. This guide covers exactly what to expect, how the test is scored, and how to prepare so you pass on your first try.

 

But first, a quick heads up:

 

McKinsey, BCG, Bain, and other top firms accept less than 1% of applicants every year. If you want to triple your chances of landing interviews and 8x your chances of passing them, watch my free 40-minute training.

 

What Changed in 2026?

 

As of March 2026, BCG Casey remains the primary screening assessment at nearly every BCG office worldwide. The Potential Test (the old 45 minute, 23 question multiple choice format) is fully retired.

 

The biggest recent developments are the rollout of the BCG Consulting Career Assessment as an additional pre-screening step in some markets, and the introduction of the BCG Cognitive Test in Germany as a Casey alternative. We cover both of these assessments later in this article.

 

The Casey format itself is stable. You will face 8 to 10 questions in 25 to 30 minutes, a mix of multiple choice and open ended questions, followed by a 60 second video recommendation. No negative scoring. No ability to skip or go back.

 

What Is BCG Casey?

 

BCG Casey is a digital case interview delivered through a chatbot interface. The chatbot (named Casey) presents a business case and walks you through a series of questions about it. Think of it as the most interviewer-led case interview you will ever face, except your interviewer is software.

 

The assessment was developed by HireQuotient, a Singapore-based startup co-founded by a BCG alumnus. BCG launched Casey in 2020 in select Asian offices and has since expanded it globally. According to BCG, the chatbot evaluates the same core consulting skills as a traditional case interview: structured thinking, data interpretation, quantitative reasoning, and communication.



 

Where Does BCG Casey Fit in the Interview Process?

 

BCG uses Casey in two ways depending on the office. Most commonly, Casey is a pre-interview screening tool sent after your resume is accepted. You complete it remotely before being invited to live interviews. In some offices, Casey is administered as part of Round 1 alongside a live case interview with a human interviewer.

 

A typical BCG interview process looks like this: application screening (about 10% to 15% advance), Casey chatbot assessment (about 30% pass), first round interviews (2 live cases), and final round interviews (2 to 3 live cases with partners). The overall BCG acceptance rate is roughly 1% to 3% of total applicants, according to Glassdoor data. For more on the full process, see our guide on BCG case interview prep.

 

Who Has to Take BCG Casey?

 

Not every BCG applicant receives the Casey assessment. It is typically sent to candidates who pass the initial resume screen. Undergrads, MBAs, PhDs, and experienced hires have all reported receiving the test. There is no evidence that the test differs by seniority level.

 

You will usually receive an email with a link to complete Casey within 3 to 7 days. Confirm with your BCG recruiter which assessment you are expected to take, as some offices (particularly in Germany) use the Cognitive Test instead.

 

What Is the Format of BCG Casey?

 

BCG Casey is a single business case broken into 8 to 10 sequential questions. The entire chatbot section takes 25 to 30 minutes, followed by a separate 60 second video recommendation. The interface resembles a messaging app, with text balloons from you and Casey displayed in a chat window.

 

How Long Is BCG Casey?

 

The chatbot portion is timed at 25 to 30 minutes. Once you begin, you cannot pause. Every 5 minutes, the chatbot displays a time reminder, which adds to the pressure. After the chatbot portion ends, you get 60 seconds of preparation time and then 60 seconds to record your video recommendation. The video timer is strict and candidates have reported being automatically cut off.

 

In my experience coaching candidates, a good rule of thumb is to divide your total time by the number of questions. If you have 30 minutes and 10 questions, target 3 minutes per question. Do not spend more than 4 minutes on any single question.

 

Can You Go Back to Previous Questions?

 

No. Once you submit an answer on BCG Casey, you cannot revisit it. Questions are presented sequentially. This is a major difference from the old Potential Test, which allowed free navigation between questions. Because of this, read each question carefully before submitting.

 

What Does the Interface Look Like?

 

Your screen is split into two panels. On the left, you see Casey's questions and your response options (multiple choice buttons, text input boxes, or a recording interface). On the right, you see the data exhibits, charts, and tables you need to answer the question. The data panel updates as you move through the case.

 

The overall feel is similar to Slack or WhatsApp. Despite looking conversational, Casey does not give you feedback on your answers. There is no indication of whether you answered correctly before moving on to the next question.

 

What Question Types Appear on BCG Casey?

 

BCG Casey includes five question formats: multiple select multiple choice, single select multiple choice, short text (numerical), long text (written explanation), and a self-recorded video. Here is what each looks like and how to approach it.

 

How Do Structuring Questions Work?

 

Structuring questions usually appear first. Casey presents a set of roughly 8 datasets and asks you to select which ones are most relevant to solving the case. This is essentially testing your ability to build a MECE framework and identify what information matters.

 

The key rule: choose the fewest options that cover the most ground. Some datasets will be irrelevant distractors. Others will only address one piece of the problem. Build a mental issue tree, then match datasets to branches.

 

You may also be asked to justify your selection in a short text response. Keep your explanation to 2 to 4 lines. State which datasets you chose and explain what analytical question each one helps answer.

 

How Do Quantitative Questions Work?

 

Quantitative questions make up the largest share of the test, typically 5 or more of the 8 to 10 questions. You will interpret charts, calculate averages, compute margins, estimate growth rates, and work with weighted averages. Answers are submitted as numerical values in a text field.

 

You are allowed to use a calculator since you are taking the test from home. Use it for any calculation that would take more than 15 seconds by hand. For a deeper review of the math concepts that appear most often, see our guide on case interview math.

 

Pay close attention to rounding instructions. Casey will usually specify how many decimal places to include. Submitting 6.26% when the test asks for one decimal place (6.3%) could cost you points.

 

How Do Critical Thinking Questions Work?

 

Critical thinking questions present a scenario and ask you to evaluate options. You might be asked to identify which conclusion is best supported by the data, which course of action makes the most strategic sense, or what explains a trend shown in a chart.

 

These questions are typically single select multiple choice. Read every answer option before choosing. Wrong answers are often designed to sound plausible but contain a logical flaw or reference data that does not actually support the claim.

 

How Do Business Intuition Questions Work?

 

Business intuition questions test your understanding of core business concepts like pricing strategy, competitive advantage, supply chain dynamics, and market entry considerations. These often appear as multiple select questions where you choose 2 to 3 correct answers from a larger set.

 

Having coached hundreds of candidates through this test, I find that business intuition questions trip up people who have strong quantitative skills but limited real-world business exposure. If you are an undergrad or come from a non-business background, spend extra time reviewing fundamental business strategy concepts.

 

How Does the Video Recommendation Work?

 

After the chatbot portion ends, you are prompted to record a 60 second video delivering your final recommendation for the case. You get 60 seconds of preparation time before the recording starts. The camera records through your webcam.

 

This is the only part of BCG Casey that evaluates your verbal communication, body language, and executive presence. Based on candidate reports, BCG may use AI to analyze your delivery in addition to (or instead of) human review.

 

I recommend using a simple structure for your video: state your recommendation in the first sentence, then give 2 to 3 supporting reasons with evidence, then briefly mention one risk or area for further analysis. Practice this structure until you can deliver it cleanly in under 55 seconds.

 

Here is a summary of all five question types:

 

Question Type

Format

What It Tests

Tip

Structuring

Multiple select

MECE thinking, data relevance

Choose fewest options that cover the most

Quantitative

Short text (number)

Math accuracy, chart reading

Use a calculator, watch rounding

Critical Thinking

Single select

Logical reasoning, data inference

Read all options before choosing

Business Intuition

Multiple select

Business acumen, strategy

Eliminate obviously wrong answers first

Video Recommendation

60-second recording

Communication, synthesis

Lead with recommendation, then reasons

 

How Is BCG Casey Scored?

 

BCG does not publicly disclose its exact scoring methodology for Casey. However, based on candidate reports and available information, here is what we know.

 

Casey does not use negative scoring. Unlike the old BCG Potential Test (which deducted 1 point for wrong answers), Casey requires you to answer every question before moving forward. You cannot skip questions. This means you should always submit your best answer, even if you are unsure.

 

BCG evaluates your performance across multiple dimensions: accuracy of your answers, the quality of your reasoning (in written responses), and your communication skills (in the video). The assessment is holistic. A strong video can partially compensate for a weaker quantitative section, and vice versa.

 

Some sources suggest that roughly 70% of the maximum possible score may be the passing threshold, though BCG has never confirmed this number. You will typically receive a pass or fail result within a few days, without a detailed score breakdown.

 

What Is the BCG Casey Pass Rate?

 

The estimated pass rate for BCG Casey is around 30%, meaning roughly 70% of candidates are screened out at this stage. This makes it one of the highest-attrition steps in the entire BCG recruiting process.

 

The most common reasons candidates fail include running out of time, making careless math errors, providing unstructured written answers, and delivering a rambling video recommendation. All of these are avoidable with proper preparation.

 

How Is BCG Casey Different from the Traditional BCG Case Interview?

 

BCG Casey and the traditional BCG case interview test the same core skills but differ significantly in format. Here is a side by side comparison:

 

Dimension

BCG Casey

Traditional BCG Case

Interviewer

Chatbot (no feedback)

Human interviewer (real-time feedback)

Duration

25-30 minutes + 1 min video

30 minutes within a 45-minute slot

Case Style

Fully interviewer-led

Candidate-led

Questions

8-10 sequential, pre-set

Open-ended, interactive

Clarifying Questions

Not possible

Encouraged

Calculator

Allowed

Not allowed (mental math only)

Answer Format

Multiple choice, typed text, video

Verbal discussion

Math Difficulty

Higher (calculator allowed)

Lower (mental math expected)

Navigation

Cannot go back

Flexible, guided by interviewer

 

The biggest practical difference: you cannot ask Casey for clarification. In a live BCG interview, you can ask the interviewer to repeat information or provide additional data. On Casey, you get one shot per question with no do-overs.

 

BCG Casey Example Questions and Solutions

 

BCG provides four official sample questions on their website. These are from a case about a gasoline retailer optimizing pricing strategy. Here is how to approach each one.

 

Example 1: Calculating Average Gross Margin

 

The case gives you three types of gasoline, each with a profit of 0.10 euros per liter and different retail prices (1.70, 1.60, and 1.50 euros). Each type accounts for a different percentage of sales (30%, 40%, and 30% respectively). The question asks for the average gross margin.

 

The approach is to calculate the weighted average of profit margins. For each gasoline type, divide the profit (0.10 euros) by the retail price, then multiply by the sales percentage. Sum these up:

 

(0.30 x 0.10/1.70) + (0.40 x 0.10/1.60) + (0.30 x 0.10/1.50) = 0.0176 + 0.0250 + 0.0200 = 0.0626

 

The answer is 6.3%.

 

Example 2: Identifying the Profit-Maximizing Price

 

A supply and demand chart shows where the two curves intersect. The question asks which price point maximizes profit. Find the intersection point on the chart. In this example, the curves cross just below 1.70 euros, making 1.70 the correct answer.

 

Tip: Do not overthink chart interpretation questions. Read the axes carefully, find the specific data point the question asks about, and select the closest answer. For more practice with chart-based questions, see our guide on case interview graphs and charts.

 

Example 3: Maximizing Retail Store Traffic

 

An industry research table shows that average retail sales per car do not change based on gasoline price, but the number of cars visiting per week increases as gasoline price decreases. The question asks which gasoline price maximizes retail revenue.

 

Since retail sales per car are constant, you simply want to maximize the number of cars. The lowest price (1.50 euros) attracts the most cars, so the answer is 1.50 euros.

 

Example 4: Maximizing Combined Profits

 

This question asks you to find the price that maximizes total profit from both gasoline sales and retail store sales. You need to calculate total profit at each of four price points and compare. The correct answer is 1.60 euros, which produces the highest combined profit of 1,440 euros.

 

This is the most complex of the four examples because it requires synthesizing data from multiple sources. Use your calculator and work through each price point systematically before submitting your answer.

 

How Should You Prepare for BCG Casey?

 

Preparing for BCG Casey is similar to preparing for a traditional case interview, with a few important adjustments for the digital format. Here is a step by step approach.

 

What Case Interview Skills Should You Sharpen?

 

Since Casey tests the same core skills as a live case interview, your foundation should be traditional case interview preparation. Practice building case interview frameworks, creating issue trees, and solving quantitative problems under time pressure.

 

If you want to learn case interviews quickly, my case interview course walks you through proven strategies in as little as 7 days, saving you 100+ hours of trial and error.

 

What Math Concepts Appear Most Often?

 

Based on candidate reports, the most common math concepts on BCG Casey include:

 

  • Weighted averages and percentage calculations

 

  • Gross margin and profitability analysis

 

  • Growth rate calculations (year over year)

 

  • Supply and demand curve interpretation

 

  • Break even analysis and basic probability

 

  • Data interpretation from multi-variable tables

 

Practice these with a calculator (since you will have one on test day) but also build speed. The time pressure on Casey is real. Spending 5 minutes on one math problem can put you behind on the rest of the case.

 

How Should You Practice the Video Recommendation?

 

The video recommendation catches many candidates off guard because they prepare only for the written and multiple choice sections. Record yourself delivering a 60 second recommendation at least 5 times before your actual test. Review each recording for clarity, structure, and confidence.

 

Common video mistakes include: starting with background context instead of the recommendation, running over time, looking away from the camera, and failing to cite specific evidence from the case. Avoid all of these.

 

How Should You Structure Your 1 Minute Video?

 

Use this proven structure for your 60 second video:

 

  • Recommendation (first 10 seconds): "Based on our analysis, I recommend that [client] should [specific action]."

 

  • Supporting reasons (next 35 seconds): "There are three reasons. First... Second... Third..." Reference specific numbers from the case.

 

  • Next steps or risks (final 15 seconds): "To confirm this recommendation, I would want to explore [one area]." This shows nuanced thinking.

 

Practice this template with different case scenarios until it feels natural. The structure is identical to how you would close a live case interview.

 

What Are the Most Common BCG Casey Mistakes?

 

Having coached hundreds of candidates through the BCG Casey assessment, I see the same mistakes repeatedly. Here are the ones that cost the most points:

 

  • Running out of time. About 40% of candidates do not finish all questions. If you spend 6 minutes on one question, you are almost certainly going to run out of time.

 

  • Misreading chart axes. BCG Casey uses data-heavy exhibits. Spend 10 to 15 seconds identifying what the axes represent before doing any analysis.

 

  • Submitting without double checking. Since you cannot go back, a careless error is permanent. Take 5 extra seconds to verify your answer before clicking submit.

 

  • Writing unstructured long-text answers. BCG limits responses to 4 to 6 lines. Use a top-down format: state your conclusion first, then support it. Do not bury your answer at the end of your explanation.

 

  • Treating Casey as a formality. Some candidates assume that a chatbot test cannot possibly be as important as a live interview. This is wrong. Casey eliminates roughly 70% of candidates. Prepare for it with the same intensity as a live case.

 

Top Tips to Pass BCG Casey

 

Follow these practical tips on test day to give yourself the best chance of passing.

 

  • Set up your environment. Fully charge your laptop. Use a stable internet connection (wired if possible). Close all other applications. Have a calculator, pen, and scratch paper ready.

 

  • Read the case prompt carefully. Write down the client name, their situation, and the exact objective. Solving for the wrong objective is the fastest way to fail.

 

  • Keep a running list of key takeaways. After each question, jot down the key insight. This will make your 60-second video much easier to deliver because you will already have your supporting reasons written down.

 

  • Pace yourself. Divide total time by number of questions. If you have 30 minutes and 10 questions, spend no more than 3 minutes per question on average. Set a timer if needed.

 

  • Use your calculator liberally. Mental math mistakes under time pressure are the most common reason for wrong answers. This is not a live interview. Use the calculator.

 

  • Stay calm when you hit a hard question. Not every question will be easy. If you are stuck, make your best educated guess and move on. A single wrong answer will not sink you, but running out of time will.

 

  • Practice the video in advance. Record yourself giving a 60-second recommendation at least 5 times before test day. Review for clarity, eye contact, and pacing.

 

  • Dress professionally from the waist up. The video is reviewed by BCG (possibly by AI). Looking polished signals that you take the assessment seriously.

 

What Other BCG Assessments Should You Know About?

 

In addition to Casey, BCG has introduced two other assessments in select markets. Understanding what they are will help you avoid surprises.

 

What Is the BCG Consulting Career Assessment?

 

The BCG Consulting Career Assessment is a pre-screening step that some offices added in August 2024. It is separate from and in addition to Casey. You will receive the link within 24 hours and BCG recommends about 30 minutes to complete it.

 

The assessment includes an instruction review section, untimed behavioral questions (choose 1 of 3 phrases that best describes you), and a timed section. The timed section resembles a cognitive ability test. Calculators are allowed and there is no webcam requirement.

 

If your office requires the Consulting Career Assessment, you will receive a separate email about it. Not all offices use it.

 

What Is the BCG Cognitive Test?

 

The BCG Cognitive Test is used in a small number of offices, most notably in Germany, as a replacement for Casey. It is a proctored assessment monitored via Zoom with 80 questions to be completed in 30 minutes. That is less than 30 seconds per question.

 

The questions test numerical reasoning and logical thinking at very high speed. BCG likely does not expect candidates to finish all 80 questions. Instead, the test measures how many you can answer correctly under extreme time pressure.

 

If you are applying to BCG Germany or another office that uses this format, confirm with your recruiter so you prepare for the right assessment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does Everyone Have to Take BCG Casey?

 

No. BCG Casey is sent to candidates who pass the resume screen. Not every applicant receives it. Additionally, some offices use alternative assessments like the Cognitive Test (Germany) or may use Casey as part of Round 1 rather than as a standalone pre-screen.

 

Can You Use a Calculator on BCG Casey?

 

Yes. Since BCG Casey is taken remotely from your home computer, you can use a physical calculator or a calculator app. BCG is aware of this. The quantitative questions are designed to be harder than what you would see in a live case interview specifically because you have a calculator available.

 

What Happens if You Fail BCG Casey?

 

If you do not pass BCG Casey, you will receive a rejection email. BCG has a reapplication waiting period that varies by office, typically 12 to 24 months. Some offices may allow reapplication after 6 months. Check with your recruiter for the specific policy.

 

How Long Do You Have to Complete BCG Casey After Receiving the Link?

 

You typically have 3 to 7 days from when you receive the email link to complete the assessment. The exact deadline depends on the office. Do not wait until the last minute. Schedule a time when you are well rested and can focus for 35 to 40 minutes without interruption.

 

Is BCG Casey Harder than a Traditional Case Interview?

 

Many candidates report that Casey feels harder than a live case interview, primarily because of the time pressure and the inability to ask clarifying questions. The math problems also tend to be more difficult since BCG accounts for your calculator access. However, the structure is simpler because Casey leads you through the case step by step.

 

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