What is the PERT Test? – A Florida College Placement Test

If you’re planning to attend a college in Florida, there’s a good chance you’ve heard of the PERT test. But exactly what is the PERT test, and why is it important? Noticeably, understanding what a PERT test is and how it affects your placement can help you avoid unnecessary remedial courses and save time in college. In this article, we’ll break down what the PERT exam includes, how many questions you’ll face, and whether you can take the PERT test online.

What is the PERT test?

What is the PERT test?

The PERT test, or the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test, is Florida’s official, computer-adaptive placement test used by all Florida College System institutions and many high schools. Developed by McCann Associates with Florida educators, the PERT aligns with college-readiness competencies in reading, writing (English language skills), and mathematics.

Purpose of the PERT test

The primary purpose of the PERT test is to accurately place students in the right academic level. Depending on your score, you may be placed in remedial courses or allowed to enroll directly in college-level classes. By assessing key academic skills, the test helps colleges save time and tuition costs for students, ensuring they receive the appropriate level of instruction.

• Remedial courses: If your scores are below the threshold, you may be placed in preparatory courses designed to build your skills before entering credit-bearing classes.
• College-level courses: If you score high enough, you can move directly into college-level coursework without the need for additional review.

Who takes the PERT test?

The PERT test is typically required for 3 targeted test-takers:

• High school seniors applying for dual enrollment
• New college students in Florida who don’t have SAT/ACT scores
• Returning adult learners seeking to assess their readiness for college-level courses

It’s also widely used for students who are not pursuing traditional paths but still wish to take advantage of educational opportunities at Florida’s public colleges and universities.

How the PERT test works

The PERT test is a computer-adaptive assessment, so the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your answers. As you progress through the test, each new question (harder or easier) is chosen based on your previous responses. Once you move on to the next question, you cannot go back to modify your answers or leave any question unanswered.

Although the PERT test is untimed, it’s important to work at a steady pace to maintain focus and ensure you complete all sections on the same day. If you encounter a question you’re unsure about, you are encouraged to try and answer the question by eliminating to eliminate any incorrect options and selecting the most likely answer from the remaining choices.

PERT test scoring

The PERT is scored on a scale from 50 to 150 for each section: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. The higher your score, the more likely you are to qualify for college-level coursework. For most Florida institutions, a score of 113 or higher in Reading and Writing and a score of 114 or higher in Mathematics typically qualifies you for college-level courses.

Once you’ve finished the test, your PERT test score will be immediately available, providing you with instant feedback on your performance. Your results will then be shared with your college, helping them make informed decisions about your course placement.

What does the PERT test consist of?

What does the PERT test consist of?

The PERT test is divided into three sections that measure your skills in mathematics, reading, and writing. Each section consists of 25 scored questions plus 5 field-test questions that don’t count towards your score but help improve future tests.

Reading Section

The Reading section evaluates your ability to understand, analyze, and interpret written material. You’ll be tested on a variety of skills related to reading comprehension, including:

• Main idea identification: Understanding the central theme or purpose of a passage.
• Context clues: Using clues from the text to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases.
• Analysis of author’s intent: Evaluating how the author uses specific language or structure to convey meaning or evoke emotions.
• Data interpretation: Analyzing written content to interpret or draw conclusions based on provided facts or figures.
• Tone and style: Identifying the tone of a text (e.g., formal, persuasive, casual) and understanding the effect of language choices on the reader.

Writing Section

The Writing section tests your understanding of English grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and the organization of written language. Key skills assessed include:

• Sentence structure: Identifying and correcting incomplete or poorly constructed sentences.
• Grammar and punctuation: Recognizing errors in grammar, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and punctuation misuse.
• Sentence completion: Completing sentences based on proper syntax, ensuring logical flow and clarity.
• Rhetorical skills: Understanding how effectively an author organizes their writing, transitions between ideas, and uses rhetorical devices.
• Error recognition: Spotting common errors in sentence construction, such as misplaced modifiers, incorrect word choice, and redundancy.

Mathematics Section

The Mathematics section assesses basic mathematical knowledge, from simple arithmetic to algebraic concepts. This section includes a wide variety of topics, including:

• Arithmetic: Basic operations with fractions, decimals, and percentages. Understanding of number properties and operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Algebra: Solving simple algebraic equations, working with variables, and understanding expressions. Questions may cover linear equations, polynomials, and inequalities.
• Word problems: Applying mathematical concepts to solve real-world problems, often presented in word form.
• Data analysis: Analyzing and interpreting data presented in graphs, tables, or charts. This may include basic statistics such as mean, median, mode, or working with probability.
• Pre-college-level math: Concepts that prepare students for college-level math, including basic geometry, understanding of functions, and interpreting graphical data.

How should I prepare for the PERT test?

How should I prepare for the PERT test?

Effective preparation is key to achieving your desired PERT scores and smooth college placement.

Understand the test

Familiarize yourself with the PERT’s computer-adaptive format and the specific types of questions in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Walk through free PERT practice tests of Easy Prep to get familiar with the testing format and start practicing. 

Use reliable study resources

Prioritize free, credible PERT study guides and practice tests. These are your most accurate preparation tools to prepare for the test. 

Target weak areas

Identify your skill gaps in each subject. Focus your study efforts on strengthening fundamental concepts and specific topics where you need improvement.

Practice regularly

Work through sample questions and take practice tests consistently. This builds familiarity with the exam and helps you refine your approach.

Know retake & test-day rules

Understand your institution’s policies on retaking the PERT (waiting periods, fees) and be aware of test-day logistics (e.g., on-screen calculator, no going back to questions).

FAQs

1. How many questions are on the PERT test?

The PERT test consists of a total of 90 questions across three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Each section contains 30 questions, which include 25 scored questions and 5 field-test questions. The field-test questions are not counted towards your score but are used for future test improvements and to enhance the accuracy of the exam.

2. What happens if you don’t pass the PERT test?

The PERT test does not have a traditional pass/fail outcome since it is a placement test. Instead of passing or failing, the test results are used to determine your placement into college-level or remedial courses based on college-readiness cut scores. If you are not satisfied with your current score, you may retake the test. You can retake each section of the PERT test up to 3 times within two years. After each attempt, there is a 24-hour waiting period before you can retake the test. Additional retakes after the first are subject to a fee.

3. Does everyone in Florida have to take the PERT test?

The PERT test is mandatory for students in the Florida College System and many high school dual-enrollment applicants. However, not everyone is required to take the test. Exemptions are available for students who have qualifying scores from other assessments, such as the ACT, SAT, or Accuplacer. If you have qualifying scores from these tests, you may not need to take the PERT test to determine your course placement.

4. How much time do you have on the PERT test?

The PERT test is untimed, meaning you can take as much time as needed to complete each section. On average, the test takes about 2 to 3 hours in total, with each section (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) typically taking 45 to 60 minutes to finish. If you want to know more about the test duration, read “How long is the PERT test?”.

5. Where is the PERT test taken?

The PERT test is available at various locations across Florida, including high schools, Florida College System campuses, and universities. Additionally, students can take the test in virtual exam environments using approved proctoring software. Be sure to check with your testing center or school for specific registration and testing details.

6. Can I take the PERT test online?

Yes, you can take the PERT test online through secure virtual platforms like Honorlock. Many schools and testing centers offer remote proctoring for the PERT, allowing students to complete the test from home. To take the test online, you’ll need a working webcam, a valid ID, scratch paper, and a pencil. Additionally, you must adhere to specific test protocols set by the testing center to ensure the integrity of the exam.

Final thoughts

Now, you might probably answer the question: “What is the PERT test?” In summary, the PERT test is a pivotal step for Florida students entering higher education. By understanding this test, you can approach it confidently and efficiently. To maximize your readiness, start by reviewing free PERT study guides, consider on-campus or online tutoring, and take PERT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the test format. If you want to bypass unnecessary remedial courses and jump straight into college-level classes, the PERT test can be your key to success.