What is PERT?

The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is the official common placement exam of Pasco-Hernando State College. The purpose of the PERT is to adequately assess your academic skills in mathematics, reading and writing. Students who intend to obtain a degree or college credit certificate program must be tested prior to the completion of registration.

Accommodations

Available accommodations include a distraction-free room and accessible seating. Students may use the built-in Accessibility Wizard to adjust the high contrast color scheme, background color, text color, text size, text font, line spacing and cursor.

To request an accommodation, students must:

  • Request Accessibility Accommodations through the Student Accessibility Services Accommodations Form.
  • Contact Testing Services once an exam is registered to verify available accommodations.
  • Provide your accommodation approval letter from Student Accessibility Services at check-in on exam day.

Availability

The PERT is offered by appointment on all campuses during regular operational hours. Remote testing options may be requested for extenuating circumstances by contacting Testing Services. Remote testing is only offered through the West campus.

Fees

The placement test may be repeated with a $5 retake. There is no initial fee for students with an application on file. The non-student fee is $25, if approved for Proctoring for Distant Learning or Employment. All fees must be paid at the College Store. A receipt must be presented for all fees at check-in on exam day to test.

Identification

A valid, photo identification must be presented at check-in on exam day to test. A PHSC ID card may be used for identification.

Prior Test Scores

The College will accept approved common placement test scores listed on PHSC's Student Testing and Placement Chart, provided that they are no more than two years old from the date taken and will place students accordingly.

Registration

Students may schedule an exam through Testing Services

    Retake Attempts

    Student are allowed two attempts in a two-year period at PHSC. Test scores are valid for two years.
     

    An assistant dean of student affairs or the director of testing services may approve a third attempt based on documentation of extenuating circumstances. Students may email testing@phsc.edu to request an additional attempt. 

    Scores

    The score range for each subtest is between 50 and 150. Test scores are used for placement into appropriate courses.

    College-Ready Scores

    The Florida Department of Education established minimum college-ready scores for placement into college-level coursework. Any student falling below the college-ready scores must enroll in a related developmental education course prior to completing 12 credits unless exempted. 

    PERT College-Ready Scores
    Reading  106
    Writing 103
    Math

    114 - College Elective Credit

    123- College General Education Credit

    Students, unless exempt (see chart), should begin developmental course based on the placement test results prior to completing 12 credits.

    Dual enrollment students must meet the college-ready cut scores on all three subtests to retain eligibility beyond 12 credit hours.

    Dual Enrollment

    Dual enrollment students initially must meet the college-ready cut scores for Reading and Writing, and on all three subtests to retain eligibility beyond 12 credit hours. Dual enrollment students are not eligible for developmental education courses.

    Student Testing and Placement Chart

    Refer to the Student Testing and Placement Chart located on the Common Placement webpage for a list of approved common placement tests and the official course placement guidelines at PHSC.

    Check the most current requirements as the placement requirements periodically change.

    Study Resources

    For access to free study resources, click on the links in the "Links on This Page" section.

    Student Testing and Placement Chart

    The Student Testing and Placement Chart identifies the minimum cut-off scores for college-level courses based on PERT, ACCUPLACER, SAT and ACT test scores. It also identifies the placement requirements for advanced math courses. Be sure to check the most current requirements as shown in Test Score Groups below, as they periodically change.

    Subject Areas

    The PERT assesses the following competencies in:

    • Reading
    • Writing
    • Math

    Each subtest has 30 questions.

    Time Limit

    The exam is adaptive and there is no time limit. Average test time for all three sub-tests is 2 hours and 15 minutes.