Taking the PERT Exam

Testing Options

About the PERT

When you first come to Valencia College, you may be required to take Florida's Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). There’s no failing the exam, however it will impact the courses you'll take at Valencia College, so it's important that you study for the test. 

The PERT is an entry-level placement test required of all degree seeking students in the Florida College System (FCS) according to Florida Statutes, Section 1008.30, Rule 6A-10.0315. This test will determine your initial placement in English, reading and mathematics courses. Exemptions can be found here. 

 

PERT Quick Testing Facts

You cannot fail the test. The results of the exam will determine which courses you can take at Valencia College. 

  • Three sections: Mathematics, Reading and Writing
  • 30 questions per section
  • Not timed
  • Must be completed in the same day. Allow yourself at least 2.5 to 3 hours for all three sections of the PERT.
  • Personal calculators are not permitted, however there will be a computer calculator available on certain math questions of the test.
  • If you are required to take all three sections of the PERT, you must take the Reading and Writing portion prior to the Math section. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. 

Number of PERT attempts accepted at Valencia College:

  • A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts at Valencia College within a two-year period with a one-day wait period between attempts. 
  • Valencia College will only accept valid PERT/CPT scores from previously enrolled institutions if they are within 2 years of the date taken. Click HERE to learn more about submitting scores from a previously enrolled institution. 

PERT On-Campus Testing (NON Dual Enrollment)

Appointments are required for all on-campus testing.

Spring 2023 Dual Enrollment Applicants : The Spring 2023 Dual Enrollment Application Cycle has closed.  The Fall 2023 Dual Enrollment application cycle will open in February 2023. 

Non-Dual enrollment students can make an appointment by clicking on your desired campus below:  

**PREPARE for the test HERE!

NOTE: Assessment staff may contact you regarding your appointment via phone and/or email provided on your registration.

Preparing for on-campus testing:

  • Bring your ID on test day- We are unable to accept Florida Smart ID at this time. Acceptable forms of ID include:
    • A current driver’s license
    • A current Valencia College student ID
    • A current state or federal ID card (such as a Green Card)
    • A current passport
  • Personal items will not be permitted in the Testing Center. NO large bags or purses allowed
  • Arrive on time to your appointment or you might need to be re-scheduled
  • Testing candidates are the only persons allowed in the Testing Center. Relatives/friends must wait outside of the Testing Center. Children are not to be left unattended in the Testing Center lobby or anywhere outside during the duration of testing.

PERT On-Campus Retest 
A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts (per section) at Valencia College within a two-year period.

NOTE: "Retaking the PERT" means you have already taken PERT at least once before at Valencia College. If you have not taken the PERT at Valencia College, it would be considered your "First Attempt". 

  • There is a 1 day wait period between tests
  • PERT retake fee ($10 per subject retake)
  • Please review the PERT Review Material section prior to testing(optional).
  • To make your on-campus retest appointment, click on the desired campus link above.
     

PERT Virtual Testing

*Virtual Testing Disclaimer*

  • Virtual testing may not be the fastest option to get your scores in your Atlas account for course registration. You may see your scores after testing, however, your recorded session must be validated prior to scores being entered into your account. 
  • There is a processing period before and after your virtual testing session. 
  • Success in virtual testing will depend on your comfort with troubleshooting technology on your own and your network reliability
  • Live tech support is limited for virtual testing.
  • By choosing the virtual option, you agree to providing a webcam or laptop with a camera that can show the whole room and desk space.

We encourage you to test on campus if you want immediate support and score processing into your Atlas account. 

Step 1: Review the  PERT Virtual Requirements to take the test virtually prior to filling out the required form below. 

Step 2: Fill out the appropriate Virtual PERT Test Request From below to initiate the process:

Step 3: Wait for an email will be sent within 2 business days regarding your next steps to take the PERT virtually with Valencia College. We will email you at your Atlas email, so please be on the lookout for an email titled "YOUR PERT HONORLOCK ASSESSMENT".  Be sure to check your junk/spam folder.

Step 4: Follow steps in your PERT email to take the PERT virtually on any day prior to 10:59PM

Testing for Dual Enrollment will not begin until after the application has opened. You must have received your VID letter with an explanation on the NEW process for taking the PERT virtually as a Dual Enrollment applicant. 

PERT Virtual Retest 
A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts (per section) with Valencia College within a two-year period (on campus and/or virtual). 

NOTE: "Retaking the PERT" means you have already taken PERT at least once before at Valencia College. If you have not taken the PERT at Valencia College, it would be considered your "First Attempt". 

  • PERT retake fee ($10 per subject retake)
  • Please review the PERT Review Material section prior to testing(optional).

**Retake instructions and link to pay will be provided via email after your test session has been reviewed.**

 

PERT Review Material

The results of the exam will determine which courses you can take at Valencia College. There’s no failing the exam, however it will impact the courses you'll take at Valencia College, so it's important that you study for the test. 

Reading Sample Test* and  READING REVIEW GUIDE (PERT Reading)

Writing Sample Test* and  WRITING/SENTENCE SKILLS REVIEW GUIDE (PERT Writing)

Math Sample Test* and  MATH REVIEW GUIDE (PERT Math)

*NOTE: Score is not calculated on Sample Tests.

OPTIONAL: ONLINE TUTORING SESSION

Step 1: Review the PERT materials (links above) before meeting with a tutor. You must come with specific questions or identified areas where assistance is needed.    

Step 2: Click here to access live, online tutors for PERT review.  

OPTIONAL: ON-CAMPUS TUTORING SESSION

On-Campus Locations and Hours of Operation