Taking the PERT Exam

Valencia College will be closed for Spring Break beginning Saturday, March 11th, 2023, and reopening on Monday, March 20th, 2023. Any inquires or test sessions completed during this time will be processed promptly and in the order they were received when we reopen on March 20th.

 

PERT Quick Testing Facts

• The PERT is not a pass/fail assessment. The results of the assessment will determine your placement for English and Math courses at Valencia College. 
• Three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
• 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 per section at Valencia College within a two-year period with a one-day wait period between attempts. 

• Valencia College will only accept valid PERT scores from previously enrolled institutions if they are within 2 years of the date taken. 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.

Fall 2023 Dual Enrollment Applicants

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

**PREPARE for the test HERE!

• Downtown Campus
• East Campus
• Lake Nona Campus
• Osceola Campus
• Poinciana Campus
• West Campus
• Winter Park Campus

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 physical ID on test day (Pictures of IDs or electronic IDs will not be accepted)
  • 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:

Any virtual request forms submitted after March 10th at 3pm will be processed when we return on March 20th. 

• Current Valencia College Student Virtual PERT Test Request (NOT for DUAL ENROLLMENT)
• Fall 2023 Dual Enrollment Applicants

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

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: Scores are 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