Taking the PERT Exam

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:

  • A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts at Valencia within a two-year period with a one-day wait period between attempts. 
  • Valencia 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

Appointments are required for all on-campus testing.

Make an appointment by clicking on your desired campus below: 

Dual Enrollment students must have a completed Spring 2022 application on file to test. 

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- 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 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).
     

PERT Virtual Testing

Review the  PERT Virtual Requirements to take the test virtually prior to filling out the required from below. 

Step 1: Select the option below that applies to you: 

Dual Enrollment Applicant Spring 2022 Virtual PERT Test Request 

Current Valencia Student Virtual PERT Test Request 

Step 2: 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 3: Follow steps in your PERT email to take the PERT Virtually.

Testing for Dual Enrollment will not begin until after the application has opened (Wednesday, September 15). You must have received your VID letter with an explination on the NEW process for taking the PERT virtually as a Dual Enrollment student.

PERT Virtual Retest 
A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts (per section) at Valencia 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).

**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)

Higher Level Math  AAF Sample Questions and  COLLEGE LEVEL MATH REVIEW GUIDE and ACCUPLACER Web-Based Study App

*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.