Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)

About the Test

Northwest Florida State College currently uses the PERT for initial course placement. Prospective postsecondary students and those interested in dual enrollment or Collegiate High School courses must complete the PERT before registering for the upcoming term.

The PERT test is an adaptive test, meaning each new question is chosen based on the response to the previous question. It is comprised of three sections: Reading, Writing (English), and Math. There are 30 questions per subtest and the test is untimed.

Additional information on the PERT:

• The student’s scores determine appropriate course placement
• On average it takes 1 hour to complete a subtest or 3 hours to sit for the entire test
• Students will receive a printout of their score(s) upon completion
• PERT scores are valid for two years
• Retakes are allowed after seven days and remediation. Effective July 1, 2019, there is a $10 PERT retest fee.
• Pert can be taken remotely or in-person. Reference the PERT Fee Chart for a breakdown of remote testing and retest fees.

PERT study guide and tests can be found here. Use this guide for help with placement scores.

Exemption Requirements

Students exempt from taking the PERT must meet one of the following criteria:

• Entered a Florida public or charter high school in the 2003-2004 school year and thereafter and graduated beginning 2007 and thereafter with a Florida standard high school diploma.
• Are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services.
• Have test scores (ACT, SAT, CPT or PERT) that are less than two years old from date test was taken and scores meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and Mathematics courses.
• Have successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, Reading, and Mathematics.
• Provide proof of successful completion of college-level English and Mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college or university.