PERT

Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)

Effective March 2011, Broward College transitioned to the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) as it's primary common placement test.

The PERT is Florida's customized common placement test. The purpose of the PERT is to determine accurate course placement based on the student's skills and abilities. The PERT is aligned with the Postsecondary Readiness Competencies identified by Florida faculty as necessary for success in entry-level college credit coursework. The PERT assesses readiness for college-level coursework in English and mathematics. There are 3 subtests; Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. There are 30 questions per subject area (25 operational items which are the basis of the student’s placement score and 5 field-test items which are designed to enhance continuously the operational test bank). The scaled score range for the subject tests is 50-150. The PERT is adaptive. This means that the questions are chosen for you on the basis of your answers to previous questions. This technique selects just the right questions for your ability level. Because the test works this way, you must answer every question in the order it is given. You can change your answer to a particular question before moving on to the next question, but you cannot leave a question out or come back to it later to change your answer. If you do not know the answer to a question, try to eliminate one or more of the choices. Then pick from the remaining choices.

The test is untimed, but the average time to complete all three sections in one sitting is approximately 3 hours. A student’s scores determine appropriate course placement. Allot approximately 1 hour per subject area.

PERT test scores expire after 2 years. Students must retest on the College's primary common placement test.

*There is a retest fee for all retest attempts regardless of the age of previous scores.

PERT Test Fast Facts

PERT is untimed but usually takes an average of 3 hours to complete

Visit the Testing Fees webpage for more information!
All fees must be paid prior to testing.

Broward College Students

  • First attempt is free
  • *All retests are $18.50 per attempt

Non-Broward College Students

  • Must complete Request Form
  • *All attempts are $18.50 per attempt

*When paid online through RegisterBlast.

2 years

Yes. Students can retest according to the following policy:

  • First retest after 24 hours
  • All other retests must wait 30 days between each retest attempt

A retest fee applies for all retest attempts regardless of the age of previous scores.
Excludes EAP students taking the PERT. PERT retesting is not permitted for EAP students. EAP students failing the PERT must continue on with the prescribed EAP course sequence through completion of all EAP levels.

Testing times differ from Center Opening and Closing Times.
Student Testing Times as shown below: Students must be seated in the Testing Center no earlier/later than the time reflected below if they are taking all 3 sections of the PERT test!

Location Days of the Week Testing Times
Central Campus M, T, W, R 8:15am - 5:00pm
F 8:15am - 12:00pm
S 9:15am - 12:30pm
North Campus M, T, W, R 8:15am - 3:45pm
F 8:15am - 12:00pm
South Campus M, T, W, R 8:15am - 3:45pm
F 8:15am - 12:00pm
Miramar West Center M, W 8:15am - 3:45pm
T, R, F 8:15am - 12:00pm
Willis Holcombe Center R 8:30am - 12:30pm
F 8:30am - 12:30pm

M=Monday, T=Tuesday, W=Wednesday, R=Thursday, F=Friday, and S=Saturday

  • Times assume student is taking the full test.
  • Check with Testing Center for test start and end times for partial test.

Test sections* covered by this policy:

  • PERT Reading
  • PERT Writing
  • PERT Math

*Non-Florida or non-FLDOE College Success test sections are not accepted by BC.

Students may retake the PERT an unlimited number of times. However, they must adhere to the following retesting timeline:

  • First retest attempt may be taken after 24 hours.
  • All other retests attempts must wait 30 days between each retest attempt.

This timeline applies to postsecondary students and secondary students testing for postsecondary course purposes which includes but not limited to; Dual Enrollment, College Academy, Algebra 1 EOC, Testing for other Institutions, and Private middle school students transitioning to public high schools. Test attempts are cumulative.

Remediation prior to each test attempt is strongly encouraged.

  • Visit your campus ASC or use the PERT test preparation section below for remediation information.

Fees

  • There is a $18.50 retest fee for each retest attempt regardless of the score age.
  • Fee must be paid prior to testing.

PERT attempts from another institution do not count towards attempts at Broward College.

Retesting is required after scores expire.

Secondary school students testing for Broward College:

  • More information for secondary students available HERE
  • Dual Enrollment (DE) purposes must provide a completed and signed testing referral form* from their high school guidance office prior to each test attempt.
    • *Home Schooled will get a testing referral form from the Campus Admissions Department.
  • College Academy (CA) purposes may only test twice per admission period.
    • Must present a CA Testing Ticket at the time of testing.
  • Algebra 1 EOC purposes must provide a completed and signed testing referral form from their high school guidance office prior to each test attempt.
  • Private Middle School Students Transitioning to Public High Schools
    • The test can only be taken one time—no retests.

EAP students taking the PERT must adhere to common placement test retesting policy.

Per state rule 6A-10.0315, PERT test scores are valid for two (2) years.
*Retesting updated and effective August 1, 2019.

Fees

Visit the Testing Fees webpage for more information!

Accommodations

Students with documented testing accommodations must present them to the Office of Accessibility Resources prior to the desired test date. The Testing Center will work with the Office of Accessibility Resources to provide approved testing accommodations.

Remote Testing

Students needing to take the test, who live outside of the South Florida area, have the option to request remote placement testing accommodations.

Resources