The PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Exam) is a crucial exam for students in Florida aiming to enter college-level courses. The PERT exam helps determine your readiness in math, reading, and writing, and it’s often required by Florida colleges and universities. At UGO Prep, we provide study packages specifically designed to help students pass the PERT exam on their first try. This guide covers everything you need to know about the PERT exam, ensuring you won’t need to look elsewhere.
What is the PERT Exam?
The PERT exam is a college placement test used by Florida institutions to evaluate a student’s readiness for college-level coursework in three subjects: Math, Reading, and Writing. It helps colleges determine whether students should be placed in college-level courses or need to complete developmental education first.
PERT Exam Structure
The PERT exam consists of three sections, each designed to assess specific skills required for college success.
| Section | Number of Questions | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 30 | Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry |
| Reading | 30 | Comprehension, Main Ideas, Inferences |
| Writing | 30 | Sentence Structure, Grammar, Essay Writing |
Adaptive Testing
The PERT is an adaptive test, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your previous answers. This allows the exam to better assess your specific skill level, but it also means you should answer each question to the best of your ability.
How is the PERT Scored?
Each section of the PERT exam is scored on a scale from 50 to 150. The scores help determine whether a student can enter directly into college-level courses or if they need developmental education.
| Section | Score Range | College-Ready Score |
|---|---|---|
| Math | 50 – 150 | 114 |
| Reading | 50 – 150 | 106 |
| Writing | 50 – 150 | 103 |
Why Take the PERT?
Taking the PERT exam is essential for Florida students who want to enroll in state colleges and universities. It ensures students are placed in courses that match their skill level, preventing frustration in higher-level courses they may not be ready for.
Key Benefits:
- Accurate Course Placement: The PERT ensures you are placed in courses where you can succeed.
- Potential Exemptions: Strong PERT scores may exempt you from taking developmental courses.
- Customized Education Path: The PERT helps colleges create a personalized path based on your readiness.
How to Prepare for the PERT Exam with UGO Prep
At UGO Prep, we specialize in preparing students for the PERT exam with comprehensive study packages. Our resources are tailored to cover every section of the exam.
Study Resources:
- Practice Tests: Full-length practice exams that mimic the actual PERT format, helping you get familiar with the structure and pacing of the exam.
- Study Guides: Detailed guides covering all content areas in math, reading, and writing, ensuring you are fully prepared.
- Simulated Exams: An effective way to get ready for the timed exam.
PERT Exam FAQs
How many times can I take the PERT exam?
You can retake the PERT exam as many times as necessary. However, each institution may have specific policies regarding retakes and may require a waiting period between attempts.
What is a good score on the PERT?
A “good” score on the PERT is any score that places you in college-level courses. For example, a score of 114 in Math, 106 in Reading, or 103 in Writing is considered college-ready.
How can I prepare for the PERT exam?
The best way to prepare for the PERT exam is by using UGO Prep’s study packages, which include practice tests, detailed study guides, and simulated exams. Focus on improving your weaker areas and practicing time management.
Is the PERT exam timed?
No, the PERT exam is not timed, allowing you to work at your own pace. However, most students complete the exam in about 2-3 hours.
Can I use a calculator on the PERT exam?
No, you cannot bring a calculator for the math section of the PERT exam. However, an on-screen calculator is provided for specific math questions.
What to Expect on PERT Exam Day
On the day of the exam, ensure you are fully prepared and aware of what you need to bring.
What to Bring:
- Photo ID: You must bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or student ID.
- Registration Confirmation: If applicable, bring any registration details or confirmation from your institution.
Testing Environment:
The PERT exam is administered on a computer in a quiet, controlled environment. The adaptive nature of the test means you should answer each question carefully, as your performance will impact the difficulty of future questions.
Q&A Section
What happens if I don’t pass the PERT exam?
If you don’t achieve the necessary scores, you may need to take developmental education courses before enrolling in college-level classes. However, you can retake the exam after preparing again.
How long are PERT scores valid?
PERT scores are typically valid for 2 years, but this can vary depending on the institution.
How is the PERT different from the SAT or ACT?
The PERT is a college placement test designed to assess your readiness for college-level courses. The SAT and ACT are college admissions tests used to determine eligibility for college admission.
Can I skip the PERT if I have a high GPA?
Some students may be exempt from taking the PERT if they have high scores on the SAT or ACT, or if they meet specific GPA requirements. Check with your institution for specific exemption policies.
