What is a PERT Exam? The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test, or PERT, is a crucial placement exam used by many colleges in Florida to determine a student’s readiness for college-level courses. If you’re considering a Florida college or simply want to gauge your skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, the PERT exam is an essential step.
1. What is the PERT Exam?
The PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test) is a placement exam designed by the Florida Department of Education to assess whether students are ready for college-level coursework. It evaluates skills in three key areas: reading, writing, and mathematics. Based on your scores, the PERT helps colleges decide if you can enroll directly in college courses or if you’ll need remedial classes to strengthen your skills.
Key Details:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Exam Purpose | Assess college readiness |
| Administered By | Florida Department of Education |
| Format | Computer-adaptive, multiple-choice |
| Sections | Reading, Writing, Mathematics |
| Score Range | 50 to 150 per section |
The PERT exam is unique in that it’s computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your performance. Each question you answer affects the next question’s difficulty, aiming to precisely gauge your skill level.
2. Why Take the PERT Exam?
The PERT exam is essential for students attending college in Florida, particularly those entering a community college or technical school. Your PERT scores help schools place you in the appropriate level of courses, ensuring you’re set up for success from the beginning.
Benefits of Taking the PERT Exam:
- Accurate Placement: Allows for placement in the correct courses based on skill level.
- Saves Time and Money: Avoids unnecessary remedial classes if you’re already prepared.
- Personalized Learning Path: Helps create a tailored educational experience.
- State Requirement: Florida colleges often require the PERT as part of the enrollment process.
Taking the PERT can save you from taking non-credit courses, helping you move faster toward graduation.
3. What is on the PERT Exam? Breakdown of Exam Sections
The PERT exam is divided into three main sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. Each section has its own focus and unique set of skills required for college readiness.
PERT Exam Sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Main Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 25 | Comprehension, analysis, critical thinking |
| Writing | 25 | Grammar, sentence structure, essay skills |
| Mathematics | 25 | Algebra, geometry, data analysis |
a. Reading Section
The Reading section of the PERT exam measures your ability to understand and interpret written information. This section includes passages of varying lengths, and questions may cover:
- Main Idea Identification: Recognizing the main point of a passage.
- Inference Skills: Drawing logical conclusions based on text.
- Understanding Vocabulary: Contextual meaning of words.
b. Writing Section
In the Writing section, you’ll be tested on grammar and effective writing skills. Questions cover:
- Grammar Rules: Correct use of punctuation, verb tenses, and subject-verb agreement.
- Sentence Structure: Identifying errors in sentence construction.
- Essay Organization: Understanding paragraph flow and cohesion.
c. Mathematics Section
The Mathematics section assesses your numerical and problem-solving skills, focusing on:
- Algebraic Concepts: Solving equations and understanding expressions.
- Geometry: Basics of shapes, angles, and area calculations.
- Data Analysis: Interpreting graphs, tables, and data sets.
Each question in the PERT math section builds upon essential skills needed for college-level mathematics.
4. How to Prepare for the PERT Exam
Study Tips:
- Take Practice Tests: Practice exams help familiarize you with the format and types of questions on the PERT.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Use practice results to identify areas needing improvement.
- Review Core Concepts: Study basic algebra, geometry, grammar, and reading comprehension techniques.
- Use Reliable Study Guides: Consider PERT study materials that cover each section in detail.
Recommended Study Resources:
| Resource | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Practice Tests | Familiarize with question format |
| Flashcards | Memorize key grammar and math concepts |
| Review Books | In-depth review of reading, writing, math |
| Online Tutorials | Access to sample questions and explanations |
5. What to Expect on Exam Day
On the day of your PERT exam, it’s important to arrive early and bring a valid ID. Since the test is computer-adaptive, you’ll take it on a computer at the testing center.
Test Day Tips:
- Bring ID: Required for entry.
- Arrive Early: Check-in and test instructions typically begin before the scheduled time.
- Focus and Pace Yourself: With 25 questions per section, it’s essential to stay calm and answer carefully.
| Item | Allowed/Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Required |
| Calculator | Provided if allowed in math questions |
| Personal Belongings | Not Allowed |
6. Scoring and Next Steps After the PERT Exam
You’ll receive your PERT scores immediately upon completing the exam, with each section scored between 50 and 150. These scores help determine your placement in college courses.
Score Interpretation:
| Score Range | Placement Level |
|---|---|
| 50-105 | Developmental courses recommended |
| 106-120 | Intermediate, some developmental courses |
| 121-150 | College-level courses |
Based on your score, the college may recommend developmental courses to strengthen areas where you scored lower. Once you achieve college-level scores, you can directly enter those classes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many questions are on the PERT exam?
A: The PERT has 25 questions per section (reading, writing, and mathematics), totaling 75 questions.
Q: Is the PERT exam difficult?
A: The PERT measures your readiness for college courses, and difficulty varies by individual preparation. Studying core skills in reading, writing, and math can help improve your score.
Q: Can I retake the PERT exam?
A: Yes, you can retake the PERT if you need to improve your scores. Check with your testing center about any waiting period or additional fees for retakes.
Q: How do I sign up for the PERT exam?
A: To sign up, contact your Florida college’s testing center for registration details, fees, and available test dates.
Q: Can I use a calculator on the PERT?
A: A calculator is allowed on specific math questions. If permitted, the calculator will be provided onscreen during the test.
