PERT - Postsecondary Education Readiness Test
Miami Dade College administers the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) as a method to assess student's basic skills.
The PERT was recently adopted by the state of Florida began administering it during the 2010-2011 academic year.
The PERT assesses readiness for college-level coursework in English and mathematics. The sections of the test include 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). All sections of the PERT are 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 when it is first 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 upon entering college.
- Placement test scores are valid for two years.
Please see the below additional resources:
- PERT Frequently Asked Questions Flyer
- PERT Facts from The Florida College System
- PERT Information from FLDOE
Below are some commonly asked questions and answers:
- What does the PERT assess?
The PERT assesses readiness for college-level coursework in English and mathematics. There are three subject area tests – reading, writing, and mathematics. A student’s scores determine appropriate course placement upon entering college. - How many questions are on the PERT?
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). - How long will it take to administer the assessment?
The PERT assessment is an untimed computer adaptive test. The average time to complete the three subtests in one sitting is approximately 3 hours. - Is there a test fee to take the PERT?
Yes, there is a $10.00 retest fee for MDC students and High School students effective August 1, 2016 and a $45.00 test fee for students from other institutions. - How many times can the PERT be taken?
MDC students may take the PERT a total of two attempts on each subtest prior to enrollment in any course within that subject area. Prior to the 2nd attempt students must complete a test preparation option. After the 2nd attempt students must complete a prescribed remediation option and receive permission to retest from the English and/or Mathematics Chairperson. Special categories of high school students may test at MDC with a completed Placement Test Referral Form. These students have a total of two PERT attempts at MDC while they are in 6th through 8th grades and 9th and 10th grades and two new attempts while they are in 11th and 12th grades. Remediation is required prior to any subsequent attempt. - What are the placement ranges on the PERT?
For more information, see the table that indicates the placement ranges for each subject area. - What other exams can be used to determine college readiness at MDC?
Students may demonstrate readiness by meeting any combination of passing scores on traditional tests (ACCUPLACER NEXT-GENERATION (NG), ACT, or SAT). or alternative tests (PSAT NMSQT, or PSAT 10, Pre-ACT, GED, HiSET, TASC, or ALEKS). College readiness can also be met with approved high school courses. Institutional ACT and SAT scores are not acceptable at MDC. Link traditional to guide and alternative to guide. - Can scores that are below the college readiness level be used for placement at MDC?
Yes. They can be used for placement into developmental education reading, writing, and mathematics courses at MDC. - Can a student bring a scientific or any calculator to the testing center?
No. An on-screen calculator will appear for specific mathematics items. - Can high school IDs be used to take the PERT?
Yes. Only high school students can present their high school ID. Acceptable IDs - Do students need PERT scores if they took the ACCUPLACER NG less than two years ago?
No. Scores are valid for only two years. - Can students take the PERT while enrolled or previously enrolled in English-as-a-Second Language classes in high school or a postsecondary institution?
Yes. These students have the option to take the PERT. - Can the TOEFL scores be used at MDC?
Yes. Passing scores of 61 or higher on the TOEFL-internet based tests are used to exempt students from English proficiency placement testing. These students are required to take the PERT. Institutional TOEFL scores from other institutions are not used at MDC for exemption purposes. - Does MDC accept PERT scores from other institutions or high schools?
Yes. The State’s PERT Web Repository is used by MDC for entering these scores in the College’s student record keeping system. Testing is required for students who were administered the PERT while they were in high school and did not demonstrate college readiness by any of the approved methods.
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Under certain circumstances, arrangements for auxiliary aids and modifications are permissible. The College makes every reasonable effort to ensure equal access to educational opportunities and experiences for candidates with documented disabilities. These services can include:
An ACCESS representative can help eligible candidates identify and arrange for accommodations that ensure success. Instructions for Auxiliary Aids and Modifications:
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MDC students have a total of two placement test attempts (one initial attempt and one retest) on each subtest of the placement test for initial placement prior to enrollment in any course within that subject area. Prior to the 2nd attempt students must complete a test preparation option. After the 2nd attempt students must complete a prescribed remediation option and receive permission to retest from the Developmental Education and/or Mathematics Chairperson. Successful completion of Boot Camp (Shark Academy) courses REA 0014 – Reading, EDU 0016 – Mathematics, or EDU 0017 – Writing may be used in lieu of receiving chairperson permission. Enrollment will be determined at the 100% refund date. Placement scores are valid for two years. After the two-year period, since scores are no longer valid for placement, students who have not yet started a subject area are free to retake the test two additional times as long as the score(s) have not been used for placement.
Students who started developmental education courses (REA, ENC, or MAT) in a subject area may only be referred for retesting on a case-by-case basis by faculty or an academic advisor through the department's Developmental Education or Mathematics Chairperson. The ACCUPLACER NG/PERT may be used for retesting on a case-by-case basis by faculty or an academic advisor through the department's Developmental Education or Mathematics Chairperson for students who failed one or more of the highest level Developmental Education courses to adjust placement. This would occur if the authorized student achieves the State required placement score for entry into college-level coursework.
The decision to allow re-testing for students who started developmental education courses (REA, ENC, or MAT) should be made on an individual basis and have the best interest of the student in mind. In addition to the ACCUPLACER NG/PERT, information from other sources may be used to adjust placement or exempt students from testing (e.g. further assessment in the classroom such as diagnostic tests and writing samples for adjusting placement within Developmental Education and CLEP or credit-by-exam, or transcripts of coursework taken elsewhere for exempting testing).
Test Preparation Options for 1st retest attempt
Students must provide documentation to the test administrator that verifies alternative remediation has occurred since their prior attempt. Such remediation might include, but is not limited to, taking a practice or diagnostic test, attendance at workshops and grant programs, receiving tutorial assistance, enrolling in special courses (e.g. VPI, EDU, LER 030), and/or receiving laboratory support services. The documentation must confirm the nature, time(s), and date(s) of the remediation completed using one of the following: a signed statement by a tutor or administrator employed by MDC, faculty member, or appropriate chairperson. A student verification form attesting to completion of one or more of the test prep options may also be used.
Remediation Option for additional retest attempts
Students must visit the chairperson/assistant to the chairperson of the Developmental Education or Mathematics Department asking for permission for an additional retest and agree to participate in the department's prescribed remediation program. Once remediation is complete; the student will receive permission to retest.
Secondary School Students Testing at MDC Test Centers
- Secondary school students in the following categories: (1) students testing for dual enrollment, (2) students who have formally applied for admission to the School for Advanced Studies, (3) secondary school students already enrolled in the New World School of the Arts, and (4) secondary school participants in jointly sponsored or approved projects. These students have a total of two placement PERT attempts at MDC while they are in 6th through 8th grades, two new attempts while they are in 9th and 10th grades and two new PERT attempts while they are in 11th and 12th grades. The initial test counts as the first attempt and re-taking any subtest counts as the second and final attempt during any of the two or three year periods. Remediation and a $10.00 testing fee (effective August 1, 2016) is required prior to any subsequent attempt. Students in these categories with an approved PERT Placement Test Referral Form may test on designated MDC campuses on an exception basis since the school district's preferred testing site is the student's home secondary school.
Ability-to-Benefit (ATB)
Effective July 1, 2012 Ability-To-Benefit (ATB) students who were enrolled or officially registered in an ATB eligible program prior to July 1, 2012 may retest once on the ATB certified ACCUPLACER NG two weeks after the initial ATB testing date. For any subsequent attempts, the student must wait at least three months between administrations. Remediation is required between administrations. Note: The PERT is not an ATB eligible test.
Points to remember:
- All referrals for retesting students who started developmental education instruction in a subject area must be approved by the department chairs or their designee. This includes students returning from suspension, students who fall under the three time, or four time course repeat rule and students who have completed Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary, private, or any MDC based provider instruction as an alternative to traditional college preparatory instruction.
- Students who have already registered in MAT1033 or a higher mathematics course and have not yet taken a mathematics placement subtest (and are past the 100% refund deadline) are not eligible to take either of these subtests without permission from the chairperson of the Mathematics Department.
- Retesting authorizations must be processed by entering a comment for the student in the College's student record keeping system.
- All first-time-in-college (FTIC) students begin with zero attempts.
- High school seniors who are admitted to the Fall or Summer Terms and test at MDC on or after January 15th begin with zero attempts.
- Placement (ACCUPLACER NG/PERT) attempts at a high school do not count towards the high school student's total count at MDC.
Announcing ACCUPLACER’s New Learning Resources
Effective June 20, 2022
ACCUPLACER’s Learning Resources tool will be available to enhance students' educational strengths.
Learning Resources is a free tool that provides thousands of learning exercises to help strengthen students' knowledge and gives faculty and staff the tools to enhance student learning.
Upon completion of ACCUPLACER testing, students are assigned Learning Locator™ codes that will deliver specific materials targeted to the growth areas identified on their Individual Score Reports (ISR). Educators review Learning Resources and use a convenient Assignment Sheet feature to create collections of material individualized for their students.
| Location | Available | Day and Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hialeah Testing 1220-01 |
By Online Appointments | M, T, W, R 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM F 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| Homestead Testing A114 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| Kendall Testing Building R, 5th Floor |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| Medical Testing 1303 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| MEEC Testing 1101 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| North Testing 1160 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| Padrón Testing 1103 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| West Testing 2110 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
| Wolfson Testing 3104 |
By Online Appointments | TBA |
Contact a Testing and Assessment location, where we would be glad to help you!
Note: Examinees must be checked-in and seated by the time scheduled in order to begin the test. Examinees will then have adequate time to finish the test in a reasonable period or within the Hours of Operation.
The following are links to resources for students to prepare for the PERT:
McCann Associates - College Success:
Placement Related (Pages 1 - 19)
Diagnostics Related (Pages 20 - 34)
•Pre Placement Preparation (3Ps) Free PERT practice online
MDC School of Continuing Education & Professional Development
• College entrance exam preparation classes
• Online College Readiness Enrichment Program Reading, Writing, and Math (10 week online access)
MDC Test Prep Options
• Hialeah Campus Test Prep Options
• Homestead Campus Test Prep Options
• Padrón Campus Test Prep Options
• Kendall Campus Test Prep Options
• Medical Campus Test Prep Options
• North Campus Test Prep Options
• Wolfson Campus Test Prep Options
Miami Dade College
• Test preparation resources sorted by Campus
Online Resources
• Test preparation resources sorted by Subject (i.g.: Reading, Writing, Math)
Please visit the Testing Fees webpage for additional information and test specific fees.