Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who must take the PERT?
All first-time-in college students seeking an AA., AS., or AAS degree who do not have college level ACT or SAT scores taken within the last 2 years must take the PERT. Additionally, non-degree seeking students who plan to enroll in an English, humanities, or mathematics course must take the PERT if appropriate ACT/SAT scores are not on file. Students who have successfully passed courses at other colleges/universities that meet placement requirements are not required to take the PERT provided that official transcripts from the other schools have been received by the Registrar's Office. Transfer students planning to use PERT or FCPT scores taken at another institution, must have that institution mail the scores to NWFSC. Hand-carried copies and faxed copies will not be accepted for placement. Currently, college level scores are as follows:
ACT: Reading 18, Writing 17, Math 19
SAT: Verbal 440, Math 440
PERT: Reading 104, English 99, Math 113
| Math Placement Levels | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | MATH MAT0002A / MAT0018* College Prep Math I |
MATH MAT0024 / MAT0028* College Prep Math II |
MATH MAT 1033A Intermediate Algebra |
MATH MAC 1105 College Algebra or higher level math course |
| PERT | 50-95 | 96-112 | 113-122 | 123-150 |
| ACT | < 19 PERT Required |
< 19 PERT Required |
19-20 | 21 |
| SAT I | < 440 PERT Required |
< 440 PERT Required |
440-499 | 500 |
| Reading Placement Levels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Reading REA 0001/REA0007* College Prep Rd 1 |
Reading REA 0002/REA0017* College Prep Rd 2 |
Reading REA 2105 Adv Read |
| PERT | 50-83 | 84-103 | 104-150 |
| ACT | < 18 PERT Required |
< 18 PERT Required |
18 |
| SAT I | < 440 PERT Required |
< 440 PERT Required |
440 |
| English Placement Levels | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | English ENC0020 / ENC0015* College Prep Eng I |
English ENC 0080/ENC0025* College Prep Eng II |
English LIN 1670 |
English ENC 1101 Eng Comp 1 |
| PERT | 50-89 | 90-98 | 99-112 + Reading 104-150 | 113-150 + Reading 104-150 |
| ACT | <17 PERT Required |
<17 PERT Required |
17-20 | 21 |
| SAT I | <440 PERT Required |
<440 PERT Required |
440-499 | 500 |
* New Reading, English and Math College prep courses will be offered beginning Fall semester 2011.
How can I prepare for the PERT?
The PERT tests basic skills so that you can be placed in courses appropriate to your skill level in order to ensure your success. These basic skills include: English, Reading Comprehension, and Math. If you have been out of school for a while or feel you need to brush up on your skills before you test, we recommend that you use an ACT or SAT preparation guide which is available at local bookstores or libraries.
You may also wish to review the online study guide.
Which courses must I take if I score below college level?
You will be placed in college preparatory courses which are designed to help you develop the skills you need to begin college-level coursework. New students testing into any preparatory course are required to meet with an advisor prior to their first term of enrollment at the college. Likewise, students who have placement scores for REA0001/REA0007, ENC0020/ENC0015 or MAT0002/MAT0018 or any student testing into 2 or more prep courses, regardless of the level, must take SLS 1101 during their first term of enrollment. Full-time degree-seeking students must begin prep instruction in their first term of enrollment as a degree-seeker and continue in the appropriate college prep sequence until they have successfully satisfied all preparatory requirements. Part-time students who have accumulated 12 or more credits must begin their college prep courses and continue in the appropriate college prep sequence until they have satisfied all prep requirements. Once required to begin college prep instruction, the student must enroll in at least one college prep course each term until the prep requirement is satisfied.
Can I retake the PERT?
Yes, but you must wait 30 days. You may re-take the entire test or just a portion of the test. Scores for tests re-taken sooner than 30 days will not be considered for placement purposes. Once you enroll in and start attending a college prep course, however, you will need written permission from your instructor to re-test.
Can I take college credit courses while I'm enrolled in college prep courses?
Yes. Students enrolled in college prep courses may, at the same time, take college credit courses for which they are qualified.
When do I need to take the PERT and what do I need to bring?
Once you have submitted an admissions application to the College, you may take the PERT. Bring a driver license, FL ID card, or military ID for identification. All testing supplies will be provided. Please do not bring personal items to the testing room. Calculators are generally NOT allowed on the math section. Some of the problems may have a "pop-up" calculator for you to use, but calculators are NOT available on all problems.
Where and when can I take the PERT?
The test is available at all seven NWF State College locations. Check the location listed below that is nearest you. During registration periods, additional test sessions may be available. Testing locations and times.