Common Placement Testing
The (PERT) is administered to students in public high schools and Florida College System institutions to determine readiness for college-level courses. The PERT is a computer adaptive test (C.A.T.) with 25 operational items that will be the basis of the student's placement score and five (5) field test items which are designed to continuously enhance the operational test bank.
Based on legislation, a student who entered 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-04 school year or after, and earned a Florida standard high school diploma or a student who is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the US Armed Services is not required to take the common placement test and is not required to enroll in developmental education instruction in a Florida College System institution.
These students may enroll in developmental educational courses, but are not required to do so.
Students who are placed into developmental education have an opportunity to take the (PERT) Diagnostic to identify specific deficiencies. There are two linear Diagnostic tests for each subject area.
State Board Rule 6A-10.0315, establishes the standard test scores used to determine whether a student is ready for college level coursework. If a student does not meet the state established standard score, this indicates that additional preparation may be necessary before entering college level courses.
The scaled scores on the PERT range from 50-150. The current standard score ranges for the (PERT) are:
Standard Scores Approved by the State Board of Education
Postsecondary Education Readiness Test
Accuplacer Classic, The College Board
SAT, The College Board
Since March 1, 2016
ACT with Writing or ACT, Inc.
Florida Statutes
- 1008.30 - Common placement testing for public postsecondary education
State Board of Education Rule
- 6A-10.0315 (Word) - College Placement Testing and Instruction
Data & Reports
- Testing Ground: How Florida Schools and Colleges Are Using a New Assessment to Increase College Readiness
- Florida's Postsecondary Readiness Test (PDF)
- Transparency and Accountability
Additional Resources
- PERT Diagnostic Manual (PDF)
- PERT Study Guide (PDF)
- Questions may be directed to chancellorfcs@fldoe.org