Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
Miami Dade College transitioned to the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), Florida’s new college placement test as the initial placement test for MDC students replacing the ACCUPLACER (CPT) battery. The PERT was recently adopted by the state of Florida and MDC 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. As of Wednesday, July 13, 2011 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.
The PERT is used for the following:
Additional Resources:
Retest Procedure:
DRAFT as of 08/28/2012
Effective August 27, 2012, 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 College Preparatory and/or Mathematics Chairperson. 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 After the two-year period, since scores are no longer valid for placement, students who have not yet started a subject area are free to retake the test two additional times as long as the score(s) have not been used for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 college preparatory 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 College Preparatory or Mathematics Chairperson. The CPT/PERT may be used for retesting on a case-by-case basis by faculty or an academic advisor through the department’s College Preparatory or Mathematics Chairperson for students who failed one or more of the highest level college preparatory 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 college preparatory 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 CPT/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 college preparatory 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 College Preparatory 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.
High School Testing
Through August 27, 2012 special categories of high school students have a total of two PERT attempts while in high school. Remediation will be required prior to the 2nd attempt
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 CPT 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 college preparatory 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 the CPT College-Level Mathematics subtest or PERT mathematics 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 in the Odyssey testing screen of the student (SR, TS, TS, TP).
Students who tested on the CPT/PERT prior to Monday, August 27, 2012, will not have these previous attempts count towards their total count.
All first-time-in-college (FTIC) students begin with zero attempts.
Test Preparation:
The following are links to resources for students to prepare for the PERT:
PERT Schedule:
| Note: |
| Examinees must be checked-in and seated by the time scheduled in order to begin the assessment. Consequently, examinees will have adequate time to finish the assessment in a reasonable period or within the Testing Department’s Office Hours of Operation. |
Fees:
| Note: |
| MDC testing fees are non-refundable/non-transferable. Examinees must pick up a payment form at the campus Testing Department and submit it to the Bursar’s Office prior to taking an MDC fee related test. MDC accepts cash, check, money orders, or credit/debit cards. Make sure to save the receipt for proof of payment. |
MDC administers the exam at:
Request to take this test at another institution via Remote Testing!