Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
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.
The PERT is used for the following:
Additional Resources:
Retest Procedure:
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 After the two-year period, since scores are no longer valid for placement, students who have not yet started a subject area are free to retake the test two additional times as long as the score(s) have not been used for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.
Test Preparation:
The following are links to resources for students to prepare for the PERT:
PERT Schedule:
Make an online appointment
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Request a remote test. Examinees must be checked-in and seated by the time scheduled in order to begin the test. Standbys should check-in no later than 4:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday and 11:00 A.M. on Friday. Examinees will then have adequate time to finish the test in a reasonable period or within the Hours of Operation.
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Auxiliary Aids and Modifications:
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:
- Sign language interpreters
- Adaptive or assistive technology
- Note takers
- and more
An ACCESS representative can help eligible candidates identify and arrange for accommodations that ensure success.
Instructions for Auxiliary Aids and Modifications:
- Candidate presents documentation to ACCESS department.
- ACCESS department intakes documentation.
- Accommodations are determined.
- ACCESS department informs Testing Center about candidate's accommodations.
- Candidate contacts Testing Center to schedule the test with accommodations.
- Testing Center plans for accommodated testing needs.
- Candidate tests.
MDC administers the test at:
Request to take this test at another institution via Remote Testing!
