Placement Testing
PERT Information
What is PERT? Florida Keys Community College primary placement test, the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is appropriate for those who have not taken the SAT or ACT, or whose SAT or ACT scores are more than two years old.
The purpose of PERT is to help provide information about your skills in the English language, reading, and mathematics. Your test results will be used in the academic advising process to ensure that you enroll in the appropriate levels of English (communication/humanities), reading, and mathematics courses.
You may need to take the PERT, if you are a degree-seeking student, a returning student who changes to degree-seeking status, or as well as a non-degree seeking student who wishes to enroll in English, reading, mathematics courses, or any course requiring college level English or math as a prerequisite.
The PERT identifies appropriate course placement (developmental education through college credit) in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. There are 30 questions per placement subtest, and the scaled scores range from 50-150.
Is this a pass/fail test? PERT is a placement test. You can't fail.
If I don't do well on PERT, will I get into FKCC? As long as you have graduated from high school or have a GED, you're in. FKCC has an open door admissions policy. The assessment simply is used to place you in classes at levels most appropriate for you.
When will I receive my test scores? You will receive your scores immediately once the test has been completed. You will need to make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor to review your placement score results and select appropriate classes.
Is there a study guide? Yes. Please see the below link.
Can I use a calculator? Textbooks, notebooks, dictionaries, and calculators are not allowed in the testing room.
What is the testing time? The test is not timed, but plan for 2 hours to do your best work.
Can I retest if I do not like my scores? Effective August 27, 2012, FKCC students will have a total of two attempts to take the PERT. Remediation will be required prior to the 2nd attempt. Placement scores are valid for two years. Students who have already begun any level of college preparatory instruction in a subject area may only be referred for retesting on an individual basis by the teaching faculty member. An advisor may grant permission for a retest due to extenuating circumstances. A $10.00 charge will be assessed to retake one or more parts of the PERT.
Is there special arrangements for people with disabilities? Please inform the test administrator before taking the test. These request should be made in writing directly to the Office for Students with Disabilities which is located in the Advising Services Department (KW).
Are there any exemptions to PERT? Student can provide official ACT or SAT scores taken currently within two years can be reviewed. Students who have taken the ACT or SAT, but have scores lower than the following minimums in any category, may choose to take the PERT. A break down of scores are listed below.
ACT: English=17; Reading=18; Math=21
CPT: Sentence Skills=83; Reading=83; Arithmetic=57; Algebra=98
Grade 10 FCAT: Reading=Level 4 & 5, 355-500; Math= Level 5, 375-500
Grade 10 FCAT 2.0: Reading=262 or higher
PERT: Reading=104-150 ; Writing=99-150 , Math=113-150 ,
SAT: Verbal=440; Math=480
How do I get an official test score report?
When and Where the PERT given: The test is offered in small group sessions prior to and during registration each term. Students may be tested at any FKCC Center-Key West, Middle, or Upper Keys.
Do I need to make an appointment to take PERT? Yes an appointment is required. Please contact the appropriate test center.
You may schedule a PERT appointment by calling one of our campuses
Key West: 305-809-3196
Test dates for Key West Campus
Middle Keys: 305-743-2133
Upper Keys: 305-852-8007
Additional Information:
CLEP Information
Developed by the College Board, the people behind AP and SAT, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has been the most widely trusted credit-by-examination program for over 40 years, accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities and administered in over 1,700 test centers.
CLEP exams test mastery of college-level material acquired in a variety of ways — through general academic instructions, significant independent study or extracurricular work. CLEP exam-takers include adults just entering or returning to school, military service members and traditional college students.
Cost of CLEP registration fee is $80.
Cost of Test administration fee is $25.
Test administration fees are waived for:
- Active Duty Military members (Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve Component)
- Spouses and Civilian Employees of the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard (Active and Reserve)
- DoD Acquisition Workforce Personnel taking select exams.
Study guides are available in the Testing Coordinators Office (Key West Campus, "A" building, Advising).
For more information check out the CLEP website or contact an FKCC Workforce Development at (305) 809-3250.