Assessment / Course Placement Guide

Overview

Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)

The purpose of the Florida’s Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is to adequately assess a student’s academic skills in mathematics, reading and writing through the delivery of three assessments, one for each of these areas. The results of these assessments are used to determine placement into appropriate courses at Santa Fe College. Students cannot pass or fail the PERT—it is only used to determine which courses are best for you. Accurate course placement is critical for success in college coursework. To ensure appropriate course placement, First Time In College (FTIC) students who intend to enter degree programs will be tested prior to initial registration and shall enroll in college preparatory reading, English, and/or mathematics courses if their test scores are below college level.

Students who present SAT or ACT scores that are less than two-years old and are college level in reading and writing are exempt from taking that portion of the PERT. However, students who have college-level math scores on the ACT, SAT or who score 123-150 on the Math section of PERT will be required to take an additional college level placement test.

Students who have official transcripts on file with Santa Fe College that show a “C” or better on college-level course work in English and math do not need to take the PERT.

The PERT assessments are computer-adaptive, which means the questions are chosen based on your answers to previous questions. You will not be permitted to change your answer once you have moved on to the next question or leave a question unanswered. However, all of the PERT assessments are untimed, so you have as much time as you need to consider each question before submitting your answer. On average, the entire PERT takes two to three hours to complete.

Your scores on each assessment will be available immediately after you are finished and will be recorded on your student record.

Students who are active-duty military or who entered a Florida public high school in the 2003-2004 school year or later and graduated from a Florida high school with a standard diploma qualify for placement testing exemption. Students must contact their assigned advisors for details

Frequently Asked Questions

Where and when can I take the test?

You may take your test once you submit your application to the college and receive your SF Student ID#. The test is available on a walk-in basis (you do not need an appointment) Monday - Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Please arrive at least 2 hours prior to closing. The Assessment Center is located at the Santa Fe College Northwest Campus, Building G, Room 25. Students may be allowed to take the test remotely. For more information, email test.center@sfcollege.edu from your SF email.

What do I need to bring?

You MUST bring a driver license, state ID, military ID or passport for identification. We will provide a pencil and paper for math computation. You will not be allowed to bring a calculator with you.

How can I prepare for the PERT?

The PERT study guide is available online at the Placement and Assessment Center website, or for pickup at the Placement and Assessment Center, Building G, Room 25, or the Office of Admissions, Building R, Room 101.

Who can I contact for more information about placement testing?

Your assigned advisor can assist you with placement testing related questions. You can find your assigned advisor’s contact information on your My Status page in your eSantaFe account.

What is college level?

*Note: College-Level math scores require additional testing

**Note: PERT math scores 114-122 may take college level math elective. PERT math 123+ requires additional testing.