POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION READINESS TEST (P.E.R.T.)

Postsecondary Education Readiness Test

Reading, writing, and math.

The P.E.R.T. math sub test will not place a student into MAC 1140, MAC 2233, MAC 1114, MAC 1147 or MAC 2311. If students wish to place into a higher-level math course, they will need to score a 135 on the P.E.R.T. math section and then take the Next Generation Advanced Algebra and Functions (AAF) subtest in the same sitting. The same AAF scores still apply to higher level placement. Students will not need to pay an additional testing fee to take the AAF section.

There are 30 questions per test section; 90 questions total. Each section has 25 scored questions and 5 field test questions.

Students will not have to pay for their first P.E.R.T. testing session with IRSC.  However, the fee for each additional P.E.R.T. testing session with IRSC will be $20.

No. It is an untimed test. Each section of the P.E.R.T. takes approximately one hour and the entire test can take about three hours or more to complete, so plan accordingly. The test must be completed in one session without any breaks.  

If you are late for your appointment, you must reschedule. Cancel and/or reschedule your appointment if you are unable to keep it. This allows us to accommodate other students needing to take the P.E.R.T.

Yes.  The IRSC Assessment Services web page has electronic practice material for the P.E.R.T.  

There is a calculator built into the P.E.R.T. testing system. It will automatically “pop up” if the question allows the use of a calculator. However, personal or handheld calculators are not permitted.

Florida Statutes require degree-seeking students to undergo placement testing to ensure that they are guided into academic classes most appropriate to their skill levels.  Acceptable placement tests are the P.E.R.T. (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test), SAT and ACT.  Specific math, reading and English scores used for placement purposes can be found below in the P.E.R.T. Course Placement section.

Florida Statutes (Senate Bill 1720) exempt certain students from placement testing.  Students who entered 9^th Grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-2004 school year or after and earned a Florida standard high school diploma, or students who are serving as active duty members of any branch of the United States armed services are no longer required – but are strongly encouraged – to complete mandatory placement testing to ensure success.  Students must provide official high school transcripts or documentation of military status to be exempt from placement testing.

Students are required to wait 7 days before retesting on the same P.E.R.T. subtest, and students are strongly encouraged to remediate before retesting.  There is no limit on the number of retest attempts.

Official valid P.E.R.T. results from a high school can be used for placement.  Students will be responsible for asking their high school to send P.E.R.T. scores to IRSC.  Scores should be sent from high schools via FASTER as part of a high school transcript.  Unofficial transcripts or score reports will not be accepted.  P.E.R.T. scores are no longer considered valid after two years from the date that the test was administered.

A valid photo ID is required for all exams taken at Indian River State College. Acceptable forms of identification include:

• Current driver license with photo
• Current Federal, State, County or Municipality issued ID with photo (includes U.S. Military ID)
• Current Alien Registration Card (Green Card) with photo
• Current Passport with recent photo
• S. Passport Card
• Current High School ID
• Current Indian River State College ID card

If an ID has an expiration date, it is no longer valid after that date. Also, once an ID is broken into more than one piece or has been cut, it is no longer valid.  An ID printed on paper, photo paper or cardboard cannot be accepted for testing.

Students can take the P.E.R.T. at home using Honorlock if they can satisfy all requirements listed below. Honorlock is a recognized leader in remote test proctoring that offers students a secure and convenient way to take proctored exams online 24/7. A desktop computer or laptop with a working webcam and microphone are required to take the P.E.R.T. at home.

Honorlock P.E.R.T. Testing Requirements for Students

• A desktop computer or laptop (no tablets, iPads or cell phones are permitted);
• A working webcam with 400×300 resolution (integrated or external USB device is acceptable);
• A working microphone (integrated or external USB device is acceptable);
• A stable internet connection (1.5 Mbps download and 750 Kbps upload);
• A current version of the Google Chrome browser;
• Windows 10+, Mac OS 10.15+ or Chrome OS;
• JavaScript and cookies must be enabled on your computer (turn off the Pop-up Blocker); and
• A private testing room or area with no distractions or other people. Make sure you have a clear work area (remove all books, papers, notebooks, calculators, etc., unless specifically permitted for your exam), sufficient lighting, and no background noise.
• You must have a valid photo ID to take your test. Acceptable forms of identification include a current government-issued ID with photo, a current Indian River State College Student ID card or a current high school Photo ID card. If an ID is broken, cut taped or expired, it is no longer valid. Also, make sure the name on your photo ID matches the name on your IRSC school registration.
• You must have an IRSC Student ID number to take the P.E.R.T. at home. If you do not have an IRSC Student ID number, you must complete an IRSC application online at www.irsc.edu/admissions. An IRSC Student ID number will be generated for you within 24 hours after you complete your application.
• If you are applying to the dual enrollment program, you must complete and upload dual enrollment agreement (form 508) to complete your application for admission. Complete application is required to test online using HONORLOCK.  
• You must agree to practice academic integrity during the testing process.

If you meet all of the requirements above, fill out the P.E.R.T. Testing Request to begin the process for taking the P.E.R.T. at home. Note that this process takes a few business days prior to testing to set up accounts and testing details in Canvas, College Measured Success and Honorlock. Be on the alert for emails from PERTTesting@irsc.edu regarding the next steps to begin taking the P.E.R.T. test at home.

For more information about Honorlock, visit https://honorlock.com/students/.

Contact PERTTesting@irsc.edu if you have questions about taking the P.E.R.T. at home using Honorlock.

Placement for paper SAT exams taken after March 1, 2016

Effective August 1, 2022.

Students must score 135 on the P.E.R.T. to take the AAF. Effective February 1, 2020.

*MAT1033-six more credit hours of math are needed after completing MAT1033 with a C or higher in order to meet the A.A. Math requirements.

Full Credit Courses (1 Credit)

Any student who has an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 and achieves a grade of “B” or better in any of the full credit (1 credit) courses  listed below shall have demonstrated readiness for college-level work.

Half Credit Courses (0.5 Credit)

Any student who has an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 and achieves a grade of “B” or better in two half credit (0.5 credit) courses with the same name and listed below shall have demonstrated readiness for college-level work.  Any grades that are not “B” or better will not demonstrate readiness for college-level work.

Courses Taught at a Florida Public High School

Accelerated High  School Courses

Students achieving passing scores and receiving credit for college-level communication or computation through CLEP shall have previously demonstrated readiness for college-level coursework.