Testing and Assessment

When you first come to Valencia College, you may be required to take Florida's Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT). There’s no failing the exam, however it will impact the courses you'll take at Valencia College, so it's important that you study for the test.

The PERT is an entry-level placement test required of all degree seeking students in the Florida College System (FCS) according to Florida Statutes, Section 1008.30, Rule 6A-10.0315. This test will determine your initial placement in English, reading and mathematics courses. Exemptions can be found here: Exemptions to Requirements for Taking the PERT

PERT Quick Testing Facts

• The PERT is not a pass/fail assessment. The results of the assessment will determine your placement for English and Math courses at Valencia College.
• Three sections: Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
• 30 questions per section
• Not timed
• Must be completed in the same day. Allow yourself at least 2.5 to 3 hours for all three sections of the PERT.
• Personal calculators are not permitted, however there will be a computer calculator available on certain math questions of the test.
• If you are required to take all three sections of the PERT, you must take the Reading and Writing portion prior to the Math section. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Number of PERT attempts accepted at Valencia College:

• A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts per section at Valencia College within a two-year period with a one-day wait period between attempts.

• Valencia College will only accept valid PERT scores from previously enrolled institutions if they are within 2 years of the date taken. Learn more about submitting scores from a previously enrolled institution.

PERT On-Campus Testing

If you are a Dual Enrollment applicant seeking information regarding testing for Valencia College's Dual Enrollment program, visit our Future Dual Enrollment Students webpage.

Current Valencia College Students can make an appointment to test by clicking on your desired campus below:

• Downtown Campus
• East Campus
• Lake Nona Campus
• Osceola Campus
• Poinciana Campus
• West Campus
• Winter Park Campus

Preparing for on-campus testing:

• Bring your physical ID on test day (Pictures of IDs or electronic IDs will not be accepted)
  • We are unable to accept Florida Smart ID at this time
  • Acceptable forms of ID include:
    • A current driver’s license
    • A current Valencia College student ID
    • A current state or federal ID card (such as a Green Card)
    • A current passport

    PERT On-Campus Retest
    A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts (per section) at Valencia College within a two-year period.

    NOTE: "Retaking the PERT" means you have already taken PERT at least once before at Valencia College . If you have not taken the PERT at Valencia College, it would be considered your "First Attempt".

    • There is a 1 day wait period between testing sessions
    • PERT retake fee ($10 per subject retake)
    • Please review the PERT Review Material section prior to testing (optional)
    • To make your on-campus retest appointment, click on the desired campus link above and make the appropriate payment

    PERT Virtual Testing

    *Virtual Testing Disclaimer*

    • Virtual testing may not be the fastest option to get your scores in your Atlas account for course registration. You may see your scores after testing, however, your recorded session must be validated prior to scores being entered into your account.
    • There is a processing period before and after your virtual testing session.
    • Success in virtual testing will depend on your comfort with troubleshooting technology on your own and your network reliability
    • Live tech support is limited for virtual testing. Live tech support information can be found in the instructional email sent to you after completion of the Virtual PERT Request Form.
    • By choosing the virtual option, you agree to providing a webcam or laptop with a camera that can show the whole room and desk space.

    We encourage you to test on campus if you want immediate support and score processing into your Atlas account.

    Step 1: Review the PERT Virtual Requirements to take the test virtually prior to filling out the required form below.

    Step 2: Current Valencia College Students fill out the Virtual PERT Test Request Form to initiate the process

    • • If you are a Dual Enrollment applicant seeking information regarding testing for Valencia College's Dual Enrollment program, visit our Future Dual Enrollment Students webpage

      Step 3: After completing the above form, an email will be sent within 2 business days outlining instructions to take the PERT virtually. This information will be sent to your Atlas email account, so be on the lookout for the subject titled "YOUR PERT HONORLOCK ASSESSMENT" and be sure to also monitor your junk/spam folder.

      PERT Virtual Retest
      A student is allowed 3 PERT attempts (per section) with Valencia College within a two-year period (on campus and/or virtual).

      NOTE: "Retaking the PERT" means you have already taken PERT at least once before at Valencia College . If you have not taken the PERT at Valencia College, it would be considered your "First Attempt".

      • There is a 1 day wait period between testing sessions
      • PERT retake fee ($10 per subject retake)
      • Please review the PERT Review Material section prior to testing (optional)
      • To retake the PERT virtually after having already tested virtually, follow the instructions sent to you via your Next Steps email (this email is sent after your test session has been reviewed)
      • To retake the PERT virtually after having tested on campus, complete the PERT Virtual Form above

      PERT Review Material

      The results of the exam will determine which courses you can take at Valencia College. There’s no failing the exam, however it will impact the courses you'll take at Valencia College, so it's important that you study for the test.

      • ReadingSample Test* and Reading Review Guide (PERT Reading)
      • WritingSample Test* and Writing / Sentence Skills Review Guide (PERT Writing)
      • MathSample Test* and Math Review Guide (PERT Math)

      *NOTE: Scores are not calculated on sample tests. Sample tests are only provided to illustrate the format of the test.

      OPTIONAL: ONLINE TUTORING SESSION

      Step 1: Review the PERT materials (links above) before meeting with a tutor. You must come with specific questions or identified areas where assistance is needed.

      Step 2: Click here to access live, online tutors for PERT review.

      OPTIONAL: ON-CAMPUS TUTORING SESSION