How Is the PERT Test Scored?
PERT scores range from 50 to 150 on each of the three subtests, and placement depends on your state college’s cut-offs, in Florida, 114 typically places a student into intermediate algebra and 123 into college-level mathematics. Below: how the scale works and what each band places into.
Quick answer: The PERT is a computer-adaptive placement test with three sections: math, reading and writing. Each section is scored from 50 to 150, and there is no pass or fail. In Florida, the college-ready scores are 114 in math, 106 in reading and 103 in writing. Many colleges place a math score of 114 to 122 into Intermediate Algebra and 123 or higher into College Algebra.
The PERT test has 3 subtests:
- Reading
- Writing
- Mathematics
There are 30 questions in each field. There are five questions in each section that are experimental and do not count in your score, but you do not know which questions are experimental. The test is untimed but the average time to perform all three sections in one session is nearly 3 hours.
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icate that they are ready for college-level classes. High school students that do not get high enough grades take developmental education classes in their senior year. Colleges also offer remedial courses for those who do not have the skills to start college-level classes.
Mathematics scores:
People who score 114-122 can enroll in Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033), a college-credit math class. Scores of 123 or more increase the number of math courses a student is eligible for. Students who score below 114 must take remedial courses or developmental education.
Reading scores:
People who do not score 106 or higher on the reading subtest may also need to take a remedial reading course or developmental education.
Writing scores:
All students who intend to take Freshman Composition Skills must obtain a score of 103 or higher on the writing test in addition to the minimum accepted score on the reading test.
Placement test results chart
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PERT Scoring at a Glance
Here is how the PERT works and what goes into your score.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Sections | Mathematics, Reading, Writing |
| Questions per section | 30: 25 count toward your score, and 5 are field-test questions you cannot identify |
| Format | Computer-adaptive multiple choice. Correct answers lead to harder questions, and missed ones lead to easier ones. |
| Time limit | None. The test is untimed. |
| Score range | 50 to 150 for each section |
| Pass or fail | No. Scores are used for course placement. |
| Score validity | Florida requires scores to be no older than two years for placement. |
Because the test is adaptive, your score depends on the difficulty of the questions you answer correctly, not just how many you get right. That’s why it pays to work carefully on the early questions.
What Each PERT Math Score Range Means
Florida sets one college-ready math score, 114. Each college then decides how to place students above and below that score. Ranges like these are common:
| PERT math score | Typical placement |
|---|---|
| 50 to 113 | Developmental (non-credit) math |
| 114 to 122 | Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033) or some liberal arts and statistics courses |
| 123 to 150 | College Algebra (MAC 1105) and other college-level math |
For English, students usually need at least 106 in reading and 103 in writing to enter ENC 1101 (Freshman Composition) without developmental courses. Course codes and exact ranges vary by school, so check your college’s placement chart before you test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the PERT test scored?
The PERT is computer-adaptive, so each answer affects the difficulty of the next question, and your score reflects both how many you get right and how hard those questions were. Each of the three subtests, math, reading and writing, gets its own scaled score from 50 to 150. There is no single combined score.
What is the highest score on the PERT test?
The highest score on each PERT subtest is 150, and the lowest is 50. You do not need a perfect score for good placement. In math, a score of 123 or higher usually qualifies a student for College Algebra, so aiming a little above that number gives you a comfortable cushion.
What score do you need to pass the PERT test?
There is no pass or fail on the PERT; it is a placement test. In Florida, college-ready scores are 114 in math, 106 in reading and 103 in writing. A math score of 114 to 122 usually places you in Intermediate Algebra (MAT 1033), while a score below 114 means starting with a developmental math course.
How do you check PERT test scores?
Because the PERT is scored by computer, most students see their results as soon as they finish testing. The testing center or advising office at the college where you tested can give you a copy of your score report. Keep it handy, since advisors use your math, reading and writing scores to choose your first courses.
Does the PERT test have a calculator?
You generally cannot bring your own calculator to the PERT. For some math questions, an on-screen calculator is provided, but many questions must be done by hand. Practice arithmetic with fractions, decimals and exponents without a calculator, and ask your testing center about its current calculator policy before test day.
How hard is the PERT test?
Most students find the PERT math section moderate. It covers arithmetic, pre-algebra and algebra up to topics such as linear equations, quadratics and exponents. Because the test adapts, questions get harder as you answer correctly, so it can feel tough even when you are doing well. Since it is untimed, you can work carefully through each problem.
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