Placement Testing

If you’re an incoming degree seeking student at Palm Beach State, you may have heard that a placement test is no longer required for admission. Is it true?

Who is exempt from having to take the PERT placement test?

Students are exempt from the placement test requirement if they:

• entered a Florida public or charter high school in the 2003-2004 school year and thereafter and graduated beginning 2007 and thereafter with a Florida standard high school diploma; or
• are serving as an active duty member of any branch of the U.S. Armed Services; or
• have test scores (ACT, SAT, CPT or PERT) that are less than two years old from date test was taken and scores meet the state-designated minimums for college-level English and mathematics courses; or
• have successfully completed college preparatory or developmental education course requirements in English, reading and mathematics; or
• provide proof of successful completion of college-level English and mathematics courses from a regionally accredited college or university.

 

I have some questions about this exemption. Who should I contact?

Connect with an academic advisor on your campus.

 

Is there a reason why I should consider taking the college placement test (PERT) even though I don’t have to?

Although exempt, you can choose to take the PERT to help you and your academic advisor make an informed choice on course options. Since you receive one FREE placement test after paying your application fee, there is no cost involved.

Students who would like to enroll in a math class higher than Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033) will also need to submit qualifying test scores in math.

Learn more about the PERT exam

 

What if I take the PERT and the results place me into developmental education (prep) classes that are not college level?

As an exempt student, you are not bound by the results of the test. An advisor can help you in making the right course choices based on all factors – your high school transcript, test scores, your intended major, etc. Enrolling in classes that are above your skill level may result in frustration and possible failure. Our goal is to assist you in getting on the path to success. By the way, students who qualify for financial aid will be glad to know that those funds will cover developmental education courses.

 

I already took the SAT placement test. Should I submit the scores?

Yes, providing scores for any assessments taken within the last two years (SAT, ACT, PERT, Accuplacer) will help you and the advisor in choosing the right first-term classes. Exempt students must provide qualifying math scores in order to enroll in courses that are higher than Intermediate Algebra (MAT1033).