Common Placement Test Information
Eastern Florida State College, along with all other Florida community colleges, administers the Florida Department of Education approved common placement tests: Florida's Postsecondary Education Readiness Test better known as PERT and ACCUPLACER Next Generation (NG). PERT is EFSC's primary placement test, and ACCUPLACER NG is the secondary placement test.
Students who demonstrate advanced mathematics skills by scoring directly into College Algebra or Liberal Arts math courses with any of the four approved exams, may take the NG Advanced Algebraic Functions (AAF) for advanced mathematics placement.
These placement tests are designed to assess academic skill level in English, reading and mathematics with required assessment scores for college-level courses set by the state of Florida. These exams will be used to determine if you need remediation in any academic subject areas and if you can begin your mathematics coursework at an advanced level. Check the current Placement Scores Chart. You may also qualify for an exemption from placement testing, but any student who scores below the recommended cut scores on that chart should talk with their advisor about options to ensure the best chance of success in college-level courses.
Taking a Placement Test: Making an Appointment
Placement testing and retesting are offered both virtually and with face-to-face testing on campus.
The virtual, online option offers the ACCUPLACER Next Generation Exam (equivalent to the PERT) which can be completed remotely at home, provided you have the required hardware. It is a fee-based administration via Meazure Learning. See more information and register for the virtual Accuplacer.
The most common on-campus option is PERT, with face-to-face testing appointments on all four EFSC campuses. There is also an on-campus math placement exam, ACCUPLACER’s Advanced Algebraic Functions (AAF), for mathematically advanced students who earn a required score on at least one of four exams listed in the scores chart. ACCUPLACER NG may also be given on campus, most commonly as a retest option.
On campus placement testing appointments are scheduled via RegisterBlast, an online scheduling tool that is available 24/7. Appointments are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, beginning at 9:00 AM and Tuesdays beginning at 9:45 AM.
View RegisterBlast Details and Make an Appointment
When the ACCUPLACER AAF is scheduled via RegisterBlast, the Assessment Center will verify the student is eligible or else the appointment could be canceled. When the ACCUPLACER NG is used for a retest the student will have an access code that allows them to register via RegisterBlast.
Common Placement Testing: More Details & Cost Info
Once students have applied to EFSC, paid their admissions application fee, and received a student ID number, they may schedule a placement test appointment with either the on-campus (face-to-face) or remote option. High school students may be tested without application submission by providing EFSC with complete name, date of birth, social security number, high school name and current grade level.
Initial test administration is free, except when we administer a placement test to a non-EFSC student for another college or for other non-enrollment purpose. Retests per EFSC Retest Policy require payment of a $10 retest fee plus small handling charge. The test is untimed and administered by computer. Each subsection consists of 30 questions and the projected time frame to complete each subtest is approximately 60 minutes.
The two tests have different scoring ranges. PERT subtest scores range from 50-150. ACCUPLACER subtest scores range from 200-300. A paper-based version of the test is available upon request for students with documented accommodations.
Retaking the PERT or ACCUPLACER
Test scores are expected to improve after subsequent attempts if review of the subject material occurs. Students may retest three times in a 12-month period for a $10 retest fee plus handling charge. Students may retest the PERT or ACCUPLACER after 14 days from the initial test date. However, on the fourth attempt, students must wait 30 days and provide proof of remediation. A testing specialist will provide the student with the resources and appropriate instructions for remediation.
Note: The PERT and ACCUPLACER are both considered a Common Placement Test. Whether the first test was the PERT or ACCUPLACER, students must wait 14 days after the initial test date.
Since retesting may require a retest fee, requests are screened for accuracy prior to scheduling the retest appointment. Retest appointments will be available for single subject, two subject, and three subject exams. This enables the Assessment Center to maximize seating capacity in the lab while maintaining social distancing protocols.
Students must use the RegisterBlast portal to request a retest appointment access code. After receiving the access code via email, normally within 3 business days, the student can schedule the new appointment. The access code ensures the student is billed accurately.
Students who've registered for the test, but think they are not prepared, are advised to reschedule the PERT administration at a later time to allow them more time for review.