- home
- Testing & Certification Center
- Placement Exams
Placement Exams
Placement testing helps determine the most appropriate course placement based on a student’s skills in reading, writing, and math, as well as language needs. Different tests serve different purposes, each with its own set of criteria.
Jump to: PERT | ACCUPLACER ESL | ACCUPLACER - Next Generation | TABE
Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT)
The PERT is Florida’s placement test used to help determine the best starting point for students based on their current skills. It includes three sections — Reading, Writing (English), and Math — with 30 questions in each.
Who should take it?
If you’re a new degree-seeking student at Palm Beach State College, you may need to take the PERT. [See exemptions.] If you’re not a PBSC student but need to take the PERT for another school, you’re welcome to test at a PBSC Testing Center.
Important Information
- While the test is untimed, all sections must be completed within the same school day.
- Students are not allowed to retake the PERT on the same day, and a testing fee is required for each retake.
- Students currently enrolled in developmental courses cannot retest in the same subject area until the end of the term.
Study Materials
Test Fees
If you're a new PBSC student, your first placement test is covered by your College application fee. If you need to retake the PERT or take the ACCUPLACER Next Generation, a testing fee will apply. Test fees can be paid before testing thru the PBSC eMarket.
Appointments
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted based on seating availability. You should allow enough time to check in and complete your test before the Testing Center closes for the day. For example: If the exam has allotted two hours for a test, the student should be seated in the Testing Center by 5 p.m. if closing time is 7 p.m. (Please arrive earlier for check-in procedures.)
ACCUPLACER ESL
The ACCUPLACER ESL is a placement test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It helps determine the most appropriate English as a Second Language (ESL) course for students learning English as a second language.
Who should take it?
International students whose native language is not English must present evidence of proficiency in speaking, writing and understanding the English language by submitting passing scores on one of the following tests: ACCUPLACER ESL or TOEFL.
Important Information
- Students currently enrolled and attending a preparatory class cannot retake the ACCUPLACER ESL until the end of the current class.
- Students should check with Academic Advising to determine if this test is needed. After taking the ACCUPLACER ESL test, students should see an Academic Advisor.
Study Materials
Test Fees
If you're a new PBSC student, your first placement test is covered by your College application fee. If you need to retake the ACCUPLACER - ESL or take another placement test, a testing fee will apply. For students taking the ESL for placement into non-credit LGO English classes, there is a flat fee of $25. Test fees can be paid before testing thru the PBSC eMarket.
Appointments
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted based on seating availability. You should allow enough time to check in and complete your test before the Testing Center closes for the day. For example: If the exam has allotted two hours for a test, the student should be seated in the Testing Center by 5 p.m. if closing time is 7 p.m. (Please arrive earlier for check-in procedures.)
ACCUPLACER - Next Generation
The ACCUPLACER Next Generation test evaluates a student’s existing knowledge to help determine appropriate course placement. It includes three sections — Reading, Writing and Math (QAS, AAF) — with 20 questions in each.
Who should take it?
If you’re a new degree-seeking student at Palm Beach State College, you may need to take the ACCUPLACER - Next Generation test. [See exemptions.] If you’re not a PBSC student but need to take the ACCUPLACER - Next Generation for another school, you’re welcome to test at a PBSC Testing Center.
Important Information
- While the test is untimed, all sections must be completed within the same school day.
- After completing the Math (QAS) section, you may be given the Math Advanced Algebra Functions (AAF) section based on your performance on the QAS.
- Students with a PERT math score higher than 123 may take ACCUPLACER Math (AAF) for placement into higher level math courses.
- Students are not allowed to retake the ACCUPLACER on the same day, and a testing fee is required for each retake.
- Students currently enrolled in developmental courses cannot retest in the same subject area until the end of the term.
Study Materials
Test Fees
If you're a new PBSC student, your first placement test is covered by your College application fee. If you need to retake the ACCUPLACER - Next Generation or take the PERT, a testing fee will apply. Test fees can be paid before testing thru the PBSC eMarket.
Appointments
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted based on seating availability. You should allow enough time to check in and complete your test before the Testing Center closes for the day. For example: If the exam has allotted two hours for a test, the student should be seated in the Testing Center by 5 p.m. if closing time is 7 p.m. (Please arrive earlier for check-in procedures.)
Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
In Florida, the TABE test measures basic skills in reading, language, and math for adult learners in career and technical programs. It helps with class placement, tracks progress, and ensures students meet program and career requirements.
Who should take it?
Before testing, students should check with an advisor, program director, or attend an program information session to find out if they’re exempt from taking the TABE.
Important Information
- The allowable time for each TABE 11/12 session is listed below. The entire exam does
not have to be taken at one time. You can take one section and then return later to
take another section.
- Reading - 100 minutes
- Language - 55 minutes
- Math - 65 minutes
Study Materials
Test Fees
For new PBSC students, the initial exam is included in your Application Fee. Should you need to retake the exam or you're not a new student, the testing fee would apply. Test fees can be paid before testing thru the PBSC eMarket.
Appointments
Appointments are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins are accepted based on seating availability. You should allow enough time to check in and complete your test before the Testing Center closes for the day. For example: If the exam has allotted two hours for a test, the student should be seated in the Testing Center by 5 p.m. if closing time is 7 p.m. (Please arrive earlier for check-in procedures.)