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Placement Testing

The following information is for all applicants.

  • Required test scores must be submitted with your application – either ACT, SAT, CLT, or the PERT (Postsecondary Education Readiness Test). Your application is not complete without the test scores.

  • It often takes six weeks or more for ACT, SAT, or CLT scores to be sent, so plan ahead.

  • Students may take the PERT test at any NWF State College location – the PERT test is free of charge for all three sections for students taking it for Collegiate High School admission purposes.

  • You may use a combination of ACT, SAT, CLT, and PERT scores with your application packet.

Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) Testing

Placement scores are required as part of the Collegiate High School admissions process. In addition, to ensure proper placement in college courses, the Florida Department of Education requires that first-time-in-college students who intend to enter degree programs will be tested prior to initial registration. College policy mandates that placement testing requirements be met prior to enrollment in any Gordon Rule course or class for which a Gordon Rule course is a prerequisite. Appropriate placement scores are also a requirement for eligibility into the NWF State College Dual Enrollment Program.

About the PERT Test

  • The PERT is an untimed exam with three subtests: Reading, Writing, and Math.

  • Most examinees finish the test in 2-3 hours.

    • It is not required to take all three parts of the exam on the same day.

  • Students who need to take PERT should take the test at the earliest possible date.

  • Photo ID is required.

Who needs to take the PERT?

  • Any student who does not have college entrance scores from the ACT, SAT, or CLT.

Placement Score Minimum Requirements

  • ACT: Reading: 19, English: 17, Math: 19

  • SAT: Reading: 24, English: 25, Math: 24

  • Digital SAT: Reading: 490, English: 490, Math: 480

  • CLT: Reading: 38, English: 38, Math 16

    • English and Reading scores represent the sum of the Verbal Reasoning and Grammar/Writing sections of the CLT.

  • PERT: 106 Reading, 103 Writing, 114 Algebra

If a student has valid scores from the ACT, SAT, CLT and/or PERT, the highest subtest score from each test will be used to determine placement levels.

How to Schedule a PERT Test

Call the testing center nearest you:

  • Niceville campus: (850) 729-6016

  • Crestview campus: (850) 200-4145

  • Fort Walton Beach campus: (850) 863-6508

  • DeFuniak Springs campus: (850) 200-4106

Or, visit the Northwest Florida State College Testing Center website.