College Placement Test
After admission to HCC, all new and transfer students may be required and/or eligible to take part or all of the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) to enroll in a degree program, or in a course that requires a prerequisite course. The test is designed to measure a student’s college entry-level skills in Reading, Writing and Math.
The placement test requires a referral sheet from your International Student Advisor and is given on a walk-in basis. The Dale Mabry Campus Test Center is located in Room 203 of the Student Services Building. The test is not timed; however, it usually takes approximately three to four hours to complete. There is no fee if you are taking the test for the first time.
Students are exempt from taking the placement test if they can provide one of the following:
- Appropriate SAT or ACT test scores -- must submit official scores from tests taken within the last 2 years; see chart below for score requirements
- Transfer college-level math and general education coursework from a college or university (college transcripts/evaluations must be submitted at the time of admission)
How do I know that I am ready for college-level courses?
The following test scores are required for college-level courses:
| Subject | PERT | ACT | Old SAT | New SAT (after March 2016) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | 106 | 19 | 440 | 24 |
| English | 103 (Writing) | 17 | n/a | n/a |
| Math (Collegel-level placement is MAT 1033) |
114 | 19 | 440 | 24 |
Preparatory Coursework Requirements
If a student’s placement test results do not meet the minimum scores listed above, they will be required to enroll in English and/or math preparatory (prep) courses. Students will be very limited in the types of classes they can take while enrolled in prep courses. Depending on the student’s results, they may not take any classes that require college-level reading, writing or math
Important notes:
- The minimum required scores on the PERT, SAT or ACT are subject to change.
- TOEFL, IELTS and other English proficiency exams that are required for admission cannot be used for college-level placement.
- All required academic assessment testing must be completed BEFORE attending the mandatory registration workshop after orientation.
Prepare for the Test
Take time to review the sample questions before taking your placement test by reviewing the study guides by visiting our Testing center.
Some additional resources that could be used are arithmetic and algebra books, and materials covering basic grammar and sentence skills. No calculators or dictionaries are allowed. The test should be taken seriously so be prepared to do your best!