Mathematics Placement
Overview
Starting with the right mathematics course will help you succeed in college. If you have not previously completed a college level mathematics course, then a placement test will help you determine where to start.
Who Needs a Demonstration of College Readiness?
According to (F.S.), a student who entered 9th grade in a Florida public school in the 2003-04 school year or after and earned a Florida standard high school diploma or a student who is serving as an active duty member of any branch of the United States Armed Services is not required to take the common placement test and is not required to enroll in developmental education instruction at a Florida College System institution.
If the above paragraph applies, you can start in MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra), MGF1130 (Mathematical Thinking), or MGF1131 (Mathematics in Context) without taking a test.
All other students, including students who graduated from a high school out-of-state, homeschooled students, students who graduated from a private school, students who earned a GED or equivalent, and private charter school students, must take the placement measure(s) determined by the college and enroll in the courses indicated.
Scoring
The following scores on common placement tests demonstrate college readiness for mathematics:
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| Florida Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) | 114 |
| Next-Generation ACCUPLACER (QAS) | 261 |
| SAT (Math Test) | 24 |
| Digital SAT (Math Section) | 480 |
| ACT (Mathematics) | 19 |
| Classic Learning Test (Quantitative Reasoning Section) | 16 |
If you have not completed a previous test, or if your test is below the threshold on the above table, then you will start with the PERT. This will let you know if you need to take a developmental math course, or if you are ready for college level classes. The highest class the PERT can place you in is MAT1033 (Intermediate Algebra, a college elective course intended to prepare you for College Algebra, a general education math course).
If your scores on the SAT, ACT, or Digital SAT are above the threshold in the table, or you score 123 or higher on the PERT, then you need to take the college level placement test (AAF or ALEKS). This can place you anywhere from MAT1033 to MAC2311 (Calculus I). With the ALEKS placement test, you can work through individualized practice and then retake the placement test. Note that this test is only required for students who need College Algebra and above.
Additional Placement Information
- - Find study material and information about how to be successful in your math courses.
- Math Courses - See what scores you need to get into each class, as well as descriptions and topic lists for each class.
- Math Placement Tests (PERT, AAF, or ALEKS) - Learn about tests offered at the Assessment Center.