PERT Calculator Use Policy
PERT Calculator Eligibility Checker
Select a PERT test section to instantly see if a calculator is permitted according to the official rules.
Choose the subject area of the PERT exam you are asking about.
What is the PERT?
The Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) is an exam used in Florida to assess a student’s preparedness for college-level coursework. It is not a pass/fail test; instead, its scores determine placement in either college-level or developmental (remedial) courses in mathematics, reading, and writing. If you’re wondering, “can you use calculators on PERT,” the answer depends entirely on which section of the test you are taking. The test is computer-adaptive, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your previous answers.
PERT Calculator Formula and Explanation
The “formula” for determining calculator eligibility on the PERT isn’t a mathematical equation, but a set of conditional rules. Our calculator above uses this logic. The core rule is: **calculators are only available on the Mathematics section, and even then, only for specific questions.** You are never allowed to bring your own personal calculator.
| Variable (Test Section) | Meaning | Calculator Allowed? (Unit) | Typical Range (Conditions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | The section assessing algebra and quantitative reasoning skills. | Yes (Conditional) | An on-screen calculator is provided for some, but not all, of the 30 questions. |
| Reading | The section assessing reading comprehension and analysis skills. | No | Calculators are never permitted on this section. |
| Writing | The section assessing grammar, syntax, and essay structure skills. | No | Calculators are never permitted on this section. |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Student taking the Math section
- Input: Mathematics
- Result: YES (Conditional)
- Explanation: The student, Alex, is on question #18 of the PERT Math test. A calculator icon appears on the screen. This means the test designers have determined this specific question permits calculator use. Alex cannot use his own TI-84. For other questions on the same test, the icon may not appear.
Example 2: Student taking the Reading or Writing section
- Input: Reading or Writing
- Result: NO
- Explanation: Maria is taking the PERT Writing section. She will not have access to a calculator at any point during this subtest. The same rule applies to the Reading section. The question of if you can use calculators on PERT for these sections is a definitive no.
How to Use This PERT Calculator Policy Checker
- Select the Test Section: Click the dropdown menu and choose between Mathematics, Reading, or Writing.
- Check the Policy: Click the “Check Policy” button.
- Interpret the Results: The tool will provide a clear “Yes (Conditional)” or “No” answer, along with a detailed explanation of the specific rules for that section. The result is not a number, but a direct answer to your question about the PERT calculator rules.
Key Factors That Affect if You Can Use Calculators on PERT
- Test Section: This is the primary factor. As our tool shows, the policy for Math is completely different from Reading and Writing.
- Specific Math Question: The PERT is computer-adaptive. The system decides which math questions are calculator-enabled. You do not control this.
- No Personal Calculators: The rule is absolute. No handheld or personal calculators are ever allowed in the testing center.
- On-Screen Provision: The only approved calculator is the one provided within the testing software itself. If it doesn’t appear, you can’t use one.
- Test Accommodations: Students with specific, approved accommodations may have different rules, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis and is not the standard policy.
- Test Center Rules: All testing centers enforce the Florida Department of Education’s statewide policy, ensuring consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I bring my own scientific calculator to the PERT test?
No, you cannot bring any personal calculators, including scientific, graphing, or four-function models. The only calculator you might use is the on-screen one provided during the math test.
2. Does the calculator appear for every math question?
No. The on-screen calculator is only available for certain questions on the mathematics subtest, as determined by the testing system. You should be prepared to solve many math problems without a calculator.
3. What kind of calculator is on the PERT?
The built-in calculator is a basic, on-screen four-function calculator.
4. Is the PERT calculator policy the same at all test centers?
Yes, the rule about not allowing personal calculators and only using the on-screen tool for specific math questions is a statewide policy for the PERT in Florida.
5. Why can’t I use a calculator on the reading and writing sections?
These sections assess verbal and language skills, such as comprehension, grammar, and syntax, which do not require mathematical calculations. A calculator would serve no purpose.
6. What happens if I’m caught with a personal calculator?
Bringing an unauthorized item like a calculator into the testing room would be a violation of testing rules and could lead to the invalidation of your test scores.
7. How do I know which math questions allow a calculator?
An icon for the calculator will appear on your screen if the question you are currently on permits its use. If you don’t see the icon, you must solve the problem without it.
8. Where can I find a good PERT practice test?
Many colleges and online resources offer practice tests. A good starting point would be our list of PERT practice tests.