How Military PT Tests Work: Standards for All 6 Branches

Every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces requires its members to pass a physical fitness test at least once per year. While all branches assess cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, the specific events, scoring methods, and passing standards differ significantly. This article covers the current official standards for all six branches as of 2025.

Army — Army Fitness Test (AFT)

The Army replaced the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with the Army Fitness Test (AFT) effective June 1, 2025, per official scoring scales approved May 15, 2025 (source: army.mil/aft). The AFT consists of five events:

• Max Deadlift — maximum weight lifted once
• Hand-Release Push-Up — maximum reps
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC) — timed obstacle course
• Plank — timed hold
• 2-Mile Run — timed

Each event is scored 0–100 points. The minimum passing score per event is 60 points. The general standard requires a total of 300 points or higher. Soldiers in one of 21 designated combat specialties must score 350 or higher (Combat MOS standard). Scores are age- and gender-adjusted.

Navy — Physical Readiness Test (PRT)

The Navy PRT consists of three events: push-ups (2 minutes), curl-ups (2 minutes), and a 1.5-mile run. Scoring uses a category system rather than a numeric score: Outstanding, Excellent-High, Excellent-Medium, Excellent-Low, Good-High, Good-Medium, Good-Low, Satisfactory-High, Satisfactory-Medium, Satisfactory-Low, and Probationary. The minimum passing category is Satisfactory-Low. Standards are adjusted by 5-year age groups and gender. Source: mynavyhr.navy.mil Guide-5A Physical Readiness Test (updated December 2025).

The Navy conducts one official Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) cycle per year, running February 1 through November 30, 2025, per NAVADMIN 123/24.

Marine Corps — Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

The Marine Corps PFT consists of three events: pull-ups (or push-ups for female Marines), a plank, and a 3-mile run. Each event is scored 0–100 points for a maximum of 300 total. The minimum passing score is 150 points, effective January 1, 2026 (updated from the previous 135-point minimum). Source: fitness.marines.mil — PFT/CFT Standards.

Score classifications are: 1st Class (225–300 points), 2nd Class (150–224 points), and Fail (below 150). A perfect score of 285–300 earns a 1st Class designation with distinction. Male pull-up standards require 20 pull-ups for 100 points and 3 pull-ups for the minimum 40 points. Female standards require 7 pull-ups for 100 points and 1 pull-up for 40 points.

Air Force and Space Force — DAFMAN 36-2905

The Air Force and Space Force share the same fitness standards under DAFMAN 36-2905. The test consists of three events: push-ups (1 minute), sit-ups (1 minute), and a 1.5-mile run. The composite score is weighted: the run counts for 60% of the total score, while push-ups and sit-ups each count for 20%. The minimum passing composite score is 75.0 out of 100. Standards are adjusted by age group and gender. Source: afpc.af.mil — PFRA Scoring Charts (effective March 1, 2026).

Coast Guard — Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA)

The current Coast Guard PFA uses pass/fail standards rather than a numeric score. The three events are push-ups (1 minute), a plank, and a 1.5-mile run. Current minimum standards are: males — 29 push-ups, 1:18 plank, 12:29 run; females — 15 push-ups, 1:09 plank, 14:29 run. All three events must be passed. Source: gocoastguard.com eligibility requirements.

The Coast Guard is transitioning to a new Physical Fitness Test (PFT) beginning July 1, 2026, per ALCOAST 007/26 (January 2026). The new PFT will include updated standards and will become part of official performance records.

Why Standards Differ by Age and Gender

All branches adjust their standards by age group because physiological capacity — particularly cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength — naturally declines with age. Gender-adjusted standards reflect documented differences in average muscle mass and oxygen-carrying capacity between biological males and females. These adjustments are designed to assess relative fitness within each demographic group rather than applying a single absolute standard to all service members.

Consequences of Failing a PT Test

Consequences vary by branch but generally include mandatory remedial physical training, enrollment in a fitness improvement program, and potential impact on promotion eligibility. Repeated failures can result in administrative separation from service. In the Navy, Sailors who fail the PRT may be enrolled in the Physical Readiness Program (PRP). In the Army, Soldiers who fail the AFT are placed on a fitness improvement program and may face administrative action if they fail repeatedly.