Check out the updated version of the Army combat fitness test (ACFT).
The Army's basic training physical fitness test is a three-event physical performance test used to assess endurance. It measures your physical strengths, abilities and cardio-respiratory fitness.
You are required to pass the basic training APFT to graduate boot camp and continue on to advance infantry training.
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The three PFT events are two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit-ups and a timed two-mile run. Your results from each event are assigned a score. Your age, gender and the amount of repetitions or time elapsed for each event determines your score. Unlike other military endurance tests, the APFT is normally performed in normal workout gear.
To graduate boot camp, you must score 150 points or higher with at least 50 points in each event.
The following chart shows examples of the minimum requirements for the Army Basic Training PFT:
| Age Group | Gender | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2-Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17- 21 | Male | 35 | 47 | 16:36 |
| Female | 13 | 47 | 19:42 | |
| 22 - 26 | Male | 31 | 43 | 17:30 |
| Female | 11 | 43 | 20:36 |
The minimum score requirements for the basic training PFT differ from the requirements to graduate from AIT. To graduate AIT, you must score 180 points or higher on the end-of-cycle APFT with at least 60 points in each event.
The following chart shows the minimum score allowed to graduate from AIT and the requirements for your semiannual Army PFT thereafter:
| Age Group | Gender | Push-Ups | Sit-Ups | 2-Mile Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | Male | 42 | 53 | 15:54 |
| Female | 19 | 53 | 18:54 | |
| 22-26 | Male | 40 | 50 | 16:36 |
| Female | 17 | 50 | 19:36 |
These tables reflect the Army's bare minimum PFT requirements; however, these scores are considered below average and could reflect poorly on your record. In addition, the Army offers a physical fitness badge to those soldiers who score 270 or above on the Army PFT.
Army PFT Score Charts
If you want to maximize your score on the Army PFT, you will need to commit to a regular workout routine. To learn more about developing a personal workout to ace the APFT and earn the PF badge, check out Stew Smith's article on Preparing for the Army PFT.
Many of my favorite PT programs to train for the Army PFT can be found in the following Military.com links:
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Other related Army fitness articles:
- Army Basic Training PFT Requirements
- Army Weight Standards
- Army Fitness Workout Plan
- Army Ranger Fitness
- Performing for the Special Forces
- Physical Fitness Test Anxiety
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How do you prepare for a fitness assessment? Young or old, the ACFT is for everybody. Watch Alabama National Guard soldiers prepare for the Army's new physical fitness test.
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.
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