At some point in the application process you will need to prepare for the Air Force Fitness Assessment, more commonly referred to as the PT Test. The Air Force Instruction (AFI) which governs the PT test is AFI 36-2905, Fitness Program. The current version as of this post includes Change 1, and is dated 27 Aug 15.
Fitness Assessment Components
The fitness assessment consists of three components: body composition, aerobic, and muscular fitness. When I went to OTS the body composition portion was done at the gym prior to the actual test, and the aerobic and muscular fitness portions were conducted on the track. I heard they started doing the assessment on the paperclip again so be ready for either. Here is a breakdown of each component.
Body Composition
The body composition portion of the test consists of the following. Reference AFI 36-2905, para 3.6 for detailed body composition assessment procedures.
- Height and Weight: Self explanatory. We did this in the bathroom at the gym on the OTS campus, the one right next to the dorms. This does not count toward your composite score.
- Abdominal Circumference: They literally take a tape measure and wrap it around your waist. This category is 20/100 points out of your composite score.
Aerobic Fitness Assessment
The aerobic fitness portion consists of a 1.5 mile run. The traditional testing location for the 1.5 mile run is an outdoor 1/4 mile track where you run 6 laps. Almost every base also has an indoor track which is used for inclement weather. The number of indoor laps can vary from base to base, but at most bases I see a track which requires 18 laps. This category is 60/100 points of your composite score.
If you have a medical issue or anything once you are in the operational Air Force, a doctor can recommend you to do a 2.0 kilometer walk instead of the run, but the run is the standard. Reference AFI 36-2905, para 3.7 for detailed aerobic fitness assessment procedures.
Muscular Fitness Assessment
The muscular fitness portion of the test includes two components, 1-minute timed push-ups and 1-minute timed sit-ups. Most of the time this portion of the test is administered indoors in the gym or “fitness assessment cell” area of the gym, but at OTS we did ours on the track before we actually started the run. The push-up and sit-up categories both count for 10/100 points of your composite score. Reference AFI 36-2905, para 3.8 for detailed muscular fitness assessment procedures.
Determining Composite Score
The criteria for each scored component of the test is outlined in Attachment 10. There are different charts which are gender and age specific which outline the score you earn for each component. All of the scores are summed to determine the overall fitness category.
Composite Score Points Possible
- Abdominal Circumference: 20 Points
- 1.5 mile run: 60 Points
- Push-Ups: 10 Points
- Sit-Ups: 10 Points
- TOTAL: 100 Points
Fitness Categories
- Excellent. Composite score ≥ 90 and minimums met.
- Satisfactory. Composite score of 75 – 89.99 and minimums met.
- Unsatisfactory. Composite score ≤ 74.9 and/or one or more component minimums not met.
Before I post the actual charts, I will point out that each component has a minimum required in addition to the points. For example as a male under 30 you have to do 33 push-ups or you will fail the entire assessment (even if you score an overall 90 from the other components.)
Retesting Requirements
- Excellent: Retesting required every 12 months.
- Satisfactory: Retesting required every 6 months.
3.11.1.1. Excellent. All Airmen will test by the last day of the month, 12 calendar months following the previous Excellent test as outlined above.
3.11.1.2. Satisfactory. RegAF, AFR, and NGB (Title 10/Statutory Tour) Airmen who score a Satisfactory score on their FA must complete an official FA at a minimum of twice per year. RegAF, AFR, and NGB (Title 10/Statutory Tour) Airmen with a current Satisfactory FA will test by the last day of the month, six calendar months following the previous Satisfactory test (e.g., if Airman tested on 15 April, then Airman must retest on/before 31 October of the same year).
Fitness Assessment Charts
Male Chart Below
Female Chart Below
Air Force Fitness Assessment Video
Here is the official video they show us every time we take the test. It provides some good general tips about the test overall, and also about each component.
Former Enlisted
Sir,
Just to clarify even further, OTS trainees can still pass with a score less than 90 as long as the composite score is satisfactory, correct? I ask because when I went through BMT at Lackland AFB, the minimum standards (liberator) forced you to score at least a 90. Thank you for your time.
airforceotsguy
Yes, OTS has been using the operational Air Force PT standards straight from the AFI; nothing more is added.
Shawnda Lamb
Sir,
My goal is to be commissioned into the Air Force as a nurse. Are the height/weight standards hard and fast, or is the tape test still relevant? I was once conversing with a female officer from my hometown who stated that after having children, she’s only able to pass because of the tape test. Being an aspiring commissionee, would I be able to take the tape test? After the birth of my children I find it a challenge (though not unattainable) to reach the regulated weight.
Thank you for your time and feedback.
airforceotsguy
To enter and get through MEPS you will have to comply with the accession height/weight requirements (I think they are different). For the AF PT test the waist is still a requirement but the PTLs have been a lot more flexible over the past few years on how tight they cinch the tape when they measure. Additionally, I have heard rumors a long time ago the PT requirements for medical are a little more relaxed because of the large demand for doctors and nurses, but that could be completely false.