The ACFT Plank is the fifth event in the Army Combat Fitness Test and assesses core strength and endurance in a stationary position, soldiers are evaluated by how long they can hold the proper plank position.
The ACFT Plank Standards for 2024 outline the minimum time required to get a passing score in the plank event for males and females in various age groups.
The plank event is an alternative to the leg tuck event; other ACFT events include a 2-mile run, sprint drag carry, hand release push up, standing power throw, and deadlift.
What is the ACFT Plank Scoring Chart?
For the ACFT 3.0 plank, there are minimum standards & requirements to pass the acft plank event.
The ACFT Plank scoring system determines how long the soldier can hold in the plank position without breaking form.
What are the ACFT Plank Time & Standards?
The army acft plank standards highlight the time and minimum requirements for soldiers to pass the test.
For example, a male soldier under the age of 22 requires a minimum time of 1 minute and 30 seconds to pass the plank test, while a female soldier in the same age group requires a minimum of 1 minute and 30 seconds to pass the test. Click to see the new acft score chart 2023.
The maximum score for the plank event is 100 points for male and female soldiers in all age groups.
The following table shows the army acft plank standards; minimum times required to pass the plank event based on age and gender:
The minimum points required to pass the ACFT Plank Event is 60 points. Below is the table highlighting the minimum ACFT plank time by age and gender
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 01:30 | 01:30 |
| 22-26 | 01:25 | 01:25 |
| 27-31 | 01:20 | 01:20 |
| 32-36 | 01:15 | 01:15 |
| 37-41 | 01:10 | 01:10 |
| 42-46 | 01:10 | 01:10 |
| 47-51 | 01:10 | 01:10 |
| 52-56 | 01:10 | 01:10 |
| 57-61 | 01:10 | 01:10 |
| 62+ | 01:10 | 01:10 |
The maximum points a soldier can get in the ACFT Plank event is 100 points. Below is the table highlighting the maximum plank time by age and gender
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 03:40 | 03:40 |
| 22-26 | 03:35 | 03:35 |
| 27-31 | 03:30 | 03:30 |
| 32-36 | 03:25 | 03:25 |
| 37-41 | 03:20 | 03:20 |
| 42-46 | 03:20 | 03:20 |
| 47-51 | 03:20 | 03:20 |
| 52-56 | 03:20 | 03:20 |
| 57-61 | 03:20 | 03:20 |
| 62+ | 03:20 | 03:20 |
What Are The ACFT Plank Standards Instructions?
One key thing is that, at the beginning of the Army Combat Fitness Test, you must let your Grader know whether you’re testing for the plank or the leg tuck (removed in the new ACFT)
You can’t just attempt the leg tuck, realize that you won’t hit your reps, and then decide to do the plank. So before starting the ACFT, tell them which one you are testing
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Begin by assuming a plank position with forearms and toes on the ground and elbows directly beneath the shoulders.
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The hips should be level, not sagging towards the ground or piked up towards the ceiling.
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You can choose whether to perform it with your fist against the ground, pinky side down, or your hands flat with your palms on the ground.
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Your hands, whether you’re a fist or palms, are no wider than a Graders fist width apart.
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Your forearms will be flat against the ground, and you’ll make a triangular shape with your elbows, forearms, and hands or fists, so this is your setup position.
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Once you have set up, you are ready; your Grader will let you know when to start.
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When you get that cue, you will extend your lower body and lower your hips to get into a neutral position from the head down to your ankles.
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Your feet can be up to a boot width apart.
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The only thing in contact with the ground is your fists, forearms, and toes.
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Your head is facing down, and your eyes are facing the ground the entire time.
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The event timer will start, and you must hold this position for at least one minute.
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If you successfully hold the plank for one minute, you can choose to continue to hold the plank for additional time up to a maximum of five minutes.
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The event will end when you reach the maximum time or can no longer maintain proper plank form.
What are the ACFT Plank Errors?
Natural trembling and shaking can occur in the ACFT Plank event; you’re giving max effort. As long as it’s not throwing you out of alignment, that’s fine, and you won’t be terminated for that.
Three errors will terminate the event.
- The first one is if a body part touches the ground.
- The second one is if you move out of that neutral alignment, so any shifting.
- The third one is if the body parts that are supposed to be against the ground are removed, such as if you lift your hands and forearms to adjust or lift your legs.
The Grader can give one verbal warning, and if the soldier cannot correct the error or repeats the mistake, the event is terminated.
What is the ACFT Scorecard with plank Event?
Given the introduction of the plank as an event in the ACFT, the acft scorecard has been updated with the plank event. Below is the ACFT Scorecard with the plank event:
ACFT Plank Event Questions (FAQs)
The ACFT Plank is the fifth event in the Army Combat Fitness Test and assesses core strength and endurance in a stationary position.
Minimum: 60 Points, Time (1 minute 30 Seconds)
Maximum: 100 Points, Time (3 minutes 40 Seconds)
1 minute and 30 seconds
3 minutes and 40 Seconds
Yes
100 points
60 points
How To Train For The ACFT Plank Event?
The bent-leg raise is a lower abdominal exercise that involves you lying on your back with your knees bent and raising your legs toward your chest; this exercise improves a soldier’s core.
The leg tuck and twist is quite similar to the bent-leg raise; however, it involves twisting your torso as you raise your legs towards your chest.
The side bridge is a side plank exercise that involves soldiers maintaining a straight body while balancing on one forearm and the side of one foot; this exercise will target your core muscles and improve your core strength.
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
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