Skip to Content

Test Procedures

TEST PROCEDURES

The APFT test sequence is the push-up, sit-up, and 2-mile run (or an approved alternate aerobic event). The order of events cannot be changed. There are no exceptions to this sequence. Soldiers are allowed a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 20 minutes to recover between events. The OIC or the NCOIC determines the recovery time. It is normally based on the number of Soldiers taking the test. If large numbers of Soldiers are being tested, staggered start times should be planned to allow for proper recovery between test events. Under no circumstances is the APFT valid if Soldiers cannot begin and end all three events in two hours or less. The following paragraphs describe procedures for APFT administration. On test day, the OIC or the NCOIC briefs Soldiers on the purpose and organization of the test. The OIC or the NCOIC explains test administration including the scorecard, scoring standards, and test sequence. In addition, the wearing of unauthorized items such as nasal strips, braces, elastic bandages, weight lifting gloves, electronic devices (MP3 players, radios, cell phones, and compact disc players) are addressed. Test instructions for the push-up, sit-up, and 2-mile run (or approved alternate aerobic event) are read prior to conducting preparation. After preparation is completed, the push-up event will begin. From the beginning of the push-up event to the completion of all remaining events, the total time elapsed cannot exceed two hours. Upon completion of all events, recovery will be conducted

The following instructions are READ aloud to all Soldiers taking the APFT.

YOU ARE ABOUT TO TAKE THE ARMY PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST, A TEST THAT WILL MEASURE YOUR UPPER AND LOWER BODY MUSCULAR ENDURANCE. THE RESULTS OF THIS TEST WILL GIVE YOU AND YOUR COMMANDERS AN INDICATION OF YOUR STATE OF FITNESS AND WILL ACT AS A GUIDE IN DETERMINING YOUR PHYSICAL TRAINING NEEDS. LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE TEST INSTRUCTIONS, AND DO THE BEST YOU CAN ON EACH OF THE EVENTS.

If DA Form 705 has not been issued, scorecards will be handed out at this time. The OIC or the NCOIC will then instruct the Soldiers to fill in the appropriate spaces with the required personal data. The following instructions are READ aloud to all Soldiers taking the APFT:

“IN THE APPROPRIATE SPACES, PRINT IN INK THE PERSONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED ON THE SCORECARD.”

Note: The preceding remark is omitted if scorecards were issued prior to arrival at the test site.

Soldiers are then given time to complete the required information. Next, the OIC or the NCOIC explains procedures for scorecard use during testing. The following instructions are READ aloud to all Soldiers taking the APFT:

“YOU ARE TO CARRY THIS CARD WITH YOU TO EACH EVENT. BEFORE YOU BEGIN, HAND THE CARD TO THE SCORER. AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE EVENT, THE SCORER WILL RECORD YOUR RAW SCORE, INITIAL THE CARD, AND RETURN IT TO YOU.”

Now the OIC or the NCOIC explains how raw scores are converted to point scores. At this point in time, Soldiers are assigned to groups. The following instructions are READ aloud to all Soldiers taking the APFT:

“EACH OF YOU WILL BE ASSIGNED TO A GROUP. STAY WITH YOUR TEST GROUP FOR THE ENTIRE TEST. WHAT ARE YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEST AT THIS POINT?”
George N.
Latest posts by George N. (see all)

Posted on Last updated: