How to Calculate Your PT Test Score

The U.S. Air Force Physical Fitness Test remains a crucial fitness assessment for every airman. Since the USAF PT test was updated in 2022, understanding your overall point score has become essential for career progression.

Your PT test evaluation depends on three components that measure different aspects of physical readiness. The upper body strength portion tests your muscular endurance through push-ups. Meanwhile, core strength assessment focuses on sit-ups or planks, depending on your preference. Finally, cardiovascular fitness evaluation measures your aerobic capacity through a timed run or walk.

The Air Force test standards establish a baseline physical standard that varies according to your Airman’s age and gender. This personalized approach ensures fair evaluation across different demographics within the service.

Each component contributes to your final outcome, which determines your fitness category ranking. The scoring system calculates points based on your performance in all areas, creating a comprehensive fitness assessment that reflects your overall physical readiness.

PT Test Events

The PT test consists of following events that Airmen must complete. Upper body strength assessment includes 1-Minute Push-ups or 2-Minute Hand Release options. Core strength evaluation offers 1-Minute Sit-ups, Cross-Leg Reverse Crunch, or Timed Forearm Plank alternatives.

For cardiovascular fitness, Airmen choose between Traditional 1.5-mile Run, High Aerobic Multi-shuttle 20M HAMR, or 2 km Walk for those medically cleared but unable to run. Each component has specific requirements that demonstrate different strength categories. These cardio options ensure all Airmen can participate regardless of medical limitations.

Scoring

During my time training as an Airman, I learned quickly how the PT Test wasn’t just about running or push-ups — it was a full assessment. Each event has scores based on age and gender. Your composite score is calculated from official charts and can scale from 0 to 100, with a pass at at least 75.

Cardio gives up to 60 points, Upper Body Strength and Core Strength each add 20. If the walk is chosen instead of the run, it’s exempt, and the maximum score is adjusted to 40. If you fail, there’s no points awarded for that completion, and this may adversely impact your career, delaying promotion, reenlistment, or even causing administrative separation.

Everything is clearly outlined in Table A6.1 of DAFMAN36-2905, where your Unit Commander has the final say based on results, fitness category, and determined consequences.

PT Test Fitness Categories

When I first joined, I didn’t realize how much the PT Test frequency actually depends on an Airman’s fitness category. It all syncs to a calendar month. If a test is performed on April 15th and the Airman achieves an Excellent, they earn 12 months before the next test. A Satisfactory score means six months, with a retest in October. 

But if one fails and gets an Unsatisfactory, they must retake it in three months, usually in July. Some Airmen meeting requirements for the 2km walk in Table 3.1 may still receive an Excellent. The following chart shows how categories, number of points, and events are connected.

FAQ’s

How many points to pass the Air Force PT test?

To pass the PT test, Airmen must score 75 total points by meeting minimum requirements in all three categories—cardio, strength, and endurance—with maximum 60, 20, and 20 each.

What score do I need to pass the Air Force PT test?

To pass the test, you must clear each individual event and aim for an overall score above 75, but to stay competitive, always strive for a 90 or above.

What is the current Air Force PT test?

The current fitness assessment includes a cardiovascular component like a 1.5-mile run or 20-meter shuttle added in 2022, plus pushups, situps, or other approved alternatives.

What is the PT standard for the Air Force?

The Air Force gives fitness awards if you score 75, complete 40 Push-ups, solid Sit-ups, and finish a 1.5-mile run within 10 minutes and 55 seconds.