Challenge Yourself.
Earn Recognition.
Build Lifelong Fitness.
Test components.
One standard.
Three dimensions of physical readiness measured across four age groups — with scoring standards and awards recognition.
Muscular Strength
& Endurance
Sit-ups and the plank are the foundation of every athletic and operational capability.
SIT-UPS · PLANK
Muscular Power
& Bone Health
Push-ups and pull-ups/chin-ups build durable, lifelong skeletal strength.
PUSH-UPS · PULL-UPS/CHIN-UPS
Cardio Respiratory
Fitness
The 1 mile run and 20m beep test measure sustained heart and lung performance.
1 MILE RUN · 20m BEEP TEST
Scoring & Standards
The Presidential Fitness Test uses age and sex-specific standards for each assessment. Participants complete one approved test in each of three fitness components:
- Core strength and endurance: sit-ups or plank
- Upper-body strength and endurance: push-ups or pull-ups/chin-ups
- Aerobic capacity: 1 mile run or 20m beep test
Each result is evaluated separately against the applicable standard for the participant's age and sex. Award eligibility is based on performance across all three components; scores are not averaged. Test administrators follow the approved protocols to ensure results are measured and recorded consistently.
Detailed scoring tables by age and sex are available in the online calculator, which can be found at whitehouse.gov/fitness.
Awards and Recognition
Every participant has something to celebrate!
The Presidential Fitness Test recognizes young people for their effort, achievement, and personal growth across the test's fitness components. Awards are based on the participant's age, sex, and recorded performance against the official PFT standards.
Presidential Fitness Test Award Levels
Presidential Fitness Award
The highest level of PFT recognition. This award recognizes participants who meet the Presidential standard across all required fitness components.
Recipients demonstrate an exceptional level of overall physical fitness for their age group.
National Fitness Award
Recognizes participants who meet the National standard across all required fitness components.
Recipients demonstrate a strong, well-rounded level of physical fitness for their age group.
Completion Award
Recognizes participants who complete all required components of the Presidential Fitness Test, regardless of the scores achieved.
The Completion Award celebrates participation, effort, and the commitment to establish a personal fitness baseline.
Fitness Improvement Award
Recognizes participants who improve their performance when completing subsequent Presidential Fitness Tests.
This award celebrates measurable progress, continued effort, and a commitment to personal fitness. It encourages participants to focus not only on achieving national or presidential standards, but also on becoming stronger, healthier, and more physically fit over time.
Personal recognition encourages participants to focus not only on how they compare with established standards, but also on their own continued growth. Participants are encouraged to create their own fitness plan and target scores and work towards improved fitness.
How Awards Are Determined
Participants complete the required PFT components:
- Core strength and endurance: sit-ups or plank
- Upper-body strength and endurance: push-ups or pull-ups/chin-ups
- Aerobic capacity: one-mile run or beep test
Recorded results are compared with the official standards for the participant's age and sex.
To earn the Presidential or National Fitness Award, the participant must meet the applicable standard in each required component.
Receiving Your Award
After scores are recorded and verified, eligible participants may receive:
- An official digital certificate
- A downloadable or shareable virtual badge
- Recognition from the event host, school, installation, or participating organization
Award certificates and badges may be accessed through the participant portal when available.
More Than a Score
The PFT is designed to inspire healthy habits that last a lifetime. Whether a participant earns the Presidential Fitness Award, reaches the National standard, completes the test for the first time, or improves a personal score, every achievement represents meaningful progress.
Take the test. Know your starting point. Set a goal. Keep moving forward.
Department of War Recognition
In addition to the Presidential Fitness Award and National Fitness Award, the Department of War recognizes two special categories celebrating the highest-performing military-connected youth worldwide.
Secretary of War Elite Honor Scroll
Recognizes military-connected youth whose overall performance places them among the top 5 percent of participants worldwide who complete the Presidential Fitness Test.
Secretary of War's Circle of Excellence
Recognizes the top PFT performer for each age across the Military Services. Selection for the Secretary of War's Circle of Excellence represents the Department's highest level of individual PFT recognition.
Get ready
for test day.
Training guides, forms, and nutrition resources to help participants prepare.
Training Resources
Administrator's Guide, videos, and fitness tips.
Training Resources
Administrator's Guide, videos, and fitness tips.
Forms & Downloads
Liability waiver, score sheets, logos, and branding assets.
Forms & Downloads
Liability waiver, score sheets, logos, and branding assets.
Nutrition
Nutrition guidance and resources for participants and families.
Nutrition
Nutrition guidance and resources for participants and families.
"To champion the physical readiness of every American child — measuring not what divides us, but the strength, grit, and discipline that unite a free people."
History
A Proud Tradition - Renewed for a Healthier America
The Presidential Fitness Test traces its roots to 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the President's Council on Youth Fitness. In 1966, the Presidential Physical Fitness Award was introduced, inspiring generations of young Americans to build strength, endurance, confidence, and healthy habits.
On July 31, 2025, President Donald J. Trump revived this proud national tradition by signing an Executive Order reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test. The President's action restored youth fitness as a national priority and advanced his commitment to Make America Healthy Again by encouraging America's children to become healthier, stronger, and more active. Read the Executive Order.
The Department of War is proud to lead the way by bringing the renewed Presidential Fitness Test to military-connected youth around the world. Through Department of War schools, installations, and child and youth programs, the Department is helping the next generation establish healthy habits, pursue personal excellence, and build the strength and resilience that have always defined America.
Our Partners
The Department of War Presidential Fitness Test is made possible through the leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment of organizations dedicated to improving the health and well-being of America's youth. The Department of War and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services worked together to roll out the renewed Presidential Fitness Test, supporting President Trump's vision to Make America Healthy Again. The President's Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition and the National Fitness Foundation provide national leadership and promote a culture of physical activity, personal achievement, and healthy living.
The Department of War, through the Office of Military Community and Family Policy, led the early development and implementation of the renewed PFT for military-connected youth worldwide. Military OneSource provides the digital platform, resources, and outreach needed to connect military families with the program, while Fit to Fight Initiative contributes fitness expertise and program support. Marine Corps Community Services provides essential technical and implementation support that helped transform the initiative into a secure, accessible program for military communities.
Together, these partners are expanding opportunities for military-connected youth to participate in the Presidential Fitness Test, celebrate their achievements, and develop the strength, confidence, resilience, and healthy habits that will last a lifetime.