The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) represents the most significant change to Army fitness standards in over four decades. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about ACFT events, scoring standards, and requirements based on the official March 2022 standards.
What is the ACFT?
The ACFT is a six-event fitness test designed to better assess soldiers’ combat readiness and reduce injury rates. Unlike the previous Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), the ACFT uses age and gender-adjusted scoring standards across 10 different age groups, making it more inclusive while maintaining high fitness standards. Use our ACFT Calculator to calculate your score.
ACFT Events Overview
The test consists of six events completed in the following order:
1. Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
Purpose: Tests muscular strength and power Equipment: Hex bar and weight plates Time Limit: No time limit for individual attempts Description: Three attempts to lift maximum weight using proper deadlift form
2. Hand-Release Push-up (HRP)
Purpose: Tests muscular endurance and upper body strength
Equipment: None (bodyweight exercise) Time Limit: 2 minutes Description: Push-ups with complete hand release at bottom position
3. Sprint/Drag/Carry (SDC)
Purpose: Tests anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, and power Equipment: 90-lb sled, kettlebells, lane markers Time Limit: None (timed event) Description: Five-part event combining sprints, sled drags, and carries
4. Plank (PLK)
Purpose: Tests core stability and endurance Equipment: None (bodyweight exercise)
Time Limit: Maximum hold time recorded Description: Hold proper plank position as long as possible
5. Two-Mile Run (2MR)
Purpose: Tests aerobic endurance Equipment: Stopwatch, measured course Time Limit: None (timed event) Description: Complete 2-mile run in fastest possible time
6. Alternate Events (Profile Required)
Available for soldiers with permanent medical profiles:
- 2.5-Mile Walk
- 12km Bicycle
- 1km Swim
- 5km Row
Complete ACFT Scoring Standards
Maximum Deadlift (MDL) – Weight in Pounds
| Age Group | Male Min | Male Max | Female Min | Female Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 150 | 340 | 120 | 220 |
| 22-26 | 150 | 350 | 120 | 230 |
| 27-31 | 150 | 350 | 120 | 240 |
| 32-36 | 150 | 350 | 120 | 230 |
| 37-41 | 150 | 350 | 120 | 220 |
| 42-46 | 150 | 350 | 120 | 210 |
| 47-51 | 150 | 340 | 120 | 200 |
| 52-56 | 150 | 330 | 120 | 190 |
| 57-61 | 150 | 250 | 120 | 170 |
| Over 62 | 150 | 230 | 120 | 170 |
Hand-Release Push-ups (HRP) – Repetitions in 2 Minutes
| Age Group | Male Min | Male Max | Female Min | Female Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 15 | 58 | 11 | 53 |
| 22-26 | 15 | 61 | 11 | 50 |
| 27-31 | 15 | 62 | 11 | 48 |
| 32-36 | 15 | 60 | 11 | 47 |
| 37-41 | 15 | 59 | 11 | 43 |
| 42-46 | 15 | 57 | 11 | 40 |
| 47-51 | 15 | 55 | 11 | 38 |
| 52-56 | 15 | 51 | 11 | 36 |
| 57-61 | 15 | 46 | 11 | 24 |
| Over 62 | 15 | 43 | 11 | 24 |
Sprint/Drag/Carry (SDC) – Time in Minutes:Seconds
| Age Group | Male Min | Male Max | Female Min | Female Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 2:28 | 1:29 | 3:15 | 1:55 |
| 22-26 | 2:31 | 1:30 | 3:15 | 1:55 |
| 27-31 | 2:32 | 1:30 | 3:15 | 1:55 |
| 32-36 | 2:36 | 1:33 | 3:22 | 1:59 |
| 37-41 | 2:41 | 1:36 | 3:27 | 2:02 |
| 42-46 | 2:45 | 1:40 | 3:42 | 2:09 |
| 47-51 | 2:53 | 1:45 | 3:51 | 2:11 |
| 52-56 | 3:00 | 1:52 | 4:03 | 2:18 |
| 57-61 | 3:12 | 1:58 | 4:48 | 2:26 |
| Over 62 | 3:16 | 2:09 | 4:48 | 2:26 |
Plank (PLK) – Hold Time in Minutes:Seconds
| Age Group | Minimum Time | Maximum Time |
|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 1:30 | 3:40 |
| 22-26 | 1:25 | 3:35 |
| 27-31 | 1:20 | 3:30 |
| 32-36 | 1:15 | 3:25 |
| 37-41 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
| 42-46 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
| 47-51 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
| 52-56 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
| 57-61 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
| Over 62 | 1:10 | 3:20 |
Note: Plank standards are identical for males and females
Two-Mile Run (2MR) – Time in Minutes:Seconds
| Age Group | Male Min | Male Max | Female Min | Female Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 | 19:57 | 13:22 | 22:55 | 16:00 |
| 22-26 | 19:45 | 13:25 | 22:45 | 15:30 |
| 27-31 | 19:45 | 13:25 | 22:45 | 15:30 |
| 32-36 | 20:44 | 13:42 | 22:50 | 15:48 |
| 37-41 | 20:44 | 13:42 | 22:59 | 15:51 |
| 42-46 | 22:04 | 14:05 | 23:15 | 16:00 |
| 47-51 | 22:04 | 14:30 | 23:30 | 16:30 |
| 52-56 | 22:50 | 15:09 | 24:00 | 16:59 |
| 57-61 | 23:36 | 15:28 | 24:48 | 17:18 |
| Over 62 | 23:36 | 15:28 | 25:00 | 17:18 |
Alternate Events (Go/No-Go Standards)
For soldiers with permanent medical profiles, alternate events have pass/fail standards:
| Event | Age 17-21 | Age 22-26 | Age 27-31 | Age 32-36 | Age 37-41 | Age 42-46 | Age 47-51 | Age 52-56 | Age 57-61 | Age 62+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5-Mile Walk | M: 31:00 F: 34:00 | M: 30:45 F: 33:30 | M: 30:30 F: 33:00 | M: 30:45 F: 33:30 | M: 31:00< F: 34:00 | M: 31:00 F: 34:00 | M: 32:00 F: 35:00 | M: 32:00 F: 35:00 | M: 33:00 F: 36:00 | M: 33:00 F: 36:00 |
| 12km Bike | M: 26:25 F: 28:58 | M: 26:12 F: 28:31 | M: 26:00 F: 28:07 | M: 26:12 F: 28:31 | M: 26:25 F: 28:58 | M: 26:25 F: 28:58 | M: 27:16 F: 29:50 | M: 27:16 F: 29:50 | M: 28:07 F: 30:41 | M: 28:07 F: 30:41 |
| 1km Swim | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 30:30<br>F: 33:18 | M: 30:20<br>F: 32:48 | M: 30:30<br>F: 33:18 | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 31:48<br>F: 34:48 | M: 31:48<br>F: 34:48 | M: 32:50<br>F: 35:48 | M: 32:50<br>F: 35:48 |
| 5km Row | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 30:30<br>F: 33:18 | M: 30:20<br>F: 32:48 | M: 30:30<br>F: 33:18 | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 30:48<br>F: 33:48 | M: 31:48<br>F: 34:48 | M: 31:48<br>F: 34:48 | M: 32:50<br>F: 35:48 | M: 32:50<br>F: 35:48 |
ACFT Requirements and Scoring
Passing Requirements
- Minimum Score: 60 points per event (300 total points)
- Maximum Score: 100 points per event (600 total points)
- No Averaging: You must score 60+ on EVERY event – cannot average across events
- Retesting: Failed events must be retaken within 90 days
Point Distribution
- 60 points: Minimum passing standard
- 70 points: Good performance
- 80 points: Excellent performance
- 90+ points: Outstanding performance
- 100 points: Maximum possible score
Administrative Requirements
- Frequency: Conducted twice per year (minimum)
- Age Determination: Based on age on test date
- Equipment: All equipment must be certified and calibrated
- Graders: Certified ACFT graders required for all events
- Weather: Test continues in most weather conditions
Consequences of Failure
- First Failure: Flagged, enrolled in remedial fitness training
- Consecutive Failures: Potential separation under AR 635-200
- Career Impact: Affects promotion points, schools, assignments
Event-Specific Execution Standards
Maximum Deadlift (MDL) Execution
- Start with feet shoulder-width apart inside hex bar
- Grip handles with mixed or overhand grip
- Lift bar by extending hips and knees simultaneously
- Stand erect with shoulders back, knees and hips fully extended
- Lower bar under control to ground
- Failure Standards: Dropping bar, hitching movement, improper form
Hand-Release Push-up (HRP) Execution
- Start in push-up position, hands flat on ground
- Lower body until chest touches ground
- Mandatory: Completely release hands from ground
- Return hands to ground, push up to start position
- Failure Standards: No hand release, improper body alignment, not touching chest
Sprint/Drag/Carry (SDC) Execution
Lane 1: 50m sprint
Lane 2: 50m backward drag of 90-lb sled
Lane 3: 50m lateral shuffle
Lane 4: 50m carry two 40-lb kettlebells
Lane 5: 50m sprint
Total Distance: 250 meters
Plank (PLK) Execution
- Start in forearm plank position
- Maintain straight line from head to heels
- Hold position as long as possible
- Failure Standards: Sagging/raising hips, lifting hands/feet, not maintaining alignment
Two-Mile Run (2MR) Execution
- Complete 2-mile measured course
- No assistance allowed (pacing permitted)
- Must maintain forward progress at all times
- Failure Standards: Stopping, walking significant distance, receiving assistance
Training Recommendations
Deadlift Training
- Frequency: 2-3 times per week
- Focus: Progressive overload with hex bar
- Accessory Work: Romanian deadlifts, squats, hip thrusts
- Form Practice: Emphasize proper technique over maximum weight
Push-up Training
- Frequency: Daily (light days and heavy days)
- Volume: Progressive increase in total repetitions
- Variations: Standard, diamond, wide-grip, decline
- Hand Release Practice: Include hand release in all training
SDC Training
- Frequency: 2 times per week
- Components: Sprint intervals, sled drags, farmer’s walks
- Energy System: Focus on anaerobic power development
- Equipment: Practice with actual test equipment when possible
Plank Training
- Frequency: Daily
- Progression: Gradually increase hold time
- Variations: Front plank, side planks, dynamic planks
- Core Strength: Include comprehensive core strengthening
Running Training
- Frequency: 4-5 times per week
- Types: Long runs, tempo runs, interval training
- Progression: Gradually increase weekly mileage
- Recovery: Include easy runs and rest days
Important Considerations
Medical Profiles
- Temporary Profiles: May delay testing up to 90 days
- Permanent Profiles: Require alternate events or event modifications
- Documentation: Must have current medical documentation
Environmental Factors
- Heat Category 5: Test may be modified or postponed
- Altitude: Standards remain the same regardless of elevation
- Indoor Alternatives: Available for extreme weather conditions
Equipment Certification
- Hex Bars: Must be certified 45-lb bars
- Sleds: Must weigh exactly 90 pounds when loaded
- Kettlebells: Must be certified 40-lb kettlebells
- Scales: Required for deadlift weight verification
Test Site Requirements
- MDL: Level surface with adequate space
- HRP: Level surface, no equipment needed
- SDC: 25-meter lanes marked every 25 meters
- PLK: Level surface with timing equipment
- 2MR: Certified 2-mile course
Conclusion
The ACFT represents a comprehensive assessment of combat-related fitness across multiple domains. Success requires dedicated training in strength, power, endurance, and core stability. Understanding the scoring standards and requirements is crucial for test preparation and career advancement.
Regular training, proper technique, and strategic preparation are key to achieving passing scores and maximizing performance. Use official ACFT calculators and training resources to track progress and identify areas needing improvement.