ACFT Score

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) replaced the older Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) to better evaluate a soldier’s strength, endurance, and overall combat readiness. Unlike the older test, which primarily measured endurance through push-ups, sit-ups, and a two-mile run, the ACFT focuses on functional fitness that reflects actual combat tasks.

A good ACFT score indicates that a soldier has the physical ability to perform demanding military duties such as carrying equipment, lifting heavy objects, sprinting and maintaining endurance during long missions. Because of its comprehensive design, the ACFT is considered a more realistic measure of a soldier’s operational fitness.

In this guide, we’ll explore what the ACFT is, how it’s calculated, how to improve it, and why it’s important to Soldiers and Recruits.

What is the ACFT score?

The ACFT score represents the total number of points a soldier earns after completing six different physical fitness events. Each event measures a different aspect of physical ability, including strength, power, endurance, agility and cardiovascular fitness.

The test uses a scoring system where soldiers earn points based on their performance in each event. Each event can award a maximum of 100 points, meaning the highest possible total score is 600 points.

The six events included in the ACFT are designed to simulate actual military activities. Soldiers must complete tasks such as lifting heavy loads, sprinting with equipment, dragging objects, and performing endurance runs. These exercises mimic the physical challenges soldiers may face in combat or field operations.

The minimum score to pass usually requires 60 points in each competition, resulting in a total minimum score of 360 points. However, higher scores often reflect better physical fitness and may be required for certain military roles or elite units.

Key features of the ACFT scoring system include:

• Each event evaluates a specific fitness component
• Scores range from 0 to 100 per event
• The maximum total score is 600 points
• The minimum requirement for graduation is usually 360 points

Understanding the ACFT scoring system is essential for soldiers who want to track their fitness progress and ensure they are meeting military standards.

ACFT test event

The ACFT includes six events that together determine a soldier’s ACFT score. These events measure multiple areas of physical performance rather than focusing solely on endurance.

The six actions are:

• Three-Rep Maximum Deadlift (MDL).
• Standing Throw (SPT)
• Hand Release Push-Up (HRP)
• Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
• Plank (PLK)
• Two Mile Run (2MR)

Each action is designed to evaluate a different physical skill that Soldiers rely on during combat or training exercises.

The deadlift measures lower body strength and the ability to safely lift heavy objects. The standing throw tests explosive power by requiring soldiers to throw a weighted ball backward as far as possible.

The hand-release push-up focuses on upper body strength and endurance. During this exercise, soldiers must lower themselves to the ground and release their hands briefly before pushing again.

The sprint-drag-carry event measures speed, agility and strength. Soldiers sprint, pull weighted sleds, carry heavy kettlebells and perform lateral movements.

The board tests the strength and stability of the core. Soldiers must hold the plank position as long as possible.

Finally, the two-mile run assesses cardiovascular endurance and stamina.

Together, these six actions provide a comprehensive assessment of physical fitness that directly contributes to the final ACFT.

ACFT Score Chart

The ACFT scoring table is used ACFT Score to determine how many points a soldier will receive based on his performance in each event. The chart includes performance ranges that correspond to different score levels.

For example, in the deadlift, lifting heavier weights leads to higher points. Similarly, a faster two-mile run earns more points.

Typical scoring guidelines include:

• Maximum score: 100 points per event
• Minimum score to pass: 60 points per competition
• Total maximum points: 600 points
• Minimum total: 360 points

The scoring system is designed to encourage soldiers to improve their performance while maintaining a minimum fitness standard in all events.

Soldiers aspiring to perform at a high level often aim for scores above 500 points, which demonstrates exceptional physical fitness.

The ACFT score chart also helps trainers and commanders evaluate the physical abilities of soldiers in their units. It provides a clear framework for evaluating strengths and weaknesses in different areas of fitness.

Because the ACFT measures multiple aspects of fitness, Soldiers must maintain a balanced training rather than focusing on just one type of exercise.

Minimum Passing Score

A minimum passing ACFT score ensures that each soldier meets the basic physical fitness requirements required for military duty. Passing the ACFT requires Soldiers to score at least 60 points in each event.

This means that even if a soldier does extremely well in one race, they still have to meet a minimum standard in all six races to pass the test.

Standard graduation requirements include:

• Minimum 60 points per action
• Minimum 360 total score
• Complete all six events
• No event failure

These requirements help maintain a consistent baseline fitness throughout the military.

Failure of the ACFT may result in additional training requirements or reexamination. Soldiers who repeatedly fail may face administrative consequences depending on military policy.

The purpose of the minimum score is not to make the test extremely difficult but to ensure that soldiers are physically able to perform essential duties.

Maintaining a passing ACFT also helps reduce injuries, improve mission readiness, and ensure Soldiers can handle physically demanding situations.

How Scores are Calculated

The ACFT score calculation process is straightforward but requires accurate measurements during each event. Each exercise has a performance standard that corresponds to a specific number of points.

For example:

• The number of push-ups completed determines the push-up score
• The weight lifted in the deadlift determines the deadlift score
• The distance of the power throw determines its score
• The time spent in sprint, drag, and carry affects the score of this event
• The duration of the board affects the core strength rating
• Running time determines your stamina score

After all six actions are completed, the individual scores are added together to create a final ACFT.

Example of score distribution:

• Deadlift: 85 points
• Power-up: 80 points
• Shyby: 90 points
• Sprint-drag: 75 points
• Plank: 88 points
• Two Mile Run: 82 points

Total ACFT score = 500 points

This combined scoring method ensures that soldiers must perform well in multiple fitness categories rather than relying on a single strength.

Tips to improve your score

Improving your ACFT score requires consistent training and a well-balanced fitness routine. Since the test assesses multiple physical abilities, training programmes must include strength, endurance, agility, and core exercises.

Effective strategies for improving ACFT performance include:

• Strength training for deadlifts and transfers
• Basic exercise to improve ACFT Score plank performance
• Interval training for better sprint speed
• Endurance running to improve your two-mile run time
• Explosive strength training for the standing power throw

Other tips for better results:

• Follow a structured training plan
• Practice ACFT actions regularly
• Maintain proper nutrition and hydration
• Get enough sleep for muscle recovery
• Monitor progress and identify weak points

Many soldiers also conduct simulation exercises that replicate the exact sequence of ACFT events. This helps their bodies adjust to the fatigue they experience during the actual test.

Consistent preparation is the key to achieving a higher ACFT.

Why ACFT matters

The ACFT score plays an important role in evaluating the readiness and effectiveness of soldiers in modern military operations. Physical fitness directly affects a soldier’s ability to perform tasks such as carrying equipment, evacuating wounded personnel, and moving quickly over difficult terrain.

A high ACFT reflects strong physical fitness and discipline. It also shows that a soldier can handle the physical stress of a combat environment.

ACFT is important for several reasons:

• It ensures that soldiers maintain their operational capability
• Improves overall health and injury prevention
• Prepares soldiers for real battlefield conditions
• Supports consistent physical training

In many cases, the ACFT can also affect career opportunities in the military. Higher scores can help soldiers qualify for specialized training programmes, leadership roles, or elite units.

By focusing on functional strength and endurance, the ACFT provides a more realistic measure of combat readiness compared to older fitness tests.

Common mistakes

Many soldiers struggle to achieve high ACFT scores due to common training and preparation mistakes. Avoiding these mistakes can greatly improve overall performance.

One of the main mistakes is to focus too much on just one event. Some soldiers spend most of their training time improving their running times while neglecting strength exercises like the deadlift.

Another mistake is poor technique. Improper form during activities such as deadlifts or push-ups can reduce performance and increase the risk of injury.

Other common mistakes include:

• Skipping strength training
• They don’t practice sprinting and pulling
• Poor pace during a two-kilometre run
• Weak core strength is affecting board performance
• Lack of rest before the test

Mental preparation is also important. Many soldiers underperform due to nervousness or lack of confidence during the test.

By exercising regularly and focusing on balanced training, Soldiers can avoid these mistakes and significantly improve their ACFT.

Conclusion

The ACFT score is a comprehensive measure of a soldier’s physical fitness and combat readiness. By combining six different events, the Army Combat Fitness Test evaluates strength, endurance, power, agility, and cardiovascular performance.

Understanding how ACFT work ACFT Score helps Soldiers prepare effectively and track their progress over time. Achieving a high score requires balanced training, proper technique and consistent effort.

With proper training and deployment, Soldiers can improve their ACFT performance and demonstrate the physical readiness required for modern military operations.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good ACFT?

A good ACFT is usually considered to be 450 or higher, while elite performers often score above 500.

What is the maximum ACFT?

The maximum possible ACFT is 600 points, with 100 points available for each event.

What is the minimum ACFT to pass?

The minimum number of points to pass is 360 points, with at least 60 points required in each discipline.

How often do soldiers take the ACFT?

Most soldiers complete the ACFT at least once or twice a year, depending on Army policy.

Can training quickly improve ACFT?

Yes. With proper strength  ACFT Score training, endurance training, and practice of ACFT events, many soldiers can significantly improve their scores in a matter of months.