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An official website of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health
Resource Hub

Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) Resources for Schools

Everything educators need to conduct the Presidential Fitness Test, from planning through celebrating results. Browse by category below to find what you need.

About the Presidential Fitness Test

The Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) is a national physical fitness assessment that measures cardiovascular endurance, upper-body strength, and core strength in students aged 6 and older. Scores are compared to age- and sex-based benchmarks, and students can earn Presidential, National, or Improvement awards based on their results. Educators can use this test alongside state or national physical education standards and their school’s physical education curriculum to teach foundational fitness concepts, including goal setting, progress tracking, and proper exercise form.

What the test includes +
Cardiovascular Endurance
(choose 1 test)		1-Mile Run
20-Meter Beep Test
Upper-Body Strength
(choose 1 test)		Push-Ups
Pull-Ups
Core Strength
(choose 1 test)		Sit-Ups
Plank

Use our Accessibility & Adaptations resources to ensure every student can participate.

Earning recognition +
Students earn an award by meeting fitness benchmarks or by showing improvement. Those who meet the Presidential benchmarks in each of the 3 categories earn the Presidential Fitness Award, and those who meet the National benchmarks in each of the 3 categories earn the National Fitness Award. Those who show measurable improvement within the same school year in each of the 3 tests they performed at baseline earn an Improvement Award. Every student who completes the test receives a Certificate of Participation.

View the Presidential and National benchmarks.   Download certificates.

Browse by Category

01 Planning for the PFT    

Find tools and guidance to help plan testing logistics, select assessments, and manage students efficiently.

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02 Administering the PFT

Find step-by-step protocols for all components of the Presidential Fitness Test, as well as at-a-glance station cards and scorecards.

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03 Accessibility & Adaptations

Explore guidance for adapting the Presidential Fitness Test to meet diverse student needs and support participation for every student.

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04 Engaging Students & Families

Support family engagement and student motivation through materials that explain the purpose of fitness testing, encourage goal setting, and make results easier to understand.

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