VIRGINIA- The US Air Force (USAF) has updated scoring charts for its new Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment as a three-month diagnostic period begins March 1, 2026. Airmen will start recording official scores under the new standards from July 1.
The service says the revised test supports long-term readiness and career longevity, with higher minimums and expanded exercise options under the Physical Fitness Readiness Program, Air and Space Forces reported.
Photo: USAF
US Air Force Revises Fitness Test Standards
The updated Physical Fitness Readiness Assessment, or PFRA, introduces revised scoring tables across aerobic, strength, core, and body composition components. The changes coincide with a diagnostic period designed to collect performance data and refine standards before full implementation.
Airmen must complete the PFRA twice each year. During the diagnostic phase, they may choose to convert a practice score into an official result. The Air Force stated that the updated standards aim to promote consistent conditioning and sustainable fitness habits across a service member’s career.
The revised score charts include increased minimum thresholds for most scored components. Initial charts released in September have been substantially modified. While many requirements now demand more repetitions or faster times for similar point values, some categories reflect adjusted scoring weight rather than stricter performance floors.
For example, males under age 25 must complete at least 33 situps for 2.5 points. Under the earlier chart, 39 repetitions earned 2.3 points. In another case, males aged 50 to 54 running the two-mile event in 22:50 receive 35 points under the new chart, compared to 29.5 points previously.
The Air Force has indicated that scoring tables may change again after reviewing diagnostic data.
Photo: USAF
Aerobic Component: Two Mile Run or HAMR Shuttle
Airmen may select either a two-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi Shuttle Run, known as HAMR.
For the two-mile run, minimum and maximum times vary by age and gender:
Males under 25: minimum time 19:45, maximum 13:25
Males 60 and over: minimum 24:00, maximum 16:58
Females under 25: minimum 25:23, maximum 15:30
Females 60 and over: minimum 29:40, maximum 18:20
The HAMR measures aerobic capacity through repeated 20-meter sprints paced by an audio signal that accelerates over time. The test ends after three consecutive failures to reach the line before the beep.
Minimum shuttle counts for males range from 26 for those over 60 to 42 for those under 25 to earn 35 points. Maximum scores of 50 points require between 65 and 87 shuttles, depending on age. For females, minimum counts range from 11 for those over 60 to 21 for those under 25.
Photo: USAF
Strength Testing: Pushup Variations
Airmen can complete hand-release pushups in two minutes or standard pushups in one minute.
For hand-release pushups:
Male minimums range from 11 repetitions for the oldest group to 27 for the youngest. Maximums range from 36 to 52 or more.
Female minimums range from one to 17. Maximums range from 26 to 42.
For standard pushups:
Male minimums range from 12 to 30, with maximums between 38 and 67.
Female minimums range from three to 15, with maximums between 28 and 50.
Each option allows Airmen to select the format best aligned with their conditioning strategy.
Photo: USAF
Core Fitness Options: Situps, Reverse Crunch, or Plank
The PFRA offers three core exercise choices: one minute of situps, two minutes of cross-leg reverse crunches, or a timed forearm plank.
For situps:
Male minimums range from 17 repetitions for the oldest group to 33 for the youngest. Maximums range from 42 to 58.
Female minimums range from six to 29, with maximums from 31 to 58.
For cross leg reverse crunches:
Males under 25 must complete at least 35, with a maximum of 60.
Males over 60 require at least 19, with a maximum of 44.
Females under 25 are scored between 33 and 58.
Females over 60 must complete at least 17, with a maximum of 42.
For forearm planks:
Males 60 and older must hold at least 55 seconds. Males under 25 must hold at least 1 minute 35 seconds. Maximum times range from three minutes to 3 minutes 40 seconds.
Females 60 and older must hold 50 seconds minimum. Females under 25 must hold at least 1 minute 30 seconds. Maximum times range from 2 minutes 55 seconds to 3 minutes 35 seconds.
Photo: USAF
Body Composition and Total Score Weighting
The body composition element uses a waist-to-height ratio. Airmen divide waist circumference by height in inches to determine risk category.
Scores fall into low, moderate, or high risk bands. For example, an Airman measuring 69 inches tall with a 36-inch waist has a ratio of 0.52, categorized as moderate risk and earning 17 points.
This component represents 20 percent of the total PFRA score.
Photo: USAF
Expanded Fitness Support Programs
The Air Force has introduced Master Fitness Leaders under the sustainment services career field 3F1. Selected personnel will attend a two week course focused on safe conditioning, reconditioning, and adaptive fitness instruction. The service has not announced a start date for the course.
Additional resources include:
Occupationally Specific Physical Fitness Assessments for special operations and explosive ordnance disposal Airmen
A Pregnancy and Postpartum Performance Training Guide
The Warfighter Fitness Playbook covers workouts, recovery, sleep, and nutrition
Senior leadership states that the revised standards focus on operational readiness and long-term health rather than short-term performance benchmarks.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
