From APFT to ACFT to AFT: what changed
The five-event test, current guidance and what to check before test day
Guidance reviewed October 1, 2026.
If you've trained under more than one Army fitness test, the names and old score charts can blur together. The AFT replaced the ACFT on June 1, 2025.[1] This guide separates the test's history from the rules you need for your next assessment.
The APFT: the earlier three-event test
The APFT centered on push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run. The Army later broadened its assessment to include strength and other physical demands.[21][20] That history helps explain the change in training emphasis, but an old APFT result should not be read as an AFT score.
The ACFT: a broader assessment
The ACFT added lifting, a standing power throw and shuttle work to Army fitness testing. Its events and scoring changed during development; older instructions may describe the leg tuck rather than the plank.[21][20] When reviewing a past test, use the guidance that applied to that version, not a current chart with a similar name.
The AFT: five events
The AFT consists of the three-repetition maximum deadlift, hand-release push-up with arm extension, sprint-drag-carry, plank and two-mile run.[1]
The standing power throw is no longer included. The Army's published AFT guidance distinguishes a general standard from a combat standard; use the category that applies to you.[1] Army Directive 2026-07 also added 12D, 89D and 89E to the designated combat specialties.[15]
The published general standard requires at least 60 points in each event and 300 overall. The combat standard requires at least 60 per event and 350 overall.[1] Meeting the event minimums alone does not meet the higher total.
Why the change matters
The immediate task is practical: know which events you will take, how each is graded and which scoring table applies. A summary article cannot settle an individual profile question or a unit's administrative process. Bring those questions to the people responsible for your test before test day.
What the evidence supports
The Army says its AFT decision drew on test-performance data and analysis.[1] That is different from claiming that every event change has already produced a measured reduction in injuries. A policy rationale is not the same as a measured outcome, so read those claims separately.
Comparing the tests
- APFT: push-ups, sit-ups and a two-mile run.[21][20]
- ACFT: a broader assessment that included the standing power throw; historical versions differed.[21][20]
- AFT: five events, without the standing power throw.[1]
The CFT introduced in 2026 is separate from the AFT. It applies to designated combat specialties and changes their testing schedule under Army Directive 2026-07.[15]
Training for the test you will take
Build your plan around the actual events rather than repeating a full test every session. Ask your PT leader or H2F staff to help balance strength work, running and recovery. The Army's H2F approach includes physical, mental, nutritional, spiritual and sleep readiness.[18]
Where ArmyFit can help
ArmyFit lists AFT/ACFT calculators, event videos, timers and bodyweight programs.[17] Use those tools to organize practice. Check the Army's published guidance when a score, event instruction or profile accommodation needs an authoritative answer.
A test score is part of readiness
A fitness score gives you something concrete to review. It does not tell you everything about a Soldier's ability to perform a job, and it should not be used to dismiss an injury or a medical restriction. Keep the next test in view without making it the only purpose of training.
Frequently asked questions
When did the AFT replace the ACFT? June 1, 2025.[1]
Is the standing power throw still included? No. The AFT has five events.[1]
Does the CFT replace the AFT? No. Army Directive 2026-07 treats them as distinct tests.[15]
Where should I check my score? Start with the Army's current AFT resources and confirm your category with the test's OIC or NCOIC.[1]
Is one test easier? A label won't tell you how you will perform. Compare your results against the applicable standard and train for the work you need to improve.
Before your next test
Confirm your test date, event instructions and scoring category. Bring any profile or scheduling questions forward early. A few minutes spent checking the right document is more useful than building a training cycle around an outdated assumption.
References and earlier reading
Links carried forward from this article are listed for further reading, not as verification of current policy or of the claims in earlier editions. Consult the checked sources below for the revised guidance.
- U.S. Army resource (1)
- ArmyFit (2)
- ArmyFit (3)
- military.com (4)
- Apple App Store listing (5)
- en.wikipedia.org (6)
- armytimes.com (7)
- U.S. Army resource (8)
Sources
[1] https://www.army.mil/aft — Army Fitness Test: official events and policy resources [15] https://api.army.mil/e2/c/downloads/2026/04/29/858da01e/cft-army-directive.pdf — Army Directive 2026-07: Army Physical Fitness Standards [17] https://www.army.fit — ArmyFit product features [18] https://www.goarmy.com/explore-the-army/holistic-health-fitness — GoArmy: Holistic Health and Fitness [20] https://www.army.mil/article/254875/secretary_approves_implementation_of_revised_army_combat_fitness_test — Secretary approves implementation of revised Army Combat Fitness Test [21] https://www.army.mil/article/240442/task_force_illini_soldiers_prepare_for_the_new_army_fitness_test — Task Force Illini Soldiers prepare for the new Army fitness test (2020 historical context)
Credits
Photo: Sgt. Michael Majors / DVIDS. 07.20.2026.
The appearance of U.S. Department of War (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.