Available in: Forward, Endure, and Advanced.

The APFT Challenge is a classic military assessment used for decades as the U.S. Army’s standard fitness test. Though the Army has since moved to the ACFT, the APFT remains a demanding, easily replicated benchmark of muscular endurance and cardiovascular capacity.

PATHFINDER Ruck Training continues to use the APFT as a gold-standard assessment across eligible programs.

Note: The APFT Challenge is a bodyweight-only Challenge.

Challenge Purpose

The APFT is commonly used in GORUCK Events and other military-inspired challenges. It prepares rosters physically and mentally to meet event standards and manage their own body weight efficiently under stress.

“The APFT provides a measure of upper and lower body muscular endurance. It is a performance test that indicates a roster’s ability to perform physically and handle his or her own body weight. Army Physical Fitness Test standards are adjusted for age and physiological differences between the genders.”  (From ArmyPRT.com)

Challenge Parameters

Test Site
Rosters should complete the APFT in a reasonable, accessible location that meets standard testing conditions. A high school track or similarly flat, measured course is ideal. (Reference: APFT Test Site guidelines)

Events & Scoring
The APFT is age- and gender-adjusted. Athletes must complete the following three components:

• 2 Minutes: Maximum Push-Ups (Proper Form)

• 2 Minutes: Maximum Sit-Ups (Proper Form)

• 2 Mile Run

Use this scoring tool: APFT Calculator via omnicalculator.com

To pass the APFT, you must score at least 60 points in each event.

Challenge Completion Guidelines by Program

If You Pass on the First Attempt:
You may log the Challenge as complete.

If You Do Not Pass on the First Attempt:

▸ Forward

• This Challenge is optional for Forward.

• You may attempt the APFT as many times as needed.

• You pass if your score improves over four total attempts - defined as a better number in any of the three events without regression in the others.

• If you pass on any attempt using the APFT calculator, you may log it and stop.

▸ Endure

• This Challenge is optional for Endure.

• You must achieve a minimum total score of 250 with at least 60 points in each event.

• Unlimited attempts are allowed. However, partial improvements do not count -only full passing scores.

▸ Advanced

• This Challenge is required for Advanced.

• You must achieve a minimum score of 250, with at least 60 in each category.

• Unlimited attempts are allowed, but you must meet all standards within the 12-week Class cycle.

• Failure to do so means you will not successfully complete PATHFINDER Advanced and will not ENDEX.

Reusing Scores Between Classes

If you're in back-to-back PATHFINDER Classes, you may transfer your ENDEX APFT score from your previous Class to count as your STARTEX score for the next. This is only valid if the APFT was completed within 7 days of the next Class start date.

Equipment Note

• There is no ruck requirement for this Challenge.
  Do not wear a ruck during the APFT.
  (Applies to Forward, Endure, and Advanced.)

Qualifying Run Modification

Run alternatives are available for Forward and Endure rosters only. Advanced rosters must complete the 2-mile run, unless granted a specific exception due to injury or medical limitations. These exceptions must be approved jointly by the Course Advisor (CA) and the PATHFINDER Director of Programming.

• Who Qualifies for a Run Modification?

  Rosters in Forward or Endure may substitute the 2-mile run only if they have:

  • A documented medical condition or injury that reasonably prevents running

• A dislike of running is not an acceptable reason.

• If you qualify, you may complete one of the following aerobic events in place of the 2-mile run:

  • 800-Yard-Swim Test.
  • 6.2-Mile Stationary-Cycle Ergometer Test.
  • 6.2-Mile Bicycle Test.
  • 2.5-Mile Walk Test.

Logging Alternate Events

If you complete an alternate aerobic event in place of the 2-mile run, log your finish time as usual. In the Notes section, include:

• The specific alternate event you completed

• Whether you met the required standard

If you do not meet the standard, you must repeat the Challenge using the same alternate aerobic event for all future APFT attempts within your Class cycle.

Challenge Safety & Restrictions

• Always carry a basic first aid kit.

• Ruck safely. Share your route and estimated return time with someone who can assist in an emergency.

• Obey all laws. Do not trespass. If unsure about access to any facility, consult management for permission.

• You assume all risks. PATHFINDER is not liable for any injury, damage, or death resulting from participation in its programming.

All PATHFINDER Challenges are © PATHFINDER Ruck Training. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.