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PFT

What
PFT
When
4/12/2018
Where
Physical Fitness Test

What is the PFT?

The physical fitness test (PFT) for students in California schools is the FITNESSGRAM®. The main goal of the test is to help students in starting life-long habits of regular physical activity.

Students in grades five, seven, and nine take the fitness test. The test has six parts that show a level of fitness that offer a degree of defense against diseases that come from inactivity. The test results can be used by students and teachers. 

The FITNESSGRAM®is composed of the following six fitness areas, with a number of test options provided for most areas:

  1. Aerobic Capacity
  • PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run)
  • One-Mile Run
  • Walk Test (only for ages 13 or older)

  1. Abdominal Strength and Endurance
  • Curl-Up
  1. Upper Body Strength and Endurance
  • Push-Up
  • Modified Pull-Up
  • Flexed-Arm Hang
  1. Body Composition
  • Skinfold Measurements
  • Body Mass Index
  • Bioelectric Impedance Analyzer
  1. Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
  • Trunk Lift
  1. Flexibility
  • Back-Saver Sit and Reach
  • Shoulder Stretch

The FITNESSGRAM® uses objective criteria to evaluate performance for each fitness area (e.g., body composition, abdominal strength, and endurance). The Cooper Institute established these criteria using current research and expert opinions. These criteria represent a level of fitness that offers some protection against the diseases associated with physical inactivity.


The statewide physical fitness testing program was first authorized in 1976 and reestablished in 1995 as part of the California Assessment of Academic Achievement Act (Assembly Bill [AB] 265 which added EC Section 60800). In February 1996, the State Board of Education designated FITNESSGRAM® as the required physical fitness test that LEAs shall administer to California students in grades five, seven, and nine.

EC Section 60800 requires LEAs to administer the physical fitness test (i.e., FITNESSGRAM®):

  • LEAs shall administer the PFT annually during the months of February through May to all students in grades five, seven, and nine.
  • The California Department of Education (CDE) collects the physical fitness test results and provides aggregate results to LEAs and the public.
  • The CDE reports the aggregate results to the Governor of California and the California Legislature.
  • LEAs are to provide students with their individual results after completing the PFT either orally or in writing.
  • LEAs report the summary results of the PFT in their annual School Accountability Report Card (SARC).

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