PFT vs. CFT: How the Marine Corps' Two Fitness Tests Differ

Compare the Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test and Combat Fitness Test: events, scoring, classes and how to train for both across the year.

By the Dayob Editorial Team · Updated · 2 min read

A group of people running in a stadium
Photo by Steven Lelham on Unsplash
Try the USMC PFT Calculator – Score your Marine Corps Physical Fitness Test by age group and sex, with event points, total score, class and pass or fail.

Marines take two annual fitness tests. The Physical Fitness Test (PFT) measures general strength, core endurance and aerobic fitness. The Combat Fitness Test (CFT) measures the kind of short, intense effort needed in combat situations. Each is scored out of 300 points.

Events at a glance

PFTCFT
Event 1Pull-ups (or push-ups, max 70 pts)Movement to contact: 880-yard sprint
Event 2Forearm plankAmmunition can lifts: 30-lb can overhead for 2 minutes
Event 33-mile runManeuver under fire: 300-yard course with crawls, drags, carries and a grenade throw
AttirePT gearBoots and utilities

Scoring and classes

Both tests award up to 100 points per event and use the same class bands:

  • 1st Class: 235–300
  • 2nd Class: 200–234
  • 3rd Class: 150–199
  • Fail: below 150, or below the minimum in any event

Standards vary by age group and sex, except the plank, which uses one table for everyone. Since January 2026, Marines in combat arms MOSs are scored on the male tables for their age on the PFT and need 210 points.

Timing

Traditionally the PFT has been conducted in the first half of the calendar year and the CFT in the second half. Your unit will publish the actual testing windows; follow current Marine Corps orders and MARADMINs.

Training differences

  • PFT: aerobic endurance for the 3-mile run, relative strength for pull-ups, and isometric core endurance for the plank. See our 3-mile run plan.
  • CFT: sprint speed, shoulder endurance, agility and the strength to drag and carry another Marine. Shuttle sprints, sled drags, farmer's carries and overhead press endurance work well.

The two complement each other. Pull-up and core strength helps on the CFT's carries; CFT sprint work can improve your run speed.

Body composition

Fitness scores also connect to the body composition program. In 2026 the Marine Corps announced a waist-to-height ratio screening standard of 0.52, with high PFT and CFT scorers eligible for certain allowances under the rules. Check the current MARADMIN for details that apply to you.

Score your PFT

The PFT calculator scores pull-ups or push-ups, plank and run for every age group and shows your class. For the upper-body choice, see pull-ups vs. push-ups.

This guide is independent and not an official Marine Corps publication. Always rely on current orders for standards and procedures.

Further reading from official sources

More pft score guides

Red running track lane markingsMarine Corps PFT Scoring in 2026: Tables, Classes and What ChangedHow the Marine Corps PFT is scored in 2026: event minimums and maximums, class thresholds, the sex-neutral standard for combat arms and how to calculate your total.3 min readGrayscale photo of a man working outPull-Ups or Push-Ups on the PFT? Do the Math Before You ChoosePush-ups cap at 70 points on the Marine Corps PFT, pull-ups at 100. Compare points for your numbers and age group and decide which event is worth training.2 min readA man in a gray tank top gripping a metal pull-up barHow to Increase Your Pull-Ups for the Marine Corps PFTA practical plan to add pull-ups for the PFT: dead-hang standards, grease-the-groove volume, negatives, rows and grip work, with a sample weekly schedule.3 min read