Marine Corps PFT and CFT Requirements Explained

Two Tests, One Standard: PFT and CFT Overview

The Marine Corps assesses fitness through two separate tests taken once per year each:

• Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Traditional fitness test — pull-ups or push-ups, crunches, 3-mile run. Taken in the first half of the year.
• Combat Fitness Test (CFT): Combat-relevant fitness — 880-meter run in gear, ammo can lifts, Maneuver Under Fire obstacle course. Taken in the second half of the year.

Both tests use a scoring system where your score in each event contributes to a total out of 300 points per test. Both tests have minimum passing scores and performance categories. Both affect your fitness composite score (FitRep), which directly influences promotions and assignments.

The Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

The PFT has three events tested in this order: pull-ups or push-ups, crunches, then the 3-mile run. Each event is worth up to 100 points, for a maximum of 300.

Event 1: Pull-Ups (or Push-Up Alternative)

Male Marines must perform pull-ups. Female Marines may choose pull-ups or push-ups. Pull-ups require a dead hang start — no kipping, no momentum from the legs. Each rep requires your chin to clear the bar.

• Male minimum (to pass): 3 pull-ups
• Male first class: 20 pull-ups
• Female push-up minimum: 15 push-ups in 2 minutes
• Female pull-up first class: 7 pull-ups

If female Marines choose push-ups, the maximum points available is capped lower than what's achievable with pull-ups. Marines aiming for the highest scores should train pull-ups regardless of gender.

Event 2: Crunches

Unlike full sit-ups, Marine crunches only require lifting your shoulder blades off the mat with arms crossed over your chest. You get 2 minutes to do as many as possible.

• Minimum to pass (all Marines): 50 crunches
• First class (age 17–26): 100 crunches

Event 3: 3-Mile Run

This is the longest run of any branch fitness test. Three miles at race pace is a real aerobic challenge, especially coming after two upper-body events.

The Combat Fitness Test (CFT)

The CFT is the Marine Corps' answer to combat-relevant fitness. Where the PFT tests general fitness, the CFT tests functional performance — moving under fire, carrying loads, and performing agility tasks while fatigued.

CFT Event 1: Movement to Contact (880-Meter Run)

An 880-meter run (roughly half a mile) in boots and utility uniform — no running shoes, no athletic gear. This event simulates rapid movement to a combat position and tests your ability to perform cardio under additional load from your uniform and boots.

• Male first class: Under 2:40
• Female first class: Under 3:00
• Minimum to pass (male): Under 4:15
• Minimum to pass (female): Under 4:40

CFT Event 2: Ammunition Can Lifts (Ammo Lifts)

You lift a 30-pound ammunition can from shoulder height to full arm extension overhead — as many reps as possible in 2 minutes. This tests shoulder endurance, which is directly applicable to lifting gear, loading weapons, and overhead work in the field.

• Male first class: 82+ reps
• Female first class: 61+ reps
• Minimum to pass (male): 40 reps
• Minimum to pass (female): 20 reps

CFT Event 3: Maneuver Under Fire (MANUF)

This is the most complex event in any military fitness test. The MANUF is a 300-yard course run in pairs that includes:

• A sprint followed by a fireman's carry
• Ammunition resupply (carrying cases of ammo cans)
• Crawling under obstacles
• Grenade throw simulation
• A buddy drag
• A final sprint back

Male first class time: under 2:55. Female first class: under 3:23. Minimum to pass for males is under 3:55. It's intense, fast, and requires a training partner to practice effectively.

What "First Class" Means for Your Marine Career

First class PFT and CFT scores aren't just bragging rights — they have tangible career benefits:

• First class fitness scores are listed as a positive note in your fitness report (FitRep)
• Competitive promotion boards look at PFT and CFT scores — especially for sergeant and above
• Some billets and school assignments (Drill Instructor, Recruiting Duty, officer programs) require or strongly prefer first class fitness
• The Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) instructor track requires strong fitness scores

Marines who consistently score third class or barely pass face real career limitations. Aim for first class in both tests from day one.

How to Prepare for Both Tests

Pull-Up Progression

Pull-ups are often the hardest event for people new to the Marine Corps. Start with dead hangs and negative pull-ups (jumping to bar, lowering slowly) if you can't yet complete a full rep. Progress to assisted pull-ups, then full dead-hang pull-ups. Three sessions per week, focusing on volume and form, will produce steady improvement over 8–12 weeks.

Building the 3-Mile Run Base

Three miles is a long distance for a fitness test. Build up with 4+ miles of weekly running, including one longer run of 4–5 miles per week to develop the aerobic base. Include one interval session per week (6–8×400m at faster than test pace) to build speed. Don't try to race every training run — easy days are essential.

CFT-Specific Training

The ammo can lift is trainable with any 30-lb overhead press movement. Practice with dumbbells, kettlebells, or a loaded pack. For the MANUF, practice the individual components (farmer carries, buddy drag simulations, crawling) and if possible, find a training partner to run the full event before your test date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The Marine Corps PFT and CFT are harder than what most recruits are prepared for when they ship to Parris Island or San Diego. The 3-mile run, pull-ups, and the MANUF are all significant fitness challenges that require specific preparation — not just general fitness.

Start with pull-ups and the 3-mile run. Those two events have the longest development curve and take the most lead time. If you're six months out from shipping, you have enough time to make a real difference. If you're six weeks out, focus on the basics and aim to arrive within passing range — you'll continue training at boot camp.

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