Air Force Physical Fitness Test 2025 Update: New Rules, Biannual Assessments, and Stricter Standards That Every Airman Must Know
The U.S. Air Force has unveiled sweeping updates to its Air Force physical fitness test, introducing new scoring categories, longer runs, and mandatory twice-a-year testing for all airmen. These changes, set to take effect in 2026, mark one of the most comprehensive military fitness test changes in decades and reflect a broader push toward a culture of health, readiness, and resilience across the service.
The U.S. Air Force has unveiled sweeping updates to its Air Force physical fitness test, introducing new scoring categories, longer runs, and mandatory twice-a-year testing for all airmen. These changes, set to take effect in 2026, mark one of the most comprehensive military fitness test changes in decades and reflect a broader push toward a culture of health, readiness, and resilience across the service.
Air Force PFA: What Will Change in 2026
The revamped Air Force PFA will officially roll out on September 1, 2026, following a six-month diagnostic period in which scores will not count against records. Beginning January 2026, all previous fitness tests will be paused, giving units time to adjust.
The test now includes four categories, with each assigned a different point value toward the total 100-point score:
| Category | Points | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiorespiratory fitness | 50 | Two-mile run or alternate cardio |
| Air Force waist-to-height ratio | 20 | Measured within 5 days of PFA |
| Muscle strength | 15 | Air Force push-ups sit-ups standards with variations |
| Core endurance | 15 | Sit-ups, plank, or reverse crunches |
The most striking adjustment is the replacement of the 1.5-mile run with a two-mile run, creating a tougher aerobic benchmark. Alternatives like the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-Shuttle Run (HAMR) remain available, but each airman must complete at least one two-mile run every year.
Air Force Fitness Standards Become More Demanding
Under the updated Air Force fitness standards, every airman is now required to complete the PFA twice annually without exception. This U.S. Air Force biannual PT model eliminates the previous option for high scorers to test just once per year.
Key requirements include:
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Two PFAs per year, spaced six months apart.
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Two cardio assessments annually, with at least one being the two-mile run.
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Mandatory participation in unit-wide testing events if scheduled.
These rules are designed to encourage year-round fitness rather than short-term preparation before a single annual test.
Military Fitness Test Changes Across Categories
The updated system introduces several military fitness test changes that modernize the evaluation structure:
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Body composition is once again part of the scoring system, measured through the Air Force waist-to-height ratio instead of weight alone.
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Muscle strength and endurance are expanded to include variations such as hand-release push-ups or reverse crunches, giving airmen flexibility while maintaining high standards.
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Scoring distribution places half the points on cardio, signaling the importance of endurance in operational readiness.
These adjustments aim to balance fairness, inclusivity, and readiness while still challenging all service members.
Air Force Push-Ups Sit-Ups Standards and Alternatives
Strength and endurance continue to play a central role in the new test. The Air Force push-ups sit-ups standards allocate 30 total points, split between strength and core exercises. Airmen may choose from:
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Standard or hand-release push-ups for muscle strength.
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Traditional sit-ups, planks, or reverse cross-leg crunches for core endurance.
This flexibility is intended to account for individual fitness differences while still ensuring that all airmen meet required strength benchmarks.
U.S. Air Force Biannual PT and Its Impact on Airmen
The shift to a U.S. Air Force biannual PT model is one of the most debated changes. While leaders argue it will improve health and readiness, some airmen are concerned about the additional burden of twice-a-year testing, particularly among Reserve and Guard members.
However, leadership emphasized that units will not have fixed daily PT hours. Commanders may schedule fitness activities as they see fit, allowing flexibility while still holding personnel accountable for results.
Looking Back at Previous Air Force Fitness Standards
Previously, the Air Force fitness standards included a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and waist measurement. Airmen who scored high enough could test once a year, and body composition was temporarily removed from the official scoring system.
Under the new rules, these exceptions are gone. Twice-a-year testing is mandatory, and the return of body composition through the Air Force waist-to-height ratio ensures long-term accountability for overall health.
The result is a tougher, more holistic system that aligns better with operational readiness demands and modern approaches to health and performance.
