Key Takeaways
Since July 1, 2026, every active-duty and reserve Coast Guard member takes a Physical Fitness Test (PFT). It is the service's first test for everyone.
The events, in order: push-ups for one minute, a forearm plank, and a 1.5-mile run or approved cardio option.
Each event is scored from 45 to 100 points. You need at least 45 in every event.
Coast Guard Academy applicants take the same three events and need at least 60 in each.
One minute of push-ups rewards a fast, steady pace. There is no time to rest.
The short version
For years, the Coast Guard had no fitness test for every member. That changed on July 1, 2026. Now all active-duty members and reservists take the Physical Fitness Test, and most take it twice a year. It uses the same three events as the Navy test, with one big difference: you get one minute for push-ups, not two.
Enlisted members go through boot camp at Training Center Cape May in New Jersey. Showing up already able to pass, with points to spare, makes everything that follows easier.
The three events
Push-ups. As many as you can in one minute.
Forearm plank. Hold a straight line from head to heels on your forearms and toes for as long as you can.
Cardio. A 1.5-mile run, or one of the approved options: a 2,000-meter row or a 500-yard or 450-meter swim.
All three happen on the same day, in that order.
What the scores actually mean
Each event is scored from 45 to 100 points. You need at least 45 in every event to pass. Here is the range for a 17-to-19-year-old:
Men: 30 to 67 push-ups, a 1:11 to 3:24 plank, a 12:45 to 8:15 run
Women: 15 to 47 push-ups, a 1:01 to 3:14 plank, a 15:00 to 9:29 run
The first number is the passing minimum. The second earns all 100 points.
Applying to the Coast Guard Academy? The PFT is part of your application, and you need at least 60 points in every event. For men that is 37 push-ups, a 1:40 plank and a 12:00 run. For women it is 21 push-ups, a 1:30 plank and a 14:15 run.
Score your numbers free in our calculator. It shows your points for each event and the one holding you back.
How to train for it
One minute of push-ups is a sprint. Practice starting fast and holding that rhythm for the full sixty seconds. Here is a short push-up demo showing a rep that counts.
The plank is built with many good shorter holds and a strong trunk, not one all-out hold a day. See the plank demo.
For the run, we teach goal pace with quarter-mile repeats. Six laps of a track is a mile and a half. If you plan to row instead, watch the rowing demo: legs first, then back, then arms, and hold one steady pace.
All three programs are in our free Navy and Coast Guard prep guide. Most of it needs nothing more than a floor, a staircase and a place to run.
For parents
A stronger athlete does more push-ups, holds a plank longer and runs with better posture when tired. At Mighty Oak Athletic, military prep sits on top of the barbell, kettlebell and bodyweight training every athlete here does, and it is included in our membership. Your first session is free.
The Navy uses the same events with two-minute push-ups. Read What Is the Navy PRT? For every branch in one place, see our military fitness test calculator post.
Sixty seconds of push-ups. Make every one count.
Be strong to be useful.
-
Push-ups for one minute, a forearm plank held as long as you can, and a 1.5-mile run. A 2,000-meter row or a 500-yard or 450-meter swim can replace the run.
-
At least 45 points in every event. For a 17-to-19-year-old man that is 30 push-ups, a 1:11 plank and a 12:45 run. For a 17-to-19-year-old woman it is 15 push-ups, a 1:01 plank and a 15:00 run.
-
Every active-duty and reserve member, starting July 1, 2026. Most take it twice a year.
-
The same three events, with at least 60 points in each. For men that is 37 push-ups, a 1:40 plank and a 12:00 run. For women it is 21 push-ups, a 1:30 plank and a 14:15 run.
-
The events are the same, but Coast Guard push-ups are timed for one minute instead of two.
