FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT) – Prepare & Pass
If you're considering a career with the FBI, physical fitness is paramount. As an aspiring agent, you'll need to ace the FBI Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to prove you're up to the rigors of the job.
The PFT is more than just a test—it's a pivotal step in your journey towards joining one of the world's most elite law enforcement agencies. The test also works as a filter since later you will have to undergo training in the academy. Much like the CPAT for firefighters, the FBI PFT is a rigorous assessment that demands thorough preparation and dedication.
By understanding the requirements, events, and training methods outlined here, you'll be better equipped to face the challenges head-on and elevate your chances of securing your spot within the FBI ranks.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test, or FBI PT test, is a requirement for anyone applying to be an FBI Special Agent. The test is designed to measure your strength, endurance, and overall fitness level to ensure you can handle the pace of the FBI Academy training and the job itself.
FBI Special Agents are required to maintain certain physical fitness condition throughout their career. This is why the FBI uses the fbi fitness test as recruitment filter that will test your initial skills and condition necessary for your future in the position.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test consists of four main events, which you must complete in specific order with no more than five minutes of rest in between.
Although failing the FBI fitness test won’t automatically disqualify you from the entire application process, you can’t move forward to the next steps without completing it. In most cases, you’ll be allowed to retest after a certain period, depending on the department you are applying to, this can be a couple of weeks to a month.
The FBI Special Agent hiring process is a rigorous and lengthy procedure designed to filter qualified candidates for the demanding role. The entire process can take anywhere from a year to 18 months, depending on the speed of the background investigation and the availability of training slots.
The steps include completing the following:
You can start practicing for the entire process with our dedicated FBI preppack! Click here and go to our preppack page
Many candidates assume they’re fit enough to pass the FBI Physical Fitness Test—until they try it. In a publicly documented trial, a physically active participant who regularly exercises attempted the FBI PFT after just a few days of preparation. Despite being in good shape, they failed two out of four test components.
Here’s a breakdown of their results:
| Event | Minimum Required (Female) | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Sit-ups (1 min) | 35 sit-ups | ❌ 33 – did not pass |
| 300m Sprint | ≤ 64 seconds | ❌ 1:18 – did not finish |
| Push-ups | As many as possible | ✅ Completed |
| 1.5-Mile Run | Under 14:00 | ✅ Completed |
Only about 15% of candidates pass the FBI fitness test on their first attempt. Training for it requires specific preparation—not just general fitness.
FBI Special Agents face physically demanding situations that require strength, flexibility, and endurance for personal safety and the safety of colleagues and civilians. Meeting the required fitness levels is essential to fulfil the duties of a Special Agent. After completing the full Physical Fitness Test (PFT), you will be ready for physical training at the FBI Academy.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test consists of the following events, with no more than five minutes of rest in between each event:
*If you are applying to the Tactical Recruitment Program (TRP), you will have to complete a fifth event that will test your maximum number of continuous pull-ups.
All positions in the FBI require taking the FBI PFT. If you are interested in other FBI jobs, you take a look at our FBI Intelligence Analyst Test, SAEE Test, and UDEE Test Practice.
Most law enforcement and civil service positions require you to pass some sort of physical test. Learn more about the Firefighter CPAT Test, and the Police Physical Ability Test.
While the FBI Physical Fitness Test, or FBI PFT, is one of the most rigorous, it shares similarities with other law enforcement agencies:
|
Agency |
Events |
Minimum Requirements |
Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
|
FBI |
Sit-ups, 300m sprint, push-ups, 1.5-mile run, optional pull-ups |
12 points total, 1 per event |
Strict point-based system |
|
DEA |
Push-ups, sit-ups, 300m sprint, 1.5-mile run |
Pass/Fail |
Does not use a point system |
|
Secret Service |
Push-ups, sit-ups, chin-ups, 1.5-mile run |
70% minimum per event |
Uses age-graded scoring |
|
Police Academy (varies by state) |
Typically 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups |
Varies |
Often lower fitness thresholds |
Below is the official FBI Fitness Test Scoring Chart for 2025. The table shows the score ranges by gender for each of the four events: sit-ups, 300-meter sprint, push-ups, and the 1.5-mile run. Use this chart to estimate your score and readiness.
| Event | Max Score | Passing Score | Fail Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sit-Ups (1 min) | 10 = 57+ reps | 1 = 30–32 (F), 38 (M) | -2 = 29↓ (F), 31↓ (M) |
| 300m Sprint | 10 = ≤49.9s (F), ≤40.9s (M) | 1 = ~65s (F), ~51s (M) | -2 = ≥67.0s (F), ≥55.1s (M) |
| Push-Ups | 10 = 45+ (F), 71+ (M) | 1 = 14 (F), 30 (M) | -2 = 4↓ (F), 19↓ (M) |
| 1.5-Mile Run | 10 = ≤10:34 (F), ≤8:59 (M) | 1 = 13:59 (F), 12:15 (M) | -2 = 15:00+ (F), 13:30+ (M) |
To pass the FBI PFT, or FBI PT test, you will have to score a minimum of 9 points, with no less than 0 in all four events.
Sit-ups
In this exercise, you will lie on your back with arms crossed over your chest and knees bent at a 90-degree angle, feet flat on the floor. You will raise your upper body until your elbows touch mid-thigh, then return to the starting position, all while keeping your hips on the ground. It's a one-minute continuous motion exercise, and any pause forfeits the remainder of the minute.
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 29 and below | 31 and below |
| 0 | 30-34 | 32-37 |
| 1 | 35-36 | 38 |
| 2 | 37-40 | 39-42 |
| 3 | 41-42 | 43-44 |
| 4 | 43-46 | 45-47 |
| 5 | 47-48 | 48-49 |
| 6 | 49-50 | 50-51 |
| 7 | 51-52 | 52-53 |
| 8 | 53-54 | 54-55 |
| 9 | 55-56 | 56-57 |
| 10 | 57 and over | 58 and over |
300-meter sprint
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 6.7 and over | 55.1 and over |
| 0 | 67.4–65.0 | 55.0–52.5 |
| 1 | 64.9–62.5 | 52.4–51.1 |
| 2 | 62.4–60.0 | 51.0–49.5 |
| 3 | 59.9–57.5 | 49.4–48.0 |
| 4 | 57.4–56.0 | 47.9–46.1 |
| 5 | 55.9–54.0 | 46.0–45.0 |
| 6 | 53.9–53.0 | 44.9–44.0 |
| 7 | 52.9–52.0 | 43.9–43.0 |
| 8 | 51.9–51.0 | 42.9–42.0 |
| 9 | 50.9–50.0 | 41.9–41.0 |
| 10 | 49.9 and below | 40.9 and below |
Push-ups
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 4 and below | 19 and below |
| 0 | 5-13 | 20-29 |
| 1 | 14-18 | 30-32 |
| 2 | 19-21 | 33-30 |
| 3 | 22-26 | 40-43 |
| 4 | 27-29 | 44-49 |
| 5 | 30-32 | 50-53 |
| 6 | 33-35 | 54-56 |
| 7 | 36-38 | 57-60 |
| 8 | 39-41 | 61-64 |
| 9 | 42-44 | 65-70 |
| 10 | 45 and over | 71 and over |
1.5-mile run
| Score | Female Range | Male Range |
| -2 | 15:00 and over | 13:30 and over |
| 0 | 14:59–14:00 | 13:29–12:25 |
| 1 | 13:59–13:35 | 12:24–12:15 |
| 2 | 13:34–13:00 | 12:14–11:35 |
| 3 | 12:59–12:30 | 11:34–11:10 |
| 4 | 12:29–11:57 | 11:09–10:35 |
| 5 | 11:56–11:35 | 10:34–10:15 |
| 6 | 11:34–11:15 | 10:14–9:55 |
| 7 | 11:14–11:06 | 9:54–9:35 |
| 8 | 11:05–10:45 | 9:34–9:20 |
| 9 | 10:44–10:35 | 9:19–9:00 |
| 10 | 10:34 and below | 8:59 and below |
Preparing physically and mentally for the FBI PFT, or FBI PT test, requires weeks of training. If you want to ace your upcoming test, make sure to follow a routine and challenge yourself with each one of the events. Here are some tips to help you get started:
To maximize your fitness before taking the FBI Physical Fitness Test, you can use the FBI Physical Fitness Test App - a free mobile application designed to help users prepare for the PFT. It offers an interactive and informative way to train like an agent, providing insights into the test's components and benchmarks.
You can download the app from both the App Store and Google Play.
As a part of the FBI full Physical Fitness Test, you will have to provide medical information from your personal physician to ensure you meet the physical demands of the position. You will also have to show proof of certain vaccinations and undergo a vision and hearing evaluation.
The FBI fitness test is considered challenging due to its strict scoring system and physical demands. Recruits must pass all events without failing any component, which requires solid preparation.
Each event in the FBI PFT is scored on a scale from -2 to 10 based on performance. To pass, candidates must score a minimum of 12 points total and at least 1 point in each event.
The FBI Physical Fitness Test includes four mandatory events: sit-ups (1 minute), 300-meter sprint, push-ups (no time limit), and a 1.5-mile run. There’s also an optional fifth event: pull-ups.
Each of the four events is scored from -2 to 10 based on performance. Candidates must score a total of at least 12 points, with no event scoring below 1 point.
Yes. Applicants who fail the PFT may be eligible to retake it after a waiting period. However, the number of retakes is limited and depends on the application timeline.
A successful training plan includes cardiovascular endurance, bodyweight strength training, sprint intervals, and core conditioning. Simulating the test format and tracking your scores regularly can help.
Yes, the FBI uses the same scoring standards for all applicants regardless of age or gender. This makes preparation especially important for all candidates.
All events are completed on the same day with brief rest periods in between. Candidates are expected to finish the entire test sequence in about one hour.
Passing the written exam does not guarantee advancement. Candidates must pass the PFT to continue in the hiring process for the FBI Special Agent role.
Yes, many consider the FBI’s test more demanding because of its strict scoring system and uniform standards across applicants. See how it compares in our fitness test comparison table above.
