For the full set of instructions, including standards for each event and diagrams, click here.

In order to qualify for admission to the Academy, you must pass each event of the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA). The six events are administered consecutively with specified start, finish, and rest times. The CFA will help determine if a candidate possesses the stamina and movement skills required to successfully complete the physical program at the Academy.

The examination consists of the following six events:

• Basketball Throw
• Cadence Pull-Ups or Flexed Arm Hang (women’s option)
• Shuttle Run
• Modified Sit-Ups
• Push-Ups
• One-Mile Run

Attire

You should wear appropriate athletic attire during the CFA. Your attire should consist of a pair of rubber-soled athletic shoes and gym shorts and shirt that are suitable for athletic activities. Tennis/basketball shoes are not recommended for the one mile run.

Warm-Up

We recommend a 20-30 minute stretching and warm-up period before the test begins. Once the test has started, you can not warm up, rest or practice outside of the time allotted.

Basketball Throw

Keeping your knees parallel to and behind the baseline and on the floor, throw a men’s basketball in an overhand fashion as far as possible using only one hand. Your non-throwing hand can be used to steady the ball before throwing.

Maximum Score: 102’ men, 66’ women

Cadence Pull-Ups

Mount the bar with the backs of your hands facing you, your arms fully extended in a “dead” hang.

Raise your body until your jaw line is parallel to the ground and above the bar, then return to a “dead hang” position.

You must execute each repitition when commanded by your examiner.

Maximum Score: 18 men, 7 women

Flexed-Arm Hang

This is an alternative available only to women who cannot complete one correct cadence pull-up. If you can perform the cadence pull-up instead, it will be to your advantage; you will not score as well by performing the Flexed-Arm Hang, no matter how well you perform it.

Climb onto steps/platform/ladder until your chin is above the bar

Mount the bar with the backs of your hands facing you.

Step off the platform.

Maintain this position, chin above the bar and jaw parallel to the ground, and hold for as long as you can without kicking your legs.

Shuttle Run

Begin with your entire body behind the start/finish line.

On the “go” command, sprint 30 feet to the turn-around line. Touch your hand and foot simultaneously either at or past the turn-around line, then sprint back to the start/finish line, touch again simultaneously, and repeat until the one-minute mark has been reached.

You will have one minute to rest, and then will repeat the trial.

Maximum Score: 7.8 men, 8.6 women

Modified Sit-Ups

Lay with your back on the floor and your knees bent approximately 90 degrees. Cross your arms and extend your fingers so that your fingertips touch the tops of your shoulderblades.

On the “Go” command, flex upward from the hip and raise your elbows so that they touch the midpoint or higher on your thighs. Go back down until your shoulderblades touch the floor/mat. Repeat on the next “Go” command.

Maximum Score: 95 men, 95 women

Push-Ups

Begin in a prone position, belly facing the ground and arms extended. Use one knee to support your weight.

On the “Get Set” command, assume the front-leaning rest position: arms extended with your hands just outside the shoulders, fingers facing forward. Your feet can be together or up to 12 inches apart.

On the “Go” command, perform a push-up by bending your elbows and lowering your body until it is parallel to the ground. Then return to the starting position.

Maximum Score: 75 men, 50 women

1-Mile Run

Assume the starting position behind the 1-mile start line.

On the “Go” command, run continuously for one mile. Walking is allowed, but strongly discouraged.

Maximum Score: 5:20 men, 6:00 women