California Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

The FITNESSGRAM®, developed by The Cooper Institute, is California’s statewide Physical Fitness Test used in public schools. It measures several areas of health-related fitness, including:

• Aerobic Capacity (PACER, One-Mile Run, etc.)
• Abdominal Strength and Endurance (Curl-Up)
• Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility (Trunk Lift)
• Upper Body Strength and Endurance (Push-Up, etc.)
• Flexibility (Back-Saver Sit and Reach, Shoulder Stretch)
• Body Composition (BMI, skinfold, etc.) is no longer part of the required California PFT administration.

The California Physical Fitness Test helps schools:

• Promote student health and wellness
• Encourage regular physical activity
• Help students set personal fitness goals
• Provide information about health-related fitness development
• Support lifelong healthy habits

The PFT is not intended to compare students to each other, but rather to provide information about individual fitness levels.

California requires the Physical Fitness Test for students in:

✅ Grade 5     ✅ Grade 7     ✅ Grade 9

Students participate during the school year as part of their physical education program.

Depending on grade level and district testing procedures, students may participate in activities such as:

• Running or walking endurance tests
• Curl-ups or core strength activities
• Push-ups or upper-body strength activities
• Flexibility measurements
• Other FITNESSGRAM® assessment components

No. The Physical Fitness Test is not a classroom grade and is not a pass/fail exam. The purpose is to provide information about health-related fitness and help encourage healthy physical activity habits.

Schools work with families to support students who may have:

• Medical conditions
• Physical limitations
• Disabilities
• Health concerns that affect participation

Physical Fitness Test results may be used to:

• Help students understand their own fitness development
• Encourage goal-setting for healthy habits
• Provide schools with information about student wellness trends

Families can encourage healthy habits by:

🏃 Encouraging regular physical activity
🥗 Promoting healthy nutrition
😴 Supporting good sleep habits
🚴 Limiting sedentary screen time
👨‍👩‍👧 Participating in active family activities