Navy PRT — Physical Readiness Test Standards and Requirements
TL;DR — Quick Answer
The Navy Physical Readiness Test (PRT) is a semi-annual fitness assessment consisting of a forearm plank, push-ups (optional alternative), and a 1.5-mile run (or alternative cardio). Failing the PRT can result in administrative consequences including separation from the Navy.
What is the PRT?
The PRT is the Navy's standardized fitness test, administered twice per year during Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) cycles — typically in the spring (Cycle 1) and fall (Cycle 2). Every active-duty and reserve sailor between certain ages must participate unless they have a medical waiver. The PRT is part of the broader PFA, which also includes the Body Composition Assessment (BCA). The PRT is not just about fitness — it is a career requirement. Your PRT scores are recorded in your permanent record and can impact evaluations, advancement eligibility, and retention.
PRT events and scoring
The current PRT consists of three events: the forearm plank (which replaced the curl-up/sit-up in 2021), push-ups (optional — you can substitute additional plank time), and a 1.5-mile run. Alternative cardio options include a 500-yard swim, a 450-meter swim, or a stationary bike test for sailors with running limitations. Scoring is based on age and gender brackets. Each event is scored as Outstanding, Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, or Failure. For example, a male aged 20-24 needs a plank time of at least 1:30 for Satisfactory and 3:40+ for Outstanding. The 1.5-mile run requires completion in under 16:10 for Satisfactory (same age bracket) and under 8:55 for Outstanding. Overall PRT score categories determine your fitness classification.
Body Composition Assessment (BCA)
Before the PRT events, every sailor undergoes the BCA — a body fat measurement. The Navy uses a tape-measure method (neck and waist circumference for males; neck, waist, and hip for females) to estimate body fat percentage. Maximum allowable body fat is 26% for males and 36% for females (varies slightly by age). If you exceed the body fat limit, you fail the BCA and are assigned to the Fitness Enhancement Program (FEP) regardless of your PRT event scores. Multiple BCA failures can lead to administrative separation. Many sailors find the BCA more stressful than the PRT events themselves — managing your weight and body composition year-round is essential.
Consequences of failure
A single PRT failure results in assignment to FEP and a flag on your record. Two consecutive failures result in a formal counseling and potential consequences on your evaluation. Three or more failures within a four-year period can trigger processing for administrative separation — in other words, you can be kicked out of the Navy for failing to maintain fitness standards. Beyond the punitive consequences, PRT scores affect your career advancement. A sailor with Outstanding PRT scores earns additional points on the advancement exam, while failures can make an already competitive advancement process nearly impossible. Take your fitness seriously — it is not optional in the military.
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