California Physical Fitness
Test
PFT Training
California Education Code
Section 60800
•WHO GETS TESTED? All students in grades five, seven
and nine, whether or not they are enrolled in a
education class
•WHO DOES THE TESTING? A trained District employee
•WHEN DOES THE TESTING TAKE PLACE? During
February, March, April, or May
th
10
What about
Grade
Students?
Any student who does not meet 5
out of 6 PFT criteria in Grade 9
MUST enroll in PE during Grade 10
AND retake the PFT during the
testing window.
Getting Students Into
Grade PE Classes
th
10
• COUNSELORS NEED STUDENT NAMES ASAP,
so… as soon as you have completed the 9th
grade PFT:
– Notify your Site Assistant Principal that the testing
is completed;
– Provide your Assistant Principal with a list of ALL
9th grade students who did NOT pass the PFT
FITNESSGRAM
TEST COMPONENTS
1. Aerobic Capacity
 PACER (Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance
Run) OR
 One-Mile Run OR
 Walk Test (available for students age 13 or older)
2. Body Composition
 Skinfold Measurements OR
 Percent Body Fat OR
 Body Mass Index
3. Abdominal Strength and Endurance
 Curl-Up
FITNESS GRAM
TEST COMPONENTS
4. Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
 Trunk Lift
5.



Upper Body Strength and Endurance
Push-Up OR
Modified Pull-Up OR
Flexed Arm-Hang
6. Flexibility
 Back-Saver Sit and Reach OR
 Shoulder Stretch
Test Administration
Manual
•Details, administration and scoring for all 6
tests.
•Includes:
 an instructional DVD with video clips;
 a CD for the PACER;
 cadences for the Curl-Up and Push-Up
tests
•Previous editions may be used.
Test Preparation
Two types:
Opportunities to practice the test;
Short-term preparation or warm up, to
prepare the body for the activity, improve
performance, and reduce injuries.
Test Preparation - F.I.T.T.
Preparation should include long-term
preparation that follows the F.I.T.T. Principle
defined below by increasing and/or varying:
•Frequency – number of days
•Intensity – level of exertion or effort
•Time – number of minutes spent exercising
•Type – exercise that targets specific muscle
groups
Instructions For
Each Test Include…
•Facilities and Equipment
•Objective
•Test Instructions
•Scoring
•Form Breaks
PACER
Facilities and Equipment
•Flat non-slippery surface 20 meters long
•CD of cadence and CD player with adequate
volume so students can hear cadence
•Measuring tape
•Marker cones
•Pencils and score sheets
•Students need to be properly attired
•One lap equals one length
PACER
Objective
To run back and forth across a 20-meter
distance at a specified pace that gets faster
each minute (The 15-meter PACER is
available, for elementary students only).
PACER
Test Instructions
•Students start on one line, run the distance,
and touch the opposite line with one foot.
•At the sound of the beep, they turn around
and run back to the starting line.
•Students continue running back and forth in
this manner until they fail twice to touch the
line before they hear the single beep.
•Every minute, indicated by a triple beep,
the pace gets faster.
PACER
Scoring
•Each 20-meter distance =one lap.
•At the first form break test continues and
that lap counts.
•At the second form break, test ends.
•Score is the total number of laps completed
by the student before the second form break.
Form Break
•Lap is not completed by the time the beep
sounds.
One-Mile Run
Facilities and Equipment
•Flat running course (track) that is accurately
measured
•Stopwatch, automatic recording timer
•Pencils and score sheets
•Students need to be properly attired
One-Mile Run
Objective
To run a mile at the fastest pace possible.
One-Mile Run
Test Instructions
•Proper warm-up is recommended before
administering the test.
•Students are given signal to begin, and the
stopwatch is started.
•When one mile is completed, time is
recorded or called out to recorder.
•Number of students and recording varies
with class organization and size.
One-Mile Run
Scoring
•Time is recorded in minutes and seconds
•Score of 59 minutes and 59 seconds
indicates the student could not finish the
distance.
Walk Test
Facilities and Equipment
•Flat running course (track) that is accurately
measured
•Sufficient equipment (ie., stopwatches, heart
rate monitors) to collect heart rate scores for
all students
Objective
To walk one mile as quickly as possible while
maintaining a constant walking pace the
entire distance.
Walk Test
Test Instructions
•Students are given the start signal and the
stopwatch is started.
•Time is recorded for the mile
•Heart rate taken and recorded.
Walk Test
Scoring
•Time in minutes and seconds; heart rate in
beats per minute; student’s weight in pounds.
•Without all three data points, Walk Test
score cannot be calculated.
•Score of 59 minutes and 59 seconds
indicates the student could not finish the
distance.
Skinfold Measurements
Facilities and Equipment
•Accurate skinfold calipers
•Training and practice by examiner
•Pencils and score sheets
•Location that provides privacy to student
Objective
To measure the triceps and calf skinfold
thickness to estimate percent body fat.
Skinfold Measurements
Test Instructions
•Two sites measured:
•Triceps skinfold measure – ½ distance
between acromion process of scapula and
elbow at the back of the right arm.
•Calf skinfold measured on the inside of
right leg at level of maximum calf girth.
•Students should relax arm or leg being
measured.
•Place caliper ½ inch below pinch site.
Skinfold Measurements
Scoring
•Each measurement is taken three times.
•Score recorded is the median (or middle)
value of the three numerically ordered
scores.
•Scores recorded to the nearest half (0.5)
millimeter.
•Scores converted to percent body fat using
the Body Composition Conversion Chart
(found in the FITNESSGRAM Test
Administration Manual on pages 97 & 98).
Percent Body Fat
Automated Skinfold
Facilities and Equipment
•Automated skinfold calipers
•Pencils and score sheets
•Location that provides privacy to student
Objective
To estimate the percentage of body fat more
efficiently than skinfold measurements.
Automated Skinfold Calipers
Test Instructions
•Follow instructions that are provided with
the automatic skinfold caliper.
Scoring
•Scores recorded to the nearest tenth of a
percent of body fat
Bioelectric Impedance Analyzer
Facilities and Equipment
•Hand-held and scale-like devices
•Pencils and score sheets
•Location that provides privacy to student
Objective
To estimate the percentage of body fat more
efficiently than skinfold measurements.
Scoring
•Scores produced as percent body fat
•Scores recorded to the nearest tenth of a
percent of body fat.
Body Mass Index
Facilities and Equipment
•Scale to measure weight in pounds
•Ruler, stadiometer, or tape measure to measure
height in feet and inches
•Pencils and score sheets
•Location that provides privacy to student.
Objective
To provide information about body composition,
which is based on a comparison of weight
relative to height.
Body Mass Index
Test Instructions
•Have student remove shoes to measure height
and weight.
•Both height and weight are needed in order to
calculate BMI
Scoring
•Obtain accurate height and weight
•Required both height in inches and weight in
pounds.
•Drop fractions of an inch or a pound
Curl-Up
Facilities and Equipment
•Gym mats
•Measuring strips 30-35 inches long by 3 inches
for students ages 9 years and younger OR
measuring strips 30-35 inches long by 4 ½ inches
for students ages 10 years and older.
•CD player with adequate volume so students
can hear cadence which is one Curl-Up every 3
seconds or 20 per minute.
•Pencils and score sheets
Curl-Up
Objective
To complete as many Curl-Ups as possible at a specified
pace and up to a maximum of 75.
Test Instructions
•Students paired up with one student performing the CurlUp while the partner helps the examiner keep track of
form breaks.
•Student lies with head and back to the mat, knees bent,
and feet flat on the mats.
•Measuring strip placed in position on the mat.
•Student performs Curl-Ups following the cadence (one
Curl-Up every 3 seconds)
Curl-Up
Test Instructions
•Curl-Up movement should be slow and
continuous.
•Up movement is a slow curling of upper spine
with finger sliding across measuring strip until
fingertips touch other side.
•Down movement is continuous until head
touches mat.
•Heels should remain in contact with the mat at
all times.
Curl-Up
Scoring
•At the first form break, the test continues
and the Curl-Up counts.
•At the second form break, the test ends.
•Score is the total number of Curl-Ups (with a
maximum of 75) completed by the student
before the second break.
Curl-Up
Form Breaks
•Heel no longer in contact with the mat.
•Head does not touch mat in down
movement
•Movements become jerky.
•Student stops to rest
•Student cannot keep up with cadence
•Fingertips do not touch the other edge of
measuring strip.
Trunk Extensor Strength and
Flexibility Test Options
Facilities and Equipment
•Gym mats
•Measuring device (12 or 15-inch flexible ruler or
yardstick, or rope with inch marks clearly indicated)
•Coin or marker
•Pencils and score sheets
Objective
To lift the upper body off the floor up to a maximum
of 12 inches using the muscles of the back and hold
the position to allow for the measurement.
Trunk Lift
Test Instructions
•Student lies on mat face down
•Coin or marked placed in line with student’s
eyes
•Student lifts upper body off the floor slowly
to a maximum of 12 inches
•During lift, student keeps head in straight
alignment with spine.
•Student holds up position long enough for
examiner to measure lift distance.
Trunk Lift
Scoring
•Two trials are allowed with the highest score
recorded
•Score is lift distance in whole inches
•Maximum score allowed is 12 inches
Push-Up
Facilities and Equipment
•Gym mats (optional)
•CD player with adequate volume so students
can hear cadence which is one Push-Up every
3 seconds or 20 per minute
•Object (square of cardboard) with a 90
degree angle (optional)
•Pencils and score sheets
Push-Up
Objective
To complete as many 90 degree push-ups as
possible at a specified pace.
Advantages
•Little equipment is required
•Several students can be tested simultaneously
•Few zero scores result
Push-Up
Test Instructions
•Student lies on mat face down with toes
tucked under
•Student hands placed under or slightly wider
than shoulders
•Student pushes off the mat until arms are
straight and back and legs are in a straight
line (This is the start position)
•Student performs Push-Ups following the
cadence on the CD.
Push-Up
Scoring
•At the first form break, the test continues
and the Push-Up counts.
•At the second form break, the test ends.
•Score is the total number of 90 degree PushUps completed by the student before the
second form break.
Push-Up
Form Breaks
•Not achieving 90 degree angle of elbow
flexion in the down position
•Straight back is not maintained.
•Arms are not fully extended in the up
position
•Student stops to rest
•Student cannot keep up with the cadence.
Modified Pull-Up
Facilities and Equipment
•Gym mat (optional)
•Modified Pull-Up stand
•Elastic band to mark off the appropriate lift
height on the Modified Pull-Up stand)
•Pencil and score sheets
Modified Pull-Up
Objective
To complete as many modified pull-ups as
possible
Advantages
•Few zero scores result
Modified Pull-Up
Test Instructions
•Student lies on back with shoulders directly
under the bar.
•Bar is set 1 to 2 inches above student’s reach
with elastic band set 7 to 8 inches below bar.
•Student grasps bar with a overhand grip to get
into start position.
•Arms and legs are straight with heels only in
contact with floor.
•Student uses continuous, rhythmic movement
to perform as many Modified Pull-Ups as
possible.
Modified Pull-Up
Scoring
•At the first form break, the test continues
and the Modified Pull-Up counts.
•At the second form break, the test ends.
•Score is the total number of Modified PullUps completed by the student before the
second form break.
Modified Pull-Up
Form Breaks
•Not lifting chin above elastic band.
•Straight body is not maintained.
•Arms are not fully extended in the down
position.
•Student stops to rest.
•Student cannot keep up a rhythmic pace.
Flexed-Arm Hang
Facilities and Equipment
•Horizonal Flexed-Arm Hang bar
•Stopwatch
•Chair or stool (optional)
•Pencil and score sheets
Objective
To grasp a bar, maintain a static, flexed arm position,
and hang with the chin above the bar for as long as
possible.
Advantages
•Static test of upper body strength and endurance
Flexed-Arm Hang
Test Instructions
•Student grasps bar with overhand grip; palms
face away from body.
•Student’s chin is above the bar with elbows
flexed and chest close to the bar.
•Examiner may lift student into position or use a
chair or stool to get the student into position.
•Stopwatch starts as soon as student is in the
correct flexed-arm position.
•Position is held as long as possible.
Flexed-Arm Hang
Scoring
•Only one trial is permitted.
•Score is the total number of seconds the
student can maintain the correct Flexed-Arm
Hang position.
•Only whole seconds are recorded.
Form Breaks
•Chin touches the bar or falls below level of the
horizontal bar.
•Head tilts backward.
•Student is in extreme discomfort or pain
•Student kicks feet to maintain position
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Facilities and Equipment
•Sturdy Back-Saver Sit and Reach box
•Gym mat
•Pencils and score sheets
Objective
To be able to reach the specified distance on
both the left and right sides of the body to a
maximum distance of 12 inches.
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Test Instructions
•Always begin the test with the left side first.
•Students sits facing box with the 0 end of the
ruler nearest student
•Student squares hips by sitting with both legs
extended and feet flat against the front of the
box.
•Student keeps left leg extended and flexes right
knee.
•Student extends arms, placing hands directly on
top of the other.
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Test Instructions
•Student reaches forward and back along the
scale three times and holds the position on
the fourth reach.
•Examiner measures reach distance for the
left side.
•Process is repeated with leg positions
switched
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Scoring
•Score is the total number of inches reached
for both the left side and for the right side.
•Maximum score per side is 12 inches.
•Two scores recorded (one for the left and
one for the right)
Back-Saver Sit and Reach
Form Breaks
•Hands do not reach forward evenly.
•Straight back in not maintained
•Head is kept up during forward movement
•Extended knee flexes
•Sole of the foot flexed leg does not stay in
contact with the ground
If a form break occurs, the student is given
another trial.
Shoulder Stretch
Facilities and Equipment
•Pencils and score sheets
Objective
To be able to touch the finger tips together
behind the back by reaching over the
shoulder and under the elbow on both sides
of the body.
Shoulder Stretch
Test Instructions
•Always begin the test with the left shoulder first.
•Student reaches with left hand over the left shoulder
and down the back as if reaching for a zipper.
•Student places right hand behind the back, palm
facing out and reaching up to try to touch fingers of
the left hand.
•Examiner records if fingertips touch on the left side.
•Process is repeated with arms and hands switched.
Shoulder Stretch
Scoring
•Score is a Pass if the fingertips touch.
•Score is a Fail if the fingertips do not touch.
•Two scores are recorded (one for the left
shoulder and one for the right shoulder).
FITNESSGRAM Performance
Standards
• Numbers on the left = lower end of HFZ.
• Numbers on the right = higher end of HFZ.
• Student who meets or exceeds an HFZ has
met the performance goal standard.
•For Aerobic Capacity and Body Composition,
the FITNESSGRAM provides Very Lean and
Needs Improvement standards to evaluate
fitness performance.
Data Outside of the
Valid Ranges
• “1” is the lowest possible score for the Curl-Up, PushUp, Modified Pull-Up and PACER.
• “12” is the highest possible score for the Trunk Lift and
Back-Saver Sit and Reach.
• Left and right sides must be reported for Shoulder
Stretch and Back-Saver Sit and Reach.
• Complete data required for Aerobic Capacity and Body
Composition.
• A “0” should be used for test where student scored a 0
such as the Flexed-Arm Hang, Trunk Lift, and Back-Saver
Sit and Reach. Non-tested areas are left blank.
Collection of PFT Data
Data should be checked to ensure:
• Everyone must have height and weight
• Values are within allowed ranges
• Date the first test is given must be marked for
each student
• 0 indicates student attempted a test and
scored 0
• Blank indicates the student did not attempt a
test
Student
Data
Collection
Form
If not pre-ID, complete
Last Name, First Name,
District, School and
Teacher/Period.
Demographic info
will be pre-ID for
each student
Test start date must
be filled in for each
student
Height and weight
must be filled in for
every student
You must choose one
of these 3 tests,
numbers are right
justified
You must choose one of
these 2 tests, and score
both left and right side for
the same test.
You must choose
one of these 3 tests,
numbers are right
justified
Maximum is
12 inches for
Sit & Reach –
Maximum is
75 for Curl
ups
DO NOT put a larger
number than the
maximum in any box
Maximum is
12 “ for Trunk
Lift
Height and weight will
meet this requirement.
You don’t need to fill in
either of these.
You must score
both of these
tests.
You must fill in
this if a student
did not complete
all 6 tests
Due Date
All testing materials must be
returned to Testing Office no
later than
MAY 19, 2016
Resources
PFT Info – Videos @
https://pftdata.org/training.aspx
CDE PTF Web page @
http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/pf/
CDE-sponsored PFT Web site @
http://www.pft-info.org (Outside
Source)
Questions??
Linda Meloney: 8-802-2839
Beth Perisic: 8-802-2736