The Army’s fitness test changed, and so did the way scores work. If you’ve searched for a “new army fitness test score chart,” you probably want two things: a quick way to understand the standards and a clear plan to improve your score without guessing.

This article walks through what the score chart measures, how points add up, what usually trips people up, and how to train for each event with simple, repeatable steps. I’ll keep it plain and practical.

What the “new Army fitness test” is (and why the score chart matters)

The current test is the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). It aims to measure strength, power, endurance, and speed using multiple events instead of focusing mainly on running and sit-ups.

The “new army fitness test score chart” matters because it tells you:

• What counts as passing for each event
• How many points you earn as performance improves
• Where to put your training time for the biggest score jump
• How close you are to minimums before a record test

For official updates, standards, and scoring changes, start with the Army’s ACFT page.

How ACFT scoring works in plain English

The score chart converts each event result (reps, weight, time, or distance) into points. Your total score is the sum of event points.

Events on the ACFT

The ACFT includes these events:

1. 3 Rep Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)
3. Hand-Release Push-Up (HRP)
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
5. Plank (PLK)
6. 2-Mile Run (2MR)

Minimums, maximums, and what “passing” really means

Most people focus on the total score, but your first job is simpler: don’t fail an event. One weak link can sink the whole test.

Exact point cutoffs can change with policy updates, so use the official chart for your test date and unit guidance. If you want a quick way to estimate and plan, a practical option is an ACFT score calculator that lets you plug in your current numbers and see where you stand.

New Army fitness test score chart: what each event rewards

The score chart doesn’t reward every event equally in the real world. Some events improve fast with good technique. Others take longer because they depend on aerobic base or raw strength. Here’s what typically drives points in each event and what to do about it.

3 Rep Maximum Deadlift (MDL): points love strength and clean form

The deadlift is often the fastest way to add points if you train it well. Many soldiers leave points on the platform due to setup mistakes, not lack of effort.

• Train the hinge: deadlifts, Romanian deadlifts, and kettlebell swings build the pattern.
• Get tight before you pull: brace your core and “push the floor away.”
• Build grip: farmer carries and dead hangs help when your hands quit early.

If you want a solid, evidence-based strength framework, see the NSCA training articles on strength programming principles.

Standing Power Throw (SPT): technique can beat “strong but sloppy”

The power throw is weird until you practice it. You can gain distance quickly once you learn timing and hip drive.

• Practice the movement 1-2 times per week with a light to moderate ball.
• Train power: box jumps, broad jumps, and medicine ball slams help.
• Don’t turn it into a slow grind. If reps feel slow, stop the set.

For simple power training ideas that match field needs, ACE’s expert articles can help you sort power work from random “hard” workouts.

Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP): pacing and shoulder endurance win

Push-ups look basic, but the HRP standard forces full range and control. Many people gas out because they sprint the first 10 reps and crash.

• Use a steady pace: think sets of 5-10 with short breaths, not one long panic set.
• Train the top end: add strict push-ups, incline bench, and shoulder taps.
• Own the standard: hands lift, chest returns to the ground, no half reps.

Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC): the “make or break” event for many scores

The SDC hits speed, footwork, anaerobic fitness, and grit. It’s also where small fixes can drop your time fast.

• Practice transitions: the turn, the sled straps, and the handle pickup save seconds.
• Train shuttles: 25-50 meter repeats with full effort and full rest.
• Build legs and lungs: sled drags, lunges, and short hill sprints pay off.

If you want programming ideas from strength coaches who live in this world, StrongFirst training articles often cover conditioning and strength with clear progressions.

Plank (PLK): simple, brutal, and trainable

The plank rewards consistency. You don’t need fancy moves. You need time under tension and a position you can hold.

• Train it 3-5 days per week with sub-max holds (stop with a little left).
• Add “hard style” planks: squeeze glutes, brace abs, pull elbows toward toes.
• Build support: side planks and dead bugs help keep hips from sagging.

If you want deeper detail on core endurance and back-friendly training, the Mayo Clinic’s overview of core strength is a reliable starting point.

2-Mile Run (2MR): points come from pacing, not suffering early

The run still matters. Even strong lifters can lose a lot of points if they ignore aerobic work.

• Learn your pace: aim for even splits, not a fast first mile and a slow second.
• Run 2-3 times per week: one easy run, one interval day, one tempo or pace run.
• Use low-impact work if needed: bike or row can build aerobic base without beating up your shins.

To understand aerobic zones and how to balance intensity, CDC physical activity guidance gives clear targets you can apply to your weekly plan.

How to use the score chart to set a smart training goal

Most people train hard. Fewer train with a target. The score chart lets you pick the easiest points first.

Step 1: Take a baseline test (even if it’s ugly)

Record your numbers for all six events. If you can’t do a full test, do it across two days, but keep standards strict.

Step 2: Find your “cheap points”

Cheap points are the fastest to gain in 4-8 weeks. For many soldiers, that’s:

• SPT technique work
• Plank volume
• SDC transitions and short sprint conditioning

Longer-term points often come from:

• Deadlift strength (if you’re new to lifting)
• 2-mile run pace (needs time and consistency)

Step 3: Build a “minimums first” plan

If you’re near the edge on any event, treat that event like a safety issue. Bring it up before you chase a high total score.

A simple rule works:

• One weak event: train it 3 days per week
• Two weak events: train each 2 days per week
• Everything solid: rotate focus every 4 weeks

A simple 8-week training outline that matches the score chart

This isn’t the only plan, but it fits the test and keeps the week realistic for most schedules. Adjust loads and running paces to your level.

Weekly structure (4-5 training days)

• Day 1: Deadlift + push-ups + easy run (20-30 minutes)
• Day 2: SDC practice + sprint intervals + plank work
• Day 3: Rest or light recovery (walk, mobility)
• Day 4: Deadlift accessory + power throw practice + push-up volume
• Day 5: Run workout (tempo or 800-meter repeats) + plank

Progression rules that keep you from stalling

• Add small weight on the deadlift each week if reps stay crisp.
• Keep power throw reps low and sharp. Stop before form breaks.
• For push-ups, add total reps per week, not just one max set.
• For SDC, time one full run every 1-2 weeks and drill transitions often.
• For the run, increase weekly volume slowly. Sudden jumps cause shin pain fast.

Common mistakes people make with the new Army fitness test score chart

They train only what they like

If you love lifting, you might ignore the run. If you love running, you might ignore the deadlift. The score chart punishes that. Train the whole test.

They chase max effort too often

Testing every week feels productive, but it burns you out. Train most days at a level you can repeat.

They ignore technique standards

Half reps don’t count. If you train sloppy, you’ll get a rude surprise on test day. Use a friend to watch form or record short clips.

They forget recovery

Sleep and food move your score more than most supplements. If you drag every day, you won’t improve. Keep it basic: protein, carbs, water, and 7-9 hours of sleep when you can.

Test-day tips that can save points fast

• Warm up with intent: light jog, hips, shoulders, then a few practice reps for each movement.
• Plan your HRP pace: decide your first 20 reps before you start.
• Protect your grip: chalk if allowed, and don’t waste energy squeezing early.
• Run your race: start controlled and aim for even pacing.
• Know the rules: ask ahead about lane setup, sled surface, and rest times.

Looking ahead: how to keep your score climbing

The best use of a new army fitness test score chart isn’t to stress about a number. It’s to run a simple loop: test, find weak spots, train, and test again. Do that for a few cycles and you’ll start to predict your score before you show up.

Your next step is straightforward:

• Pull the current official chart from your unit or the Army ACFT page.
• Run a baseline this week and record it.
• Pick one event to bring up fast (often SDC, PLK, or SPT) and one to build slow (often 2MR or MDL).
• Retest in 4-6 weeks, not 4-6 days.

Scores change when your training stops being random. Start with the chart, then let your plan follow it.