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Free CFA Calculator
& Preparation Guide

Know your baseline. Build your next step. Compare your Candidate Fitness Assessment results with named academy references, find your training priorities, and prepare for test day.

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See where your CFA stands.

Enter all six results from one complete practice test. Get event comparisons, next targets, and a free report. Your SAC index is an unofficial comparison, not a passing determination.

Your Candidate Profile

All six events required
Optional. Your improvement priorities adjust to the time you have available.

Your CFA comparison

Unofficial SAC estimate

Published academy reference

    A published average is a comparison point, not a passing minimum or guaranteed outcome.

    Understand the assessment

    What is the Candidate Fitness Assessment?

    The Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) is the six-event admissions fitness test used by the Naval Academy, West Point, Air Force Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy. It measures strength, muscular endurance, power, agility, and running endurance through one continuous assessment.

    One complete attempt.

    Enter results from a single practice test in the required order. Combining personal bests from different days overstates how you perform through the full sequence.

    Countable repetitions.

    Strict movement standards matter. Have an observer check technique before test day so practice results reflect repetitions an administrator can count.

    A useful next step.

    Compare each event with its named reference, address the largest gaps, and rehearse under test conditions. Only the academy can determine qualification.

    Averages, goals, and maximums

    CFA average scores and maximum scores

    Start with a clearly identified comparison group. The table below shows USNA Class of 2029 mean scores and the maximum performance marks on USNA’s Whole Person Concept page. These are not universal passing minimums.

    USNA Class of 2029 CFA means and USNA maximum marks
    EventMen: averageMen: maxWomen: averageWomen: max
    Basketball throw67 ft102 ft41 ft66 ft
    Pull-ups13 reps18 reps3 reps7 reps
    Shuttle run8.9 sec7.8 sec9.7 sec8.6 sec
    Modified sit-ups73 reps95 reps70 reps95 reps
    Push-ups60 reps75 reps38 reps50 reps
    One-mile run6:435:207:436:00

    Source: USNA Whole Person Concept. Run times are minutes:seconds. Lower times are better for the shuttle and mile; higher distances and repetition counts are better for the other events.

    See the USAFA goals used by this calculator

    This profile retains SAC’s reference data from the USAFA Instructions to Pre-Candidates, March 1, 2026, Class of 2031. These are applicant-guide goals, not entering-class averages. USAFA’s public pages can use a different reference set; use the instructions in your current candidate portal for testing and submission.

    USAFA Class of 2031 applicant-guide goals used in this calculator
    EventMen: goalMen: maxWomen: goalWomen: max
    Basketball throw68 ft102 ft42 ft66 ft
    Pull-ups13 reps18 reps4 reps7 reps
    Shuttle run8.7 sec7.8 sec9.6 sec8.6 sec
    Modified sit-ups81 reps95 reps80 reps95 reps
    Push-ups61 reps75 reps41 reps50 reps
    One-mile run6:315:207:386:00

    Female flexed-arm-hang goal in this reference set: 28 seconds; listed duration ceiling: 39 seconds. A hang does not earn the same credit as a pull-up. USAFA physical requirements.

    See the shared CFA references used for West Point and USMMA

    These averages come from the shared-service instructions published by USMMA. They are not West Point or USMMA admitted-class averages. The calculator uses them as general preparation references.

    Shared CFA references published in USMMA instructions
    EventMen: averageMen: maxWomen: averageWomen: max
    Basketball throw67 ft102 ft41 ft68 ft
    Pull-ups9 reps18 reps3 reps7 reps
    Shuttle run9.1 sec7.8 sec10 sec8.6 sec
    Modified sit-ups72 reps95 reps68 reps95 reps
    Push-ups54 reps75 reps33 reps50 reps
    One-mile run6:435:208:066:00

    Source: USMMA’s published CFA instructions, tables 1 and 2. Female hang reference: 19.8 seconds; no hang maximum is specified in this table. The shared instructions list a 102-foot male throw maximum; West Point’s public overview lists 105 feet. The calculator uses 102 feet from the testing reference. Follow your assigned instructions if they differ.

    What is a good CFA score? Use the named average or goal as a preparation reference, then look at the balance across all six events. A very strong result in one event can hide a serious weakness in another when you look only at a total. An average is not a passing minimum, and an unofficial index cannot certify a pass.
    How the SAC Readiness Index works

    The index is SAC’s own 0–100 comparison scale. For the six pull-up-based events, the named reference maps to 72 and the selected maximum-performance mark maps to 100. SAC averages the six event values equally. These are SAC model choices; 72 is not an academy passing score, and equal weighting is not a claim about an academy’s admissions formula.

    For repetition and distance events below the reference, the model uses 20 + 52 × (result ÷ reference), with a result of zero assigned zero. Above the reference, it interpolates from 72 to 100 at the selected maximum. For timed events, it interpolates from 72 at the reference to 100 at the maximum-performance time. Slower times use a linear comparison with SAC anchors of 1.35 × the shuttle reference and 1.55 × the mile reference; these anchors are not official cutoffs. Every event value is bounded between 0 and 100.

    The flexed-arm hang uses a separate SAC curve capped below the model value for one pull-up. Its duration anchor is the profile’s listed hang ceiling when available; otherwise it is the greater of 32 seconds and 1.6 × the hang reference. Reaching a hang average therefore does not produce a 72-point upper-body result. This maintains the published distinction between a hang and a completed pull-up without inventing an official conversion.

    Training priorities combine reference gaps, small improvement scenarios, and SAC coaching weights for the selected timeline. They are suggestions to discuss with a coach, not predictions of how quickly you will improve. The tool does not estimate admissions probability, candidate-pool percentile, or official WPM/WCS points.

    Train in the order you will test

    The six CFA events, in order

    Use the current academy instructions for exact technique and timing. The coaching notes below help you prepare; the administrator’s instructions determine valid attempts.

    01

    Basketball throw

    Throw a regulation men’s basketball from the required kneeling position. Record the best legal distance from the allotted attempts.

    Practice focus: Learn trunk rotation and a repeatable release before trying to generate more power.

    Watch for: Lifting a knee, crossing the line, or practicing a standing throw that does not match the test.

    02

    Pull-ups / flexed-arm hang

    Use the prescribed grip, full arm extension, and chin-over-bar standard. Female candidates unable to complete a pull-up should follow the authorized hang procedure.

    Practice focus: Build strict repetitions with manageable sets, assisted work, and recovery.

    Watch for: Kipping, swinging, or incomplete extension. Published instructions rank one counted pull-up above any hang.

    03

    Shuttle run

    Complete the prescribed 30-foot shuttle course with the required line touches. Follow the instructions for attempts and recording time.

    Practice focus: Rehearse acceleration, lowering your center of gravity, and controlled direction changes.

    Watch for: A mismeasured course, slippery surface, or turning before the required touch.

    04

    Modified sit-ups

    Complete countable repetitions in two minutes using the prescribed hand, elbow, shoulder-blade, and foot positions.

    Practice focus: Find a cadence you can sustain for the full event. Have someone check your range of motion.

    Watch for: Shortened repetitions and a fast opening pace that cannot be maintained.

    05

    Push-ups

    Perform legal repetitions in two minutes, maintaining the required body alignment, depth, and extension.

    Practice focus: Use consistent, strict sets and rehearse the legal rest position.

    Watch for: Sagging hips, shallow repetitions, or resting in a position that ends the event.

    06

    One-mile run

    Run an accurately measured mile after completing the first five events. Enter the full time as minutes:seconds.

    Practice focus: Develop even pacing and rehearse the mile after the earlier events.

    Watch for: Treating a fresh mile personal best as your CFA baseline or sprinting the opening lap.

    See the standard event timeline and rest periods

    The shared CFA instructions prescribe these start times. The session clock keeps running even if an event ends early; completing an event early does not move the next scheduled start. Your academy’s current directions control.

    Standard CFA timing reference
    EventStartEvent windowScheduled rest after
    Basketball throw0:002 minutes3 minutes
    Upper-body event5:002 minutes3 minutes
    Shuttle run10:002 minutes3 minutes
    Modified sit-ups15:002 minutes3 minutes
    Push-ups20:002 minutes8 minutes
    One-mile run30:00Time to complete one mileAssessment complete

    Use the official instructions and score sheet for administration. This table is a preparation reference.

    Before the administrator submits

    CFA requirements by academy

    The event sequence is shared. Administrator eligibility, score transfers, retests, and submission deadlines require academy-specific attention.

    Which instructions to use for each academy
    AcademyPreparation contextBefore submitting
    USNAUse the published class means as comparisons. USNA determines qualification through its admissions process.Coordinate additional attempts and administrator submission links with Admissions. USNA instructions.
    West Point / USMAThe shared averages in this calculator are not West Point class averages.West Point’s public instructions exclude coaches and relatives as administrators. Check your portal for current video and retest requirements. West Point instructions.
    USAFAThe calculator’s named reference uses Class of 2031 applicant-guide goals.Confirm the effect of a passing submission on retest eligibility before submitting. Follow the current candidate guide and portal; do not rely on a blanket “unlimited retakes” rule. USAFA requirements.
    USMMAIts published instructions provide shared CFA averages and maximum-performance references.USMMA says candidates who fail may retake before the application deadline. Confirm receipt and any score-transfer process. USMMA requirements.
    Applying to the Coast Guard Academy? USCGA requires its own fitness exam and explicitly states that the CFA cannot substitute for it. Use the current USCGA application instructions and administrator materials. This calculator does not score the USCGA exam or ROTC fitness assessments.

    Choose an eligible administrator

    Read each academy’s list before scheduling. A coach accepted by one academy may not be accepted by another. When applying to several academies, verify eligibility with every receiving school.

    Confirm the transfer process

    One test may support more than one application, but a transfer is not automatic. Confirm the receiving academy’s procedure, any required videos, and the deadline for a complete submission.

    Prepare with a purpose

    An eight-week CFA preparation plan

    Use this framework with your coach and current sport schedule. Start from your actual conditioning, progress gradually, and allow recovery. If your deadline is closer, use the calculator’s timeline setting to focus your remaining preparation.

    1. Week 1

      Establish an honest baseline

      Learn the official movement standards. Record one full practice test in order, identify invalid repetitions, and enter the results in the calculator. Save the attempt.

    2. Weeks 2–3

      Improve technique and consistency

      Practice the kneeling throw, strict pulling and pushing, shuttle turns, sit-up cadence, and controlled running. Focus on quality before adding workload.

    3. Weeks 4–5

      Build the weakest areas

      Develop strength and endurance gradually. Give your priority events deliberate attention while maintaining the other events. Discuss the next targets with your coach.

    4. Weeks 6–7

      Rehearse the full assessment

      Use periodic complete mocks with official timing. Compare saved attempts, look for repeatable gains, and adjust pacing. Avoid replacing training and recovery with daily maximum testing.

    5. Week 8

      Reduce fatigue and verify the plan

      Keep light technique work, protect sleep and recovery, and confirm the administrator, equipment, measured course, weather plan, and submission instructions.

    If you have only one or two weeks

    Prioritize countable repetitions, efficient turns, throw technique, realistic pacing, and recovery. A short deadline does not justify an abrupt increase in training volume. Coordinate with Admissions if timing or injury affects your ability to test.

    Practice the mile after the other events

    A fresh mile and a CFA mile measure different situations. Compare complete attempts on similar surfaces and under similar conditions to understand whether your preparation is working.

    General preparation guidance. Adapt training with a qualified coach; stop for pain or concerning symptoms and seek appropriate medical care.

    Make the official attempt count

    CFA test-day checklist

    Before you begin

    • Eligible administrator and current academy instructions.
    • Regulation basketball, tape measure, pull-up bar, mat, and timing equipment.
    • Measured shuttle area and accurate one-mile course.
    • Score sheet, required recording equipment, and submission link.
    • Appropriate shoes, warm-up, hydration, and weather plan.

    Before scores are sent

    • All six results came from the same complete attempt.
    • Distances, repetitions, and time formats were checked.
    • The administrator followed the prescribed sequence and rest periods.
    • Retest and score-transfer rules were reviewed for each academy.
    • You know how to confirm receipt in the candidate portal.

    Open the shared CFA instructions and printable score sheet →

    Straight answers for candidates and parents

    Candidate Fitness Assessment FAQ

    Is this CFA calculator completely free?

    Yes. The calculator, four reference comparisons, improvement priorities, what-if scenarios, practice history, and printable or downloadable report are free. No account or email is required. Email delivery is optional.

    Can this calculator tell me whether I passed the CFA?

    No. It compares your results with documented references using SAC’s disclosed model. The academies determine official qualification. No SAC index value, average, or composite guarantees that every event meets an academy’s requirements.

    Are CFA averages the same as minimum passing scores?

    No. A class mean describes a particular group. A preparation goal describes a target in a named guide. A maximum describes an event ceiling. None of those labels means “minimum passing score.”

    Why do my USNA, USMA, USAFA, and USMMA results differ?

    The calculator uses different named reference profiles, which describe different groups or goals. It does not reproduce each academy’s official scoring algorithm. A higher index against one profile does not mean that academy is easier to enter.

    Can a strong total make up for a weak event?

    Do not assume that it can. Review each event independently and address serious weaknesses even when your overall comparison looks strong. SAC highlights zero results separately so the index cannot hide them.

    Can I retake the CFA?

    Retest rules depend on the academy and application cycle. Confirm the current policy before submitting, especially at USAFA where passing-submission rules can limit additional attempts. USMMA’s public instructions say candidates who fail may retake before the deadline. Use your portal or admissions counselor for your exact situation.

    Who can administer the CFA?

    Use the eligible-administrator list in each academy’s instructions. Common categories include physical education teachers and designated military or admissions personnel. West Point’s public page excludes coaches and relatives. Do not assume an administrator accepted by one school is eligible for every school.

    Is the flexed-arm hang equivalent to pull-ups?

    No. Under the applicable CFA instructions, the hang is an alternative for female candidates unable to complete a pull-up. One correctly completed pull-up ranks above any hang. Follow the current instructions for attempts, timing, and recording.

    How should I enter my one-mile time?

    Use minutes:seconds, such as 6:44. The calculator also accepts 6.44 as 6 minutes 44 seconds, or 404 as total seconds. A decimal entry is not interpreted as decimal minutes. Seconds must be below 60.

    Can I combine my best events from different test dates?

    No. Enter one full assessment. Practicing the events separately is useful training, but a collection of separate personal bests does not represent a complete CFA attempt.

    Do USCGA and ROTC applicants use this test?

    The Coast Guard Academy uses its own required fitness exam and does not accept the CFA as a substitute. ROTC scholarship assessments also have their own instructions. This calculator covers the CFA used by USNA, USMA, USAFA, and USMMA.

    Where are my saved scores stored?

    Practice attempts are saved in this browser on this device. They do not sync to another device and can be lost if browser data is cleared. Use Download or Copy to keep a separate record. The optional email form shares the report with SAC only when you request it and provide consent.

    Know what your comparison is based on

    Sources and reference notes

    Developed by Chad Theriault, U.S. Naval Academy Class of 2009, founder of Service Academy Consulting. Page updated September 17, 2026. Source populations and dates are identified below; your current candidate instructions govern your official test.

    1. USNA Whole Person Concept: Class of 2029 CFA means and maximum-performance marks. Public values checked September 17, 2026.
    2. USNA Candidate Fitness Assessment: administration guidance and instructions.
    3. West Point CFA overview: administrator eligibility, equipment, and event guidance. Public overview checked September 17, 2026. Its male throw maximum differs from the shared testing reference; see the reference-table note above.
    4. USAFA Instructions to Pre-Candidates, March 1, 2026, Class of 2031: goal values retained from SAC’s reference dataset. The linked public physical requirements page is additional guidance, not the source of that goal table. Consult the candidate guide in your portal for the current cycle.
    5. USMMA published CFA instructions: shared averages, maximum-performance marks, event sequence, and score sheet. See also USMMA’s CFA application requirement.
    6. USCGA application instructions: the academy’s separate fitness exam requirement; the CFA cannot substitute.
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    Service Academy Consulting is an independent consulting company and is not affiliated with the U.S. Service Academies or the Department of Defense. This tool provides educational comparisons. Official testing requirements, scoring, qualification, and admissions decisions belong to each academy.