Since 2015, the Marine Corps has been in research and change mode with its physical training and testing protocol. Now, in 2019, many of these changes have been implemented.
There has been a range of changes -- adding age brackets, pull-ups and the flexed arm hang; instituting tougher maximum scoring and higher standards for minimum scoring; and adding the option to replace pull-ups with push-ups. Keep in mind that you can't get full marks if you choose push-ups.
On Jan. 1, 2020, Marines can choose to replace crunches with the plank pose. To be ready, start planking now as the max scores will require holding the pose for more than four minutes.
The USMC Fitness Total Points Score Charts
See official links:
The following are the max/min score charts for male and female Marines for each PFT event.
The PFT has three events: pull-ups or push-ups, abdominal crunches or plank pose and a three-mile run. All PFT events will be conducted in a single session, not to exceed two hours in duration. Movement of Marines from one event to the next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch and drink water.
Men/women pull-up standards (max/min)
| Men Marine Pull-up Standards/Age | Women Marine Pull-up Standards/Age | ||||
| Age Group | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 17-20 | 4 | 20 | 1 | 7 | |
| 21-25 | 5 | 23 | 3 | 11 | |
| 26-30 | 5 | 23 | 4 | 12 | |
| 31-35 | 5 | 23 | 3 | 11 | |
| 36-40 | 5 | 21 | 3 | 10 | |
| 41-45 | 5 | 20 | 2 | 8 | |
| 46-50 | 5 | 19 | 2 | 6 | |
| 51+ | 4 | 19 | 2 | 4 |
The maximum points is 100, and the minimum is 40 for each age group.
If you don't want to do pull-ups, try push-ups now:
Men/women push-up standards (max/min)
| Men Marine Push-ups Standards/Age | Women Marine Push-ups Standards/Age | ||||
| Age Group | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 17-20 | 42 | 82 | 19 | 42 | |
| 21-25 | 40 | 87 | 18 | 48 | |
| 26-30 | 39 | 84 | 18 | 50 | |
| 31-35 | 36 | 80 | 16 | 46 | |
| 36-40 | 34 | 76 | 14 | 43 | |
| 41-45 | 30 | 72 | 12 | 41 | |
| 46-50 | 25 | 68 | 11 | 40 | |
| 51+ | 20 | 64 | 10 | 38 |
The maximum points is 70, and the minimum is 40 for each age group.
Men/women crunch standards/age
| Men Marine Crunches Standards/Age | Women Marine Crunches Standards/Age | ||||
| Age Group | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 17-20 | 70 | 105 | 50 | 100 | |
| 21-25 | 70 | 110 | 55 | 105 | |
| 26-30 | 70 | 115 | 60 | 110 | |
| 31-35 | 70 | 115 | 60 | 105 | |
| 36-40 | 70 | 110 | 60 | 105 | |
| 41-45 | 65 | 105 | 55 | 100 | |
| 46-50 | 50 | 100 | 50 | 100 | |
| 51+ | 40 | 100 | 40 | 100 |
Men/women 3-mile run standards/age
| Men Marine 3-Mile Standards/Age | Women Marine 3-Mile Standards/Age | ||||
| Age Group | Minimum | Maximum | Minimum | Maximum | |
| 17-20 | 27:40 | 18:00 | 30:50 | 21:00 | |
| 21-25 | 27:40 | 18:00 | 30:50 | 21:00 | |
| 26-30 | 28:00 | 18:00 | 31:10 | 21:00 | |
| 31-35 | 28:20 | 18:00 | 31:30 | 21:00 | |
| 36-40 | 28:40 | 18:00 | 31:50 | 21:00 | |
| 41-45 | 29:20 | 18:30 | 32:30 | 21:30 | |
| 46-50 | 30:00 | 19:00 | 33;30 | 22:00 | |
| 51+ | 33:00 | 19:30 | 36:00 | 22:30 |
Learn about joining the U.S. Marine Corps.
Many PT programs to train for the Marine Corps PFT can be found in the following Military.com links:
Other Marine Corps fitness-related links:
- The USMC Recruit Training PFT Standards
- The Marine Corps Body Composition Program
- The RECON Marine PFT
- The Marine Corps Weight Charts
- The Marine Corps PFT
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.
Want to Learn More About Military Life?
Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.