ADF PFA: What to Expect Before Initial Military Training
To join the Australian Defence Force, you must pass the Pre-entry Fitness
Assessment (PFA) approximately twelve weeks prior to your enlistment. These
benchmarks ensure you are physically prepared for the rigours of Initial Military
Training.
Below are the official 2026 entry standards as outlined by ADF Careers.
1. Air Force PFA Standards
All candidates for the Air Force must complete the PFA. As of 2026, the general
entry standards focus on core endurance and aerobic capacity via the Shuttle Run.
| Role / Category | Gender | Sit-ups (Feet Held) | Shuttle Run (Beep Test) | Push- ups |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Entry
|
Male |
20 |
6.1
|
N/A* |
|
General Entry
|
Female |
20 |
5.1
|
N/A* |
|
Ground Defence
Officer
|
All |
20 |
6.5
|
10 |
|
Physical Training
Instructorr
|
Male |
30 |
9.5
|
20 |
|
Physical Training
Instructorr
|
Female |
30 |
9.5
|
10 |
2. Army PFA Standards
The Army requires all candidates to complete push-ups, sit-ups, and the shuttle run.
Standards vary significantly between Combat and Support roles.
| Role / Category | Gender | Sit-ups (Feet Held) | Push- ups | Shuttle Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Combat & Officer Entry
|
Male |
45 |
15 |
7.5
|
|
Combat & Officer Entry
|
Female |
45 |
8 |
7.5
|
|
Combat Support Roles
|
Male |
20 |
8 |
6.1
|
|
Combat Support Roles
|
Female |
20 |
4 |
6.1
|
|
Special Forces
|
All |
60 |
40 |
10.1
|
Special Forces candidates also require 6 Over-grasp heaves (pull-ups). Candidates interested in specialist military careers can also explore the ADF Specialist Reserves pathway.
3. Navy PFA & Swim Requirements
For most Navy roles, the focus is on medical and physical examinations during the
application. However, Navy Divers have a specific PFA, and all recruits must pass
the Navy Swim Test.
Navy Diver PFA
- Push-ups: 30
- Sit-ups: 25
- Shuttle Run: Level 10.1
The Navy Swim Test (In Uniform)
Every Navy recruit must pass this test to graduate:
1. Safety Jump: 3m tower entry.
2. Underwater Swim: 10m distance.
3. Survival Swim: 50m using survival strokes.
4. Treading Water: 15 minutes of floating/treading.
4. Body Mass Index (BMI) Standards
Your BMI is measured during your medical assessment and again on your day of entry.
- Minimum BMI: 18.5
- Maximum BMI: 32.9
- If you are outside this range, you may be at greater risk of injury and may
require a medical waiver for entry.
Meeting the required fitness standards before your ADF PFA test can help reduce the risk of injury and improve your readiness for military training.
Frequently Asked Questions
To pass the ADF PFA, you’ll need to meet the minimum fitness standards for your chosen service and role. Depending on your pathway, the assessment may include push-ups, sit-ups, the shuttle run, or additional requirements such as swimming.
Most candidates complete the Pre-Entry Fitness Assessment approximately 12 weeks before their enlistment date. This allows enough time to improve fitness levels if further preparation is needed.
Yes. Army PFA requirements, Navy entry standards, and Air Force fitness benchmarks vary depending on the physical demands of each service and your selected role.
If you don’t achieve the required standard, you may be allowed to improve your fitness and complete the assessment again before your enlistment date.
Start training early and focus on the exercises used during the assessment, including cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and muscular endurance. Following a structured training plan can help you build confidence and reduce the risk of injury.
Application Process
Submitting your application to the ADF involves six primary steps, with certain pathways requiring additional steps.
ADF Assessment Day Coaching
The Assessment Day interviews are among the most challenging and competitive you will likely ever face
Aviation/Pilot
The recruitment process for aspiring Pilots in Defence mirrors that of becoming an Officer, with the exception that Pilot candidates undergo additional aptitude testing.
