Physical Fitness Testing (PFT) – Testing (CA Dept of Education)

PFT Administration

PFT Coordinator Resources

PFT Fact Sheet

(PDF)

Answers questions about the what, why, who, how, and when for the PFT.

PFT LEA Coordinator Checklist (PDF)

DataQuest PFT Summary Results & District Reports

June 2019 Appropriate Uses and Data Privacy Letter

Provides information regarding appropriate uses and data privacy for the California Physical Fitness Test.

2019–20 California Physical Fitness Test—Back to School Message
Provides the primary goal of the PFT, appropriate uses of PFT results, how to prepare students for the PFT, and reminding local educational agencies to review their confidentiality practices.

PFT Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Provides brief responses to the most frequently asked questions.

PFT Resources (PDF)

Resources for local educational agencies, including contacts, for the California Department of Education and FITNESSGRAM^®.

PFT Coordinator Manual

(PDF)

The PFT Coordinator Manual provides information and resources needed by PFT Coordinators to prepare for and carry out the spring administration of the PFT. The document provides background information and directions for administering the PFT as well as information related to the collection and reporting of test results to the state PFT contractor, San Joaquin County Office of Education.

PFT Training


Materials offered on this web page includes training modules to assist PFT coordinators with the submission and correction of PFT data and video clips of the FITNESSGRAM^® tests using California’s testing protocol (i.e., employee of the district administering and scoring the tests).

PFT Resources for Test Administrators

PFT Reference Guide

(PDF)

This guide is designed to assist staff in becoming familiar with the California PFT. It includes detailed descriptions of the fitness areas, the data collection requirements, most of the equations used in scoring, the performance standards, and suggestions for facilitating the administration of the different test options.

FITNESSGRAM^® Fitness Areas, Test Options, and Equipment
(PDF)


Charts that show the test options available for each fitness area and the equipment required for each test.

FITNESSGRAM^® Healthy Fitness Zone Performance Standards (HFZ)

Standards established by The Cooper Institute that represent levels of fitness that offer some degree of protection against diseases that can result from sedentary living. These standards are organized by gender and age.

FITNESSGRAM® PACER Look-Up and Goals Setting Table

(PDF)

This table provides the minimum number of 20-meter (20m) laps that students need to achieve the Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) for the PACER. Results or the PACER test are still reported as VO₂Max.

Matrix Two: Test Variations/Accessibility Resources

Test variations available for students requiring PFT accommodation.

PFT BMI and VO₂Max Calculator with Healthy Fitness Zones® (XLS; 2MB)

An Excel spreadsheet that provides Aerobic Capacity Fitness Areas and Body Mass Index (BMI) Healthy Fitness Zones® and calculates BMI and VO₂Max.

FITNESSGRAM^® Reference Guide


The FITNESSGRAM^® Reference Guide is intended to provide answers to some common questions associated with use and interpretation of FITNESSGRAM^® assessments. It was prepared as a collective effort of the FITNESSGRAM^® Scientific Advisory Board.

Information Sharing with Parents

Talking to Parents About the PFT (PPTX; 2MB)

This slide deck is intended for use by site administrators to provide information to parents about the PFT.

Parent Guide to Understanding the PFT and FITNESSGRAM®

(PDF)

Provides parents with answers to key questions about the what, why, who, how, and when of the PFT.

PFT Administration Notification Letter to Parent/Guardian (DOCX)

This letter is a template you may use to send to parents or guardians notifying them of the start of PFT and your local testing window.
Other translations of the PFT Administration Notification Letter to Parent or Guardian.

Guide to Understanding your PFT Student Score Report

(PDF)

This guide explains the PFT Student Score Report.

Student Score Report Letter Template to Parent or Guardian (DOCX)

This letter is a template you may use to send to parents or guardians along with the Student Score Report. It gives an explanation of how to interpret the results and how they are used.
Other translations of the Student Score Report Letter Template to Parent or Guardian.

Statute and Regulations

California Education Code Section 60800


State law governing PFT administration.

California Code of Regulations, Title 5 sections 1040–1044 and 1047

Approved by Office of Administrative Law on July 31, 2006. Effective August 30, 2006.

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Last Reviewed: Tuesday, March 24, 2020