What Is a Good Score on the ACFT? | Compare Your Company’s Average

The Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) is more than just a set of physical challenges it’s a key indicator of readiness, discipline, and performance for military personnel. Whether you’re aiming for promotion points, qualifying for Promotion Boards, or simply testing your limits as a fitness enthusiast, understanding what is a good score on the ACFT is crucial. In this article, we’ll break down what score ranges are considered good, what events impact scoring the most, and how to prepare for ACFT success.

ACFT Score Chart

Understanding the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT)

The Army Combat Fitness Test was developed to better reflect the physical demands soldiers face in combat situations. It replaced the older APFT and has since become a central part of evaluating soldiers’ readiness.

The test consists of six events:

1. 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift (MDL)
2. Standing Power Throw (SPT)
3. Hand-Release Push-Ups (HRP)
4. Sprint-Drag-Carry (SDC)
5. Plank Hold (PLK) (formerly Leg Tucks)
6. Two-Mile Run (2MR)

Each event is scored from 0 to 100 points, and the total maximum score is 600. The minimum standard to pass the ACFT is 60 points per event, totaling 360 points.

What Is a Good Score on the ACFT?

A good ACFT score is typically defined as above average compared to your peers, meeting or exceeding expectations for your Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), and potentially qualifying you for benefits like body fat assessment exemptions or promotion consideration.

Here’s a breakdown of ACFT score levels:

Scoring 450 or above is widely considered “good” by most standards within the Army. Those scoring over 540 are often seen as high performers and more competitive during Promotion Boards.

What Our Company ACFT Average Represents

Many people often search for what our company ACFT average to understand how their performance compares to others in their unit or organization. In simple terms, this phrase refers to the average Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) score achieved by soldiers within a specific company. By analyzing your company’s ACFT average, you can identify how well your team is performing compared to the Army’s overall standards. Tracking this data helps leaders and soldiers alike to measure collective readiness, improve weak areas, and celebrate fitness progress across the unit.

Average ACFT Scores by Component

Data from Military.com and other sources show that active-duty soldiers tend to perform better than their National Guard or Reserve counterparts.

Note: Only about 10–30% of soldiers score 540+, making it a strong benchmark for excellence.

Good Event-Level Performance Benchmarks

Achieving a good ACFT score isn’t just about one or two strong events you need consistency across all six. Here’s what a “good” performance looks like per event.

3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift

Good score: Lifting 250–280 lbs (Men), 180–200 lbs (Women)
Focus: Lower body strength and core stabilization

Standing Power Throw

Good score: 10–12 meters
Focus: Explosive power using a medicine ball throw technique

Hand-Release Push-Ups

Good score: 40–50 reps in 2 minutes
Focus: Upper body endurance and muscular control

Sprint-Drag-Carry

Good score: Finish in under 1:40 minutes
Focus: Speed, agility, and strength under fatigue

Plank Hold

Good score: Hold for 3–4 minutes
Focus: Core endurance (formerly leg tucks were used)

Two-Mile Run

Good score: Men: under 14 minutes | Women: under 16 minutes
Focus: Cardiovascular endurance and pacing

Why a Good ACFT Score Matters

Achieving a good score on the ACFT isn’t just for show it can have a real impact on your military career.

Promotion Points

ACFT scores can contribute to your overall promotion points. A high score could help tip the scales in your favor during Promotion Boards.

Body Fat Exemptions

If you score 540 or above, you may be exempt from body fat assessments, saving time and avoiding additional testing stress.

Performance Levels

Commanders and supervisors often use ACFT score distribution to assess a unit’s readiness. Scoring in the top tiers reflects positively on you and your unit.

Career Progression

In competitive environments like Camp Arifjan, soldiers with high ACFT scores are more likely to be noticed for leadership opportunities.

Training Tips for a Better ACFT Score

To improve your ACFT performance, follow a focused training regimen tailored to each event. Here’s how:

• Use an ACFT Calculator to track your performance per event and see which areas need the most work.
• Train for Balance: Don’t just focus on your strongest events. One weak event can tank your total score.
• Strength + Endurance: Incorporate both heavy lifting and high-rep bodyweight workouts.
• Run with Purpose: Interval training can drastically improve your two-mile run times.
• Practice Test Conditions: Simulate the actual ACFT structure to build endurance under pressure.
• Recovery Matters: Proper rest, nutrition, and hydration are critical especially close to testing day.

Common Myths About the ACFT

There are a few misconceptions that still float around regarding ACFT scoring:

“As long as I pass, I’m fine.”
Not true. While passing is mandatory, higher scores influence career progression.

“The test is unfair to older soldiers.”
Actually, the ACFT is age and gender normed, which means your required standards are based on your demographic.

“It’s only for combat MOS.”
Incorrect. All soldiers must take the ACFT, regardless of specialty.

“Pull-ups are required.”
Pull-ups are not part of the ACFT. However, planks and leg tucks were/are used to assess core strength.

Changes Coming: ACFT vs AFT

The Army continues to evolve its fitness assessments. The Army Fitness Test (AFT) is set to phase in, focusing more on combat-specific tasks. However, the ACFT remains the standard for now.

Cities like Salt Lake City and programs across the country, including ROTC and military schools, continue to use ACFT as the benchmark. Even non-military sectors such as sports training or event sponsors at places like New York Fashion Week have started recognizing ACFT-style fitness as a badge of elite performance.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a good score on the ACFT? A score of 450 to 540 is considered good and will put you ahead of many of your peers. If you can reach 540 or more, you’re operating at an elite level. Use tools like the ACFT Calculator, train all six events consistently, and develop a plan to progress over time.

Whether you’re preparing for your first test or working toward a promotion, your ACFT score plays a meaningful role in your military future. Make every rep, every sprint, and every second count and remember, excellence isn’t accidental.

FAQs

What score is needed to pass the ACFT?
A: You need at least 60 points in each of the six events, for a total minimum score of 360.

Is 500 a good ACFT score?
A: Yes. A score of 500+ is above average and competitive for promotions.

Can civilians train for the ACFT?
A: Absolutely. Many fitness enthusiasts use the ACFT framework to test their performance against military standards.

What’s the fastest way to improve my score?
A: Identify your weakest event using an ACFT Calculator and focus your training there first.