2018California Physical Fitness Test (PFT)WebEx
Notetaking Guide

PFT Overview

What is the PFT?

The PFT is a statewide physical fitness testing program that began in 1976 and was re-established in 1995 as a part of the California Assessment of Academic Act.

What Does The FITNESSGRAM® Test?

6 Fitness areas

  • Aerobic Capacity
  • Body Composition
  • Abdominal Strength and Endurance
  • Trunk Extensor Strength and Flexibility
  • Upper Body Strength and Endurance
  • Flexibility

Who takes the PFT?

Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 are tested.

Students with Disabilities:

There are two or three test options for most of the fitness areas of the FITNESSGRAM® so that all students have the chance to participate in the PFT. Students are to be given as much of the test as their condition will permit.

How Are Students Scored?

Student’s will get a score that either falls into the Healthy Fitness Zone or in the Needs Improvement area.

PFT Time Line

  • September 7, 2017 - Coordinator Designation Forms available
  • November 1, 2017 - Coordinator Designation Forms due
  • Feb 1, 2018 - The PFT administration window opens
  • May 31, 2018 - The PFT administration window closes
  • July 6, 2018 - The second correction window opens
  • August 31, 2018 - The second correction window closes
  • September 2018 - The system resets for the next testing cycle
  • October 2018 - PFT Annual Public Release

Data Submission and Correction

On February 1st LEAs can start submitting their data. When you log into the secure district portal you have two submission options.

  • Data entry means that you enter your results one student at a time.
  • Data upload means you upload a file containing all of your student records.

What Students Do We Submit Data For?

PFT data must include results for every student, including students with disabilities, in grades five, seven, and nine, whether or not the student was fully tested, partially tested, or not tested at all.

PFT Resources

Parent Guide to Understanding the PFT

PFT Fact Sheet

PFT Modules

Quick Reference Guides

How to Submit a Coordinator Designation Form

How to Submit Data

How to Correct Errors

[url for page]

PFT Coordinator Manual

PFT Reference Guide

PFT Resources

PACER Look-up Table

Equipment List

Healthy Fitness Zone Charts

PFT Calendar

Best Practices

  • Keep your Coordinator Designation Form up to date.
  • Log in and check your data after it is processed.
  • Make friends with the Help Desk.
  • Use the Student List to your advantage

Common Errors

Data Outside of the Valid Ranges

  • “1” is the lowest possible score for the Curl-Up, Push-Up, Modified Pull-Up and PACER.
  • “12” is the highest possible score for the Trunk Lift and Back-Saver Sit and Reach.
  • Left and right sides must be reported for Shoulder Stretch and Back-Saver Sit and Reach.
  • Complete data required for Aerobic Capacity and Body Composition.
  • A “0” should be used for test where student scored a 0 such as the Flexed-Arm Hang, Trunk Lift, or Back-Saver Sit and Reach.
  • Non-tested areas are left blank.

School Code Errors

  • School Code is missing.
  • School Code is not valid for the LEA.
  • 0000000 is not an allowable School Code.
  • 0000001 is only allowed for Non-Public Nonsectarian School (NPS) students.
  • CCDDDDD is only allowed for students who are enrolled in independent study or home hospital programs.
  • Verify School Codes by searching the CDE California School Directory Web page at

Start Date Errors

  • Before November 1 if your LEA has a waiver, or before February 1 if it does not have a waiver.
  • After May 31
  • Three separate fields

Key Contacts

Physical Fitness Test

Assessment Development and Administration Division

Phone: 916-445-9449

E-mail:

Physical Education Curriculum

Professional Learning Support Division

Phone: 916-323-5798

PFT Help Desk

San Joaquin County Office of Education

Phone: 888-852-9681

E-mail: