USMC PFT & CFT Standards for Female Marines
Female Marines take the same core PFT and CFT events as male Marines, but some event-scoring standards can differ depending on the applicable Marine Corps scoring table.
For most Marines under the standard PFT scoring system, sex-specific scoring tables are used for certain events. However, the Marine Corps introduced an important change beginning January 1, 2026: Marines in designated combat-arms Primary Military Occupational Specialties (PMOSs) are subject to a sex-neutral PFT standard based on the male, age-normed scoring table.
That means a female Marine’s applicable PFT standard depends not only on sex and age, but also on whether she is in a qualifying combat-arms PMOS.
The plank is another important exception: its current scoring table is age- and sex-neutral.
This guide explains what female Marines need to know about the current PFT and CFT standards.
Last updated September 2026. Based on current Marine Corps guidance. Always verify official requirements with your unit before testing.
Do Female Marines Take Different PFT and CFT Events?
No.
Female and male Marines take the same basic events.
PFT
The Marine Corps PFT includes:
- Pull-ups or push-ups
- Plank
- 3-mile run or an approved alternative when authorized
CFT
The CFT includes:
- Movement to Contact
- Ammunition Can Lift
- Maneuver Under Fire
The difference is primarily in how performance is converted into points under the applicable scoring standards, not in having a separate set of events for female Marines.
Why Are Some PFT Standards Different?
The Marine Corps has historically used sex-specific scoring standards for several PFT events because physical performance characteristics such as muscular strength and endurance differ on average between male and female populations.
The purpose of separate scoring tables is to establish performance standards using the Marine Corps’ applicable testing model rather than simply applying one set of repetition or time requirements to every Marine.
This does not mean that female Marines perform different events.
It means that, where sex-specific scoring applies, the performance required for a particular number of points can differ.
Pull-Ups and Push-Ups
The first PFT event gives Marines the choice between pull-ups and push-ups.
Both male and female Marines can use the applicable event option.
However, the number of repetitions required for a particular score can differ under the applicable scoring tables.
Pull-ups also have a higher maximum point value than push-ups, making them an important option for Marines who have developed strong upper-body pulling endurance.
When preparing for the PFT, female Marines should check the scoring table that applies to their specific age, sex, and—where applicable—PMOS category.
The Plank Is Different
The plank is an important exception to the idea that every PFT event uses separate male and female standards.
The current Marine Corps plank scoring table is age- and sex-neutral.
The current scoring range is:
- 1:10 = 40 points
- 3:45 = 100 points
The same time corresponds to the same plank score regardless of the Marine’s age or sex.
For example, a 3:00 plank receives the same plank score under the applicable current plank table regardless of whether the Marine is male or female.
This makes the plank considerably simpler to calculate than events that use sex- and age-specific performance tables.
3-Mile Run Standards
The PFT’s 3-mile run is one of the events where applicable scoring standards can differ according to the Marine’s category.
For Marines under the standard age- and sex-normed system, the time required for a particular point value can vary by age and sex.
This means a female Marine should not use a male PFT running chart unless she is subject to a policy that specifically requires the male, age-normed standard.
Combat-arms exception
Beginning January 1, 2026, designated combat-arms PMOS Marines use the male, age-normed PFT scoring standard, regardless of sex.
Therefore, a female Marine in a qualifying combat-arms PMOS is not scored using the standard female PFT table for the applicable events covered by the new policy.
The Marine Corps established a 210-point minimum PFT score for these designated combat-arms Marines. (marines.mil)
Does the 210-Point Combat-Arms Standard Apply to Female Marines?
Yes, if the Marine is in a designated combat-arms PMOS covered by the 2026 policy.
The standard is based on MOS, not simply on sex.
This means:
Female + qualifying combat-arms PMOS → male, age-normed PFT standard + 210-point minimum
Male + qualifying combat-arms PMOS → male, age-normed PFT standard + 210-point minimum
The Marine Corps describes this as a sex-neutral PFT standard for the designated combat-arms population. (marines.mil)
If you are unsure whether your PMOS is included, check the current Marine Corps list and confirm with your unit.
What About the CFT?
The Marine Corps CFT is also required of female Marines.
The three CFT events are:
- Movement to Contact
- Ammunition Can Lift
- Maneuver Under Fire
Female Marines should use the current CFT scoring table applicable to their category.
The 2026 210-point combat-arms requirement is specifically identified as a PFT requirement, so it should not automatically be added to a CFT calculator simply because the Marine is in a combat-arms PMOS. (marines.mil)
What Is the Minimum PFT Score for Female Marines?
For Marines subject to the standard PFT scoring system, the traditional overall minimum is 150 points.
The applicable individual-event requirements must also be satisfied.
A female Marine should therefore check:
- Individual event scores
- Total PFT score
- Applicable age bracket
- Applicable sex-based scoring table, if applicable
- PMOS-specific requirements
For a female Marine in a qualifying combat-arms PMOS, the 2026 210-point PFT minimum also applies. (marines.mil)
Are PFT Classification Thresholds Different for Female Marines?
The classification point thresholds themselves are not simply changed because a Marine is female.
Where the standard classification system applies, the total-score categories use the same point thresholds.
The important distinction is that the performance required to earn those points can differ depending on the applicable event scoring table.
For example, the number of repetitions or the running time needed to earn a specific score can differ between applicable male and female tables.
Therefore:
Same point threshold ≠ same performance requirement.
What About the CFT Standards for Female Marines?
Female Marines complete the same three CFT events as male Marines:
Movement to Contact
An 880-yard timed run performed under the prescribed CFT conditions.
Ammunition Can Lift
Repeated lifting of a 30-pound ammunition can according to the official testing procedure.
Maneuver Under Fire
A 300-yard functional movement course involving multiple physical tasks.
The exact score earned from a time or repetition count depends on the applicable current CFT scoring standards.
Because Marine Corps fitness standards can change, use the current official tables rather than an older online chart.
Body Composition Standards for Female Marines
Body-composition requirements are separate from the PFT/CFT event scoring system.
Current Marine Corps guidance provides different maximum body-fat percentages for males and females.
The high-performance body-composition allowance can also be affected by PFT and CFT performance.
Under current guidance, Marines who score 285 or higher on both the PFT and CFT may receive an increased body-fat allowance, subject to the applicable limits.
The applicable limits include:
- 26% for males
- 36% for females
The Marine Corps has also established an additional body-fat allowance associated with scoring 250 or higher on both the PFT and CFT, subject to the applicable maximum limits. (marines.mil)
These are body-composition provisions, not PFT or CFT passing scores.
Age Brackets and Female Marines
Age remains an important factor in the Marine Corps fitness scoring system.
Under the applicable age-normed tables, performance requirements can change as Marines move into different age categories.
However, not every PFT event uses an age- and sex-specific scoring table.
The plank is currently age- and sex-neutral, while other events can use applicable age- and sex-normed standards.
Combat-arms Marines subject to the 2026 PFT policy use the male, age-normed scoring standard regardless of sex. (marines.mil)
How Female Marines Should Prepare for the PFT
The fundamentals of training are the same regardless of sex.
The goal should be to improve the specific physical qualities measured by the test.
Improve Pull-Ups or Push-Ups
If you choose pull-ups, focus on progressively increasing your quality repetitions.
If you choose push-ups, build muscular endurance while maintaining the required technique.
Train the Plank
Because the plank is scored using an age- and sex-neutral table, focus on improving your ability to maintain correct position for longer periods.
A combination of direct plank practice and complementary core exercises can help.
Improve Running Performance
Use a combination of aerobic conditioning, running-specific workouts, pacing practice, and appropriate recovery.
Training should reflect the distance and pace requirements of your applicable PFT standard.
Train for Your Actual Standard
This is especially important for Marines in qualifying combat-arms PMOSs.
If you are subject to the 2026 combat-arms PFT standard, training based on a standard female scoring chart could give you an inaccurate picture of your actual requirements.
Common Mistakes Female Marines Should Avoid
Using the Wrong Scoring Chart
Do not automatically use a generic “female PFT chart.”
First determine:
- Age
- Sex
- PMOS
- Whether a special standard applies
Assuming the Plank Uses Female Standards
It does not.
The current plank scoring table is age- and sex-neutral.
Ignoring the Combat-Arms Rule
A female Marine in a qualifying combat-arms PMOS is subject to the 2026 male, age-normed PFT standard and 210-point minimum.
Looking Only at the Total Score
Individual event performance matters too.
Your calculator should show each event score separately so you can identify exactly where you are gaining or losing points.
Training Only Your Strongest Event
Improving your strongest event may produce fewer benefits than bringing a weak event up to a higher scoring range.
Review your complete score profile before deciding where additional training should go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do female Marines take different PFT events?
No. Female Marines take the same basic PFT events as male Marines.
The difference is primarily in applicable scoring standards.
Do female Marines take a different CFT?
No. The CFT event structure is the same.
Female Marines complete Movement to Contact, Ammunition Can Lift, and Maneuver Under Fire.
Is the plank standard different for female Marines?
No. The current plank scoring table is age- and sex-neutral.
Does a female Marine in a combat-arms PMOS use the female PFT scoring table?
No. Beginning January 1, 2026, designated combat-arms PMOS Marines use the male, age-normed PFT scoring standard regardless of sex. (marines.mil)
Does the 210-point minimum apply to female combat-arms Marines?
Yes. Female Marines in designated combat-arms PMOSs are subject to the same 210-point PFT minimum as male Marines in those qualifying PMOSs. (marines.mil)
Is the minimum PFT score different for women?
For Marines under the standard scoring system, the traditional overall minimum is 150 points, with applicable individual-event requirements.
However, a female Marine in a qualifying combat-arms PMOS is subject to the separate 210-point PFT requirement.
Is the 1st Class score different for women?
The classification is based on the applicable total point thresholds. The number of repetitions or performance time required to earn those points can differ depending on the scoring table.
Are female Marines subject to different body-fat standards?
Yes. The applicable body-composition limits differ by sex. Current high-performance allowances include a body-fat limit of up to 36% for females when the applicable PFT/CFT performance conditions are met. (marines.mil)
Can a female Marine choose pull-ups or push-ups?
Yes. The PFT provides the applicable upper-body event options under Marine Corps standards.
Does age affect female PFT standards?
Age can affect applicable event scoring tables. However, the plank is currently age- and sex-neutral, and designated combat-arms Marines use the male, age-normed PFT standard.
Check Your USMC PFT Score
The easiest way to understand your current position is to calculate each event separately.
Use the USMC PFT Calculator on this website and enter:
- Your age
- Sex
- PMOS/category where applicable
- Pull-up or push-up performance
- Plank time
- Run performance
The calculator can then show your individual event scores and overall PFT score.
If you are in a designated combat-arms PMOS, make sure the calculator applies the 2026 combat-arms scoring rules rather than the standard female scoring table.
For official testing, always verify your applicable requirements against the latest Marine Corps guidance and your unit’s instructions.
Related USMC Fitness Guides
- USMC PFT Standards by Age and Gender: Complete Scoring Chart
- USMC PFT Calculator: Calculate Your Score
- USMC Plank Standards: How the Plank Replaced the Crunch
- USMC PFT and CFT Minimum Score Requirements
- CFT Events Explained: Movement to Contact, Ammo Can Lift, and Maneuver Under Fire
- PFT vs. CFT: What’s the Difference and Why You Need Both?
