Five Things California Schools Should Know About the Presidential Physical Fitness Test

President Trump recently reinstated the Presidential Physical Fitness Test and the award granted to students who reach at least the 85th percentile on a battery of physical assessments. While the test is mandatory for schools on U.S. military bases, it is optional for all other public schools. 

In California, students in 5th, 7th, and 9th grade take the FITNESSGRAM, a five-part test designed to offer a degree of defense against diseases that come from inactivity. The San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles offices of education jointly prepared the following clarification on state requirements for physical fitness testing. 

1. The Presidential Physical Fitness Test that was reinstated by President Trump by executive order is NOT required for California public schools.
California Ed Code 60800 requires a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) to be administered to each pupil in 5th, 7th, and 9th grade. The State Board of Education has designated FITNESSGRAM as the required physical fitness assessment for all California public schools. California schools are provided guidance regarding PFT/FITNESSGRAM implementation, including current modifications, from the California Department of Education (CDE) on the CDE PFT webpage.

2. The Presidential Physical Fitness Test assessments for upper body and core strength are different from those required for FITNESSGRAM. In addition, the Presidential Fitness Test does not include required flexibility measures.
While there may be similarities between the Presidential Physical Fitness Test and FITNESSGRAM, protocols for each test are unique and must be followed appropriately. Results are not interchangeable across the two batteries. As a result, the Presidential Physical Fitness Test may be given in addition to FITNESSGRAM but may not replace it. Protocols for the Presidential Physical Fitness Test have not yet been shared on the Presidential Physical Fitness Test webpage. Current FITNESSGRAM protocols may be found in the PFT Reference Guide featured on the CDE PFT webpage.

3. The Presidential Physical Fitness Test may not be accessible for students with disabilities or students who identify as a different gender than reported at birth. 
The 2023 CA PFT Legislative Report (pages 11-12, 24-25) raised concerns regarding accessibility of fitness testing. Special care should be taken by teachers administering the test to make accommodations for the inclusion of all students and to support students’ mental health during instruction, practice and test administration. CDE provides clarification on the PFT FAQ webpage (questions 11, 12, 13) and provides guidance for testing students with disabilities in the PFT Reference Guide (page 5).

4. Maintaining student privacy and safety throughout the testing process should be a priority as described in the 2023 CA PFT Legislative Report (page 23).
Individual scores should not be announced or shared publicly. Actions should be taken to prevent body shaming and bullying associated with fitness testing. CDE guidance regarding PFT student data confidentiality and collection can be found in the PFT Coordinator Manual (page 14).

5. As with FITNESSGRAM, a student’s academic grades should not be based on fitness scores.
Fitness scores should be used to support students’ learning, including setting and working towards personal fitness goals as described in the Physical Education Model Content Standards for California Public Schools. In addition, teacher or program evaluation should not be based upon students’ physical fitness scores. CDE provides clarification on the PFT FAQ webpage (questions 9, 10).