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PFT Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Often-asked Physical Fitness Test questions and their answers.

The FITNESSGRAM and Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) are registered trademarks of The Cooper Institute.

Background

  1. Why does California have a Physical Fitness Test (PFT)?
  2. What is the PFT?
  3. What fitness areas are tested? What test options are available for each fitness area?
  4. What are the criteria for each fitness area?

Contacts

  1. Whom should I contact with questions about PFT passwords or data submission?
  2. Whom should I contact with questions about PFT test administration or policies?

Passwords

  1. We are a new LEA. How do we obtain a password to log on to the Secure District Portal?
  2. How can I retrieve my password to log on to the District Portal?

Updating LEA Information

  1. How can I find the County Code, District Code, and Charter Number needed to complete the coordinator designation form and log on to the District Portal?
  2. Our school has had a name change. How do I get the name updated?
  3. Our school district has two charter schools that should be listed under our LEA for California PFT administration. How do I get them added?

Coordinator Designation

  1. How do we update the contact information for our LEA and obtain logon information for the secure district portal if we have a change in superintendent or charter school administrator, PFT coordinator, or alternate PFT coordinator?
  2. Our LEA has an interim superintendent or charter school administrator who is not indicated in the California School Directory. What do we need to do to submit our PFT Coordinator Designation form and ensure that the PFT password is not deactivated?
  3. Do I need to designate a coordinator for a district that is for kindergarten through grade three only and does not participate in any PFT testing?
  4. A number of our schools did not receive an email to set up a PFT coordinator because the California School Directory is not updated. Is that something you can support us with or do I need to contact CDS?

PFT Administration

  1. Who takes the PFT?
  2. When is the PFT given?
  3. Who may administer the PFT?
  4. How can schools best prepare students for the PFT?
  5. May students complete more than one test option per fitness area?
  1. Are makeup tests allowed for students who are absent on a particular day of testing?
  2. Are students who repeat a grade required to retake the PFT?
  3. May students be excused from the PFT?
  4. May the PFT be administered virtually?
  1. What is done in the administration of the PFT to assist students with disabilities?
  2. What is the process for making decisions about accommodations for students with disabilities?
  3. Does a student need to disclose their gender to the test administrator?

PFT Data

  1. Where should the LEAs send the data from the PFT administration?
  2. What is the timeline for submitting the PFT data?
  3. What PFT data is required for the 2022–23 SARC?
  4. How do I calculate the participation rate for each area?
  5. Is there a template for my PFT testing data?
  6. What do I do with student scores for each area of the PFT?
  7. Is there the 95 percent participation rate requirement for the PFT?
  8. Am I required to report for a nonpublic school (NPS)?
  9. How can the PFT results be used?
  10. What are inappropriate uses of the PFT participation test results?
  11. Do the PFT participation results appear on student transcripts?
  12. Is there a requirement to keep the PFT participation results in student permanent records?
  13. Do the requirements outlined in EC Section 51241(b)(1) still apply to students in high school?
  14. What is the CDE's recommendation to unified and high school districts on how they can best be compliant with this year's PFT testing and still meet the requirements outlined in EC Section 51241(b)(1)?
  15. Is there an awards program for the PFT?

SARC

  1. When is the SARC due?
  2. How do we submit PFT data to the SARC?
  3. Do we report passing scores to the SARC?
  4. Whom may I contact to assist me with directions on how to send the PFT data to the SARC?


More Information

More information about the PFT and the FITNESSGRAM are available on the CDE-sponsored PFT Training External link opens in new window or tab. website. Materials offered on that web page include training modules to assist PFT coordinators with submitting and correcting PFT data, and video clips that demonstrate how to administer FITNESSGRAM tests using California's testing protocol (i.e., an employee of the district administering and scoring the tests).

Questions:   Physical Fitness Testing Office | pft@cde.ca.gov | 916-445-2766
Last Reviewed: Wednesday, April 02, 2025
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