It is easy to fail it! . . .
The Candidate Fitness Assessment is an important component of earning an appointment to the U.S. service academies: USAFA, USMA, USNA and USMMA. A successful candidate must 'pass' each CFA event. However, over the last decade, the U.S. service academies stopped publishing any minimum standards.
Your big question is, "how do I ensure that I pass the CFA?"
First, start preparing as soon as you can. Assess which events are your weakest and take definitive steps to improve in those areas. Focus on meeting the averages noted in the tables below, which are published by the US AIr Force Academy. Some of the numbers cited have recently (and slightly) changed for the 2024-25 admissions cycle.
Second, establish a workout routine and stick to it! It seems quite obvious, but students often do not establish a workout routine, or it they do, they let it lapse. Not practicing a fitness routine 'routinely' is a recipe for failure!
* My estimates - be very cautious with using minimum numbers as 'absolutes'
Third, take the CFA as often as you need. Candidates may take the test as often as they like; however, a candidate is allowed only to submit a single score. The only exception is the Naval Academy, which allows a candidate to submit a second score, if they desire. You should avoid submitting a poor score. If a competitive candidate fails a single component, then the Academy may ask him/her to repeat the event or the entire CFA to submit another score.
Determining a 'failing' score is difficult. You may use the 'MIN' column in both tables to provide some guidance. As I noted, be careful to use these numbers as absolute or exact. A male candidate might only accomplish 35 push-ups, but if his other events are at the averages, then the candidate will likely pass the CFA. The lack of a finite minimum allows the service academies some flexibility. However, your focus should be on hitting 'average' or 'above average' on each exercise.
Typically, a student that achieves an average on each event will score in the top 25% of all scores. It may seem counterintuitive, but candidates will often have stronger and weaker events. For example, a tall candidate with long arms may throw the basketball well over 70 feet. But, in turn, he may find that he can achieve only six pull-ups. Average on every event is quite good, so make it your goal for the CFA.
Doing well on the CFA depends on you and your motivation to become a cadet or midshipman. It takes self-discipline to create and maintain a fitness routine. If you need some suggestions around a routine, I recommend using the workout routines created by Stew Smith, a military fitness expert, a USNA graduate and a former Navy SEAL (www.stewsmithfitness.com). Stew has written a CFA preparation guide, and he has posted numerous YouTube videos demonstrating a wide variety of exercises that you may use for your preparations. I use his guidance materials with all of my students.
A couple of logistical items:
If you took the CFA at one of the summer seminars (i.e., USMA Summer Leaders Experience, USNA Summer Seminar, or USAFA Summer Seminar), then you may use these scores for the other service academies. Simply complete the "name" blank in your application(s) with the details for your admissions counselors at the appropriate school. For example, if you attended NASS, then note "USNA Summer Seminar" with the email address of your counselors there and the general phone number for USNA admissions, (410) 293-1000. Many of my students have used this tip. You must also follow-up (using an email) with Admissions at the school where you attended the seminar to request and coordinate sending the scores to the 'other' service academy of your interest.
The AF Academy expects you to complete and submit the CFA by the Candidate Kit due date. If you cannot meet that timing, you should advise Team Blue or Silver in Admissions of your status and an estimate of when you will complete the CFA. Provide your reason for the late submission. And it should not be that you just procrastinated!
West Point requires that you record a video of your pull-ups during the CFA. I recommend that you identify early the person who will accomplish this work for you. Have them review the written and video tips from USMA on how to make the recordings. The reviewer must be able to 'see' your full body to ensure you receive no assistance and are performing the exercise correctly. By the way, my blog about the USMA CFA video set provides some good insights.
It's easy to fail the CFA. Prepare early and avoid being one of the candidates that fails. Your workout routines should become a lifetime commitment to fitness as you pursue your goal of becoming a cadet or midshipman. Hooyah!
[I would welcome a chance to discuss details with you. I offer coaching services to pace and prepare you (and your parents!) for the entire Academy application process, including the CFA. Contact me at chris@cbbrechin.com, 503.515.7406 or complete my contact form on the home page.]