Requirements for the U.S. Navy Physical Fitness Test

The U.S. Navy's boot camp PRT consists of three events: sit-ups, push-ups and a 1.5-mile run. A trainee earns a score based on how many correct sit-ups he can do in two minutes, how many correct push-ups he can complete in two minutes and how fast he runs or walks the mile and a half. Each completed event earns the sailor a score calculated from a chart based on gender, age range and whether the test is conducted above or below 5,000 feet above sea level. The scores are added and divided by three to obtain an average. The result is the PRT score. A soldier's results fall into the range of "outstanding," "excellent," "good," "satisfactory" or "probationary." To complete boot camp, the sailor must earn a score of 60 or higher, which puts him at level "good."

Once a soldier completes boot camp, he may substitute one of two options for the 1.5-mile run. He can opt to complete either a 450-m or 500-yard swim, which is timed, or can can complete a 12-minute elliptical trainer test. The elliptical trainer option went into effect on Jan. 1, 2011. After boot camp, the minimum score changes from 60 to 50 -- the "satisfactory" level.

Military.com recommends that enlistees meet at least the minimum standards prior to entering basic training, and suggests striving to exceed the minimum. To prepare yourself, Military.com recommends a conditioning routine called the push-up/crunch super set. Maintaining proper form, complete five to 10 cycles of the following: 10 regular push-ups, 10 regular crunches, 10 wide push-ups, 10 reverse crunches, 10 triceps push-ups and finally, left/right crunches, 10 on each side.

A second part of the PRT test for the U.S. Navy is the body composition assessment, which is performed when you first get to boot camp and twice a year thereafter, whether you are on active duty or reserves. If your weight is at or under the standard for your height, you pass. If you are overweight according to the standards, the Navy will measure your body fat. The body fat standards for the Navy are as follows: males from 17 to 39 may have up to 22 percent body fat; males 40 and older can have up to 23 percent; females ages 17 to 39 may have up to 33 percent body fat; females 40 and older can have up to 34 percent.

The Navy SEAL and the Navy special warfare combatant crewmember, or SWCC, programs require additional fitness testing. In addition to the standard push-ups, sit-ups and run, additional activities include a swim, pull-ups, a 10-K run with boots and pants on, a distance underwater swim, and drown-proofing and basic lifesaving tests.