Army OPAT Test Standards For 2022 (+5 Things To Know) - Operation Military Kids (2023)

Basic training is the first step to joining the U.S. Army after enlistment.

The training introduces new recruits to the culture of the Army along with a series of physical fitness requirements.

Unfortunately, in the past, some recruits have struggled to meet the requirements of basic training.

As a result, the U.S. Army introduced the OPAT Test in 2017.

The Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) consists of 4 physical fitness tests.

It’s designed to provide recruits with the tools necessary to succeed in the United States Army.

Continue reading to learn more about the OPAT Test, including the specific exercises and requirements.

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Table of Contents

#1. What Is the OPAT Test?

Army OPAT Test Standards For 2022 (+5 Things To Know) - Operation Military Kids (1)

The Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) is an entry fitness test for new recruits.

It measures the speed, conditioning, and strength of each incoming service member.

The U.S. Army combines the OPAT score with mental and psychological evaluations to determine an appropriate MOS assignment for each recruit.

Additionally, the Army created the OPAT Test for active-duty members that are seeking to transition into a new Military Occupational Speciality (MOS).

In general, all soldiers who complete basic training are considered physically ready for service.

However, the OPAT provides the Army with a more precise evaluation of each individual’s strengths and weaknesses.

It also serves as a benchmark for the physical fitness standards and expectations of the U.S. Army.

Therefore, those considering enlisting in the Army can receive an idea of what they’ll need to accomplish to thrive in the service branch.

The Occupational Physical Assessment Test consists of 4 different exercises/tests.

Each exercise in the OPAT Test is designed to assess your physical capabilities for various tasks in the Army.

It monitors upper and lower body strength as well as aerobic endurance.

The United States Army introduced the OPAT Test in 2017 following depleting enrollment numbers.

It’s an attempt to better prepare recruits for the intense demands and expectations of the U.S. Army.

It also allows the Army to determine appropriate MOS placement along with avoiding unnecessary injuries during Basic Combat Training.

It’s typically administered by Recruiting Command after the recruit swears in but before they begin basic training.

The OPAT Test is administered to every new soldier (officer, enlisted, active, Reserve, or Guard).

All in all, the evaluation enables the Army to put recruits in the best position to succeed.

#2. OPAT Test Exercises

Army OPAT Test Standards For 2022 (+5 Things To Know) - Operation Military Kids (2)

The Occupational Physical Assessment Test revolves around 4 primary exercises.

The OPAT Test is designed to measure the general strength and fitness of each new recruit.

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It can also serve as an assessment for active-duty soldiers that are seeking to move to a new MOS.

The 4 events in the Army OPAT Test are:

  • Standard Long Jump
  • Seated Power Throw
  • Hex-Bar Deadlift
  • Interval Run

It’s important to make yourself aware of each exercise if you are considering joining the U.S. Army.

New recruits must achieve satisfactory results in each exercise, so practicing beforehand is wise.

Succeeding in the OPAT Test will grant you more opportunities within the service branch or allow you to transfer MOS later on down the road.

Let’s examine each exercise in more detail:

Standing Long Jump

The standing long jump is a straightforward exercise.

It’s one of the best exercises for measuring lower body strength.

Furthermore, it doesn’t require any equipment so anyone can practice.

As the name implies, the exercise measures the distance a recruit can leap from a standing position.

The Army measures your distance from the take-off line to the rear-most heel.

More importantly, you must land in a stable/standing position for the jump to officially count.

The key to the standing long jump is to emphasize the knees and arms.

Therefore, when you practice, focus on launching off bent knees while swinging the arms forward.

It will provide you with more forward momentum and, ultimately, a further distance.

Lastly, the standing long jump favors those that are lighter in weight.

For this reason, we suggest burning fat and getting to an ideal weight in preparation for basic training.

Seated Power Throw

The U.S. Army utilizes the seated power throw to measure upper body strength.

Thus, recruits maintain a seated position with their backs against a wall.

The posture is critical because the wall prevents you from being able to use your back for momentum.

As a result, the seated power throw is able to access strength purely in the arms and chest.

Recruits conduct the test in a seated position (back against the wall) while throwing a weighted medicine ball (4.4 lbs).

Then, the distance of the ball is recorded for the OPAT Test.

There are several methods for improving upper body strength and endurance (more information, below).

Hex-Bar Deadlift

Hex-bar deadlift, or strength deadlift, is another exercise of the OPAT Test.

It monitors your lower-body strength like the standing long jump.

However, your weight does not play quite as large of a factor as the primary muscles of focus are the hamstrings, quads, glutes, and lower back.

The hex-bar provides stronger balance compared to a standard lift-bar where individuals stand behind the weight.

Thus, balance is not nearly as large of a factor as pure strength.

The exercise progresses in succession with each successful weight cleared.

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Recruits are granted two unsuccessful attempts before a final weight is calculated.

Failure to lift a certain weight reverts the score back to the previous weight lifted.

Interval Run

The interval run is either a personal favorite or one of the most dreaded parts of the OPAT Test, depending on preference.

For some, running an endurance test is far easier than lifting weights or heaving a medicine ball.

Nevertheless, all new recruits are expected to pass the interval run with a satisfactory score.

The interval run monitors cardio in a series of timed runs across a 20-meter distance.

The allowed time to complete each interval (20 meters) gradually decreases as the run continues.

Accordingly, the aerobic exercise gets more challenging with each passing 20-meter interval.

The specific rules of the interval run get a little complicated yet the intentions are clear.

You should focus on improving cardiovascular activity in preparation for basic training.

The Army interval run determines the general lung capacity and overall conditioning of each recruit.

#3. OPAT Test Standards / Requirements

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The purpose of the Army OPAT Test is to provide recruits with the physical tools necessary to thrive in the military branch.

The OPAT Test was implemented to prevent the rising number of injuries associated with Basic Combat Training.

Henceforth, the U.S. Army reclassified physical fitness standards in 2017 to reflect 4 categories/demands.

The physical demands are divided based on anticipated regular lifting requirements of the MOS:

  • Black = Heavy Physical Demand (99+ lbs.)
  • Gray = Significant Physical Demand (41-99 lbs.)
  • Gold = Moderate Physical Demand (40 lbs. or less)
  • White = Unqualified / Unsatisfactory

All in all, the goal is to achieve anything but “white” (unqualified) status on the OPAT Test.

Additionally, the type of status you need to achieve on the OPAT varies depending on the Military Occupational Speciality (MOS).

For example, a physically-demanding MOS may require black or gray status, while other occupations may only call for gold status.

Thus, the OPAT Test is also utilized by the military to access active-duty members seeking to transfer to a new MOS.

However, the OPAT is only necessary for soldiers seeking to advance to a MOS that requires a higher physical demand.

It’s worth noting that the OPAT Test is “gender-neutral” meaning the same fitness standards exist for males and females.

As a result, the test requirements vary by designated career field (and not gender).

Army OPAT Physical Demand Standards

These are the minimum benchmarks necessary to attain a certain “physical demand” status in the U.S. Army:

Physical DemandStanding Long JumpSeated Power ThrowStrength DeadliftInterval Run
Black5' 3"14' 9"160 lbs.10:14 (43 shuttles)
Gray4' 7"13' 1"140 lbs.10:20 (40 shuttles)
Gold3' 11"11' 6"120 lbs.10:27 (36 shuttles)
WhiteUnqualifiedUnqualifiedUnqualifiedUnqualified

Recruits have one hour to complete the OPAT Test.

Interval shuttles (20-meter segments) are added together to reflect a one-mile time for testing purposes.

#4. How Can I Prepare For The OPAT Test?

There are several ways to prepare for the Army OPAT Test.

For starters, focus on reaching peak physical condition prior to Basic Combat Training.

It will not only allow you to arrive in the best physical shape possible but grant you the tools necessary to thrive in the U.S. Army.

For most, the interval run is the most dreaded part of the OPAT Test along with other endurance tests that take place during basic training.

Thus, there is no substitute for aerobic exercises like jogging, cycling, or running stairs.

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These exercises may suck, but they’ll burn excess fat and help you reach full potential.

Furthermore, strength training is necessary since it’s a major aspect of the OPAT.

Thus, subscribe to a training routine that also builds your upper and lower body strength.

There are a wide variety of arm and leg exercises that do not even require membership to a gym.

Nonetheless, recruits that lift weights (squats, leg presses, etc.) will notice a remarkable improvement in strength training.

Medicine balls are readily available at gyms and can help you practice for the seated power throw.

Moreover, practicing all of the events prior to the OPAT Test will get you prepared for the real deal.

It will also provide a baseline for what exercises you need to improve upon in order to achieve the physical demand status you desire for a particular MOS.

Recruits should allow at least 3-6 months in advance of basic training to prepare for the OPAT.

In general, it’s smart to start slow and gradually increase the intensity until you reach desired results.

#5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Army OPAT Test Standards For 2022 (+5 Things To Know) - Operation Military Kids (4)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the U.S. Army OPAT Test:

How long is the OPAT test?

Recruits must complete all 4 events in the OPAT Test in an hour.

You can prepare for the OPAT by practicing mock assessments.

It will introduce you to the pace and demands of the test.

Furthermore, it will establish a baseline for your scores – indicating which events you need to improve upon before the real deal.

What is a passing OPAT score?

There are 3 passing scores/physical demands to the Army OPAT Test:

  • Black
  • Gray
  • Gold

All 3 are satisfactory for service yet may not qualify you for every Military Occupational Specialty (MOS).

Thus, it’s important to understand the physical demands of your desired MOS beforehand.

“Black” is the highest physical demand and is associated with combat roles where soldiers regularly lift or move 99 lbs. or more.

Meanwhile, “gray” and “gold” status is reserved for moderate and light-lifting military occupations.

Thus, the fitness standards are not nearly as demanding compared to combat roles/black status.

How long is the OPAT run?

The OPAT run lasts as long as you can survive.

The challenge to the interval run is that you have less time to complete each 20-meter segment as it progresses.

Therefore, stamina and endurance are at the heart of the interval run.

Your total time is calculated by adding all of the intervals together to reflect a one-mile run.

You’ll also note that each physical demand status designates how many shuttles you are granted to make the designated time.

Can you fail the OPAT?

Yes, you can fail the OPAT by receiving “white”/unqualified status.

Recruits that attain this level fail to meet the basic fitness standards of the U.S. Army.

Those that fail the OPAT Test can request to retake the test at a later date.

It’s possible to transfer to another MOS in the event you fail to meet the fitness standards.

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However, you can avoid a lot of frustration and hassle simply by being prepared in advance.

There is nothing that beats cardiovascular and strength training in preparation for the OPAT.

Conclusion

The Army Occupational Physical Assessment Test (OPAT) is the new, revised fitness standard for the military branch.

It was created in 2017 to more appropriately assign troops based on cardio and strength capabilities.

As a result, those seeking combat roles are tested differently compared to non-combat/light-lifting occupations.

Nevertheless, you should prepare for the Army OPAT several months prior to arriving for basic training.

It will allow you to get into better shape while practicing the events that will take place on the test.

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Rob V.

Rob V. is the founder of OperationMilitaryKids.org. While he never actually served in the US Military, he has a passion for writing about military related topics.

Born and raised in Woodbridge, NJ, he graduated from the New Jersey Institute Of Technology with an MBA in eCommerce.His hobbies include beach volleyball, target shooting, and lifting.

Rob is also a Commercially rated pilot and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), with over 1,500 hours of flight time.

Latest posts by Rob V. (see all)

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Army OPAT Test Standards For 2022 (+5 Things To Know) - Operation Military Kids (7)

Army OPAT Standards

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The Army OPAT Test is the new fitness standard for the military branch which evaluates recruits based on intended occupation.

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FAQs

What is a good score on the Opat? ›

Passing OPAT scores are associated with the moderate physical demand category. The minimum passing score for the moderate physical demand category are: LJ – 0120 CM, PT – 0350 CM, SD – 0120 LBS, and IR – 0036 shuttles. Testing will require you to coordinate with a local recruiter who will administer the OPAT.

How can I pass the Opat test? ›

To attain gold on the OPAT, the recruit or Soldier would need to achieve a minimum of 3 feet, 11 inches in the standing long jump; 11 feet, 6 inches for the seated power throw; 120 pounds for the strength deadlift; and a 10:27 minute mile over the course of 36 shuttles.

Can you fail the Opat? ›

Recruits may request to retake the OPAT if they fail. Multiple unsuccessful attempts may result in a MOS renegotiation and subsequent category downgrade, such as Gray to Gold.

How far is the run for the Opat? ›

The interval run monitors cardio in a series of timed runs across a 20-meter distance. The allowed time to complete each interval (20 meters) gradually decreases as the run continues. Accordingly, the aerobic exercise gets more challenging with each passing 20-meter interval.

What does the Army Opat consist of? ›

The OPAT measures the innate strength and fitness of Army recruits, as to best position them for future tracks. The OPAT consists of a four-element fitness test: a standing long jump, seated power throw, hex-bar deadlift, and interval run.

How far is the opat beep test? ›

1) The Beep Test is performed over a distance of 20-meters; this distance is marked out with two cones or two lines (e.g. marked with chalk or tape) which are placed exactly 20-meters apart. 2) There are 21-levels on the full beep test and each level has a set amount of stages to complete.

What is a perfect score on the Army PFT? ›

In accordance with AR 350-1, all Soldiers must attain a score of at least 60 points on each event and an overall score of at least 180 points. Soldiers in BCT must attain 50 points in each event and an overall score of 150 points. The maximum score a Soldier can attain on the APFT is 300 points.

What is a passing PFT score? ›

To pass the PFT, all personnel must score a total of 135 points. A perfect score is 300 points. To do this, males must achieve 20 pull-ups, 100 crunches in less than two minutes, and complete the 3 mile run in 18 minutes or less.

Is 91B a heavy MOS? ›

Army Wheeled Vehicle Repairer (MOS 91B) is responsible for performing maintenance on light and heavy vehicles.

What does heavy mean in the Army? ›

Heavy infantry consisted of heavily armed and armoured infantrymen who were trained to mount frontal assaults and/or anchor the defensive center of a battle line.

How long does the Opat test take? ›

How Long Does a POET Take? Once a job offer has been given to an employee, a POET test generally takes less than an hour to carry out. Ideally, a POET test is tailored to a specific job description, and includes testing abilities in alignment with the physical demands analysis.

What happens if you fail a UA Army? ›

Failing a military drug test will most likely result in administrative or disciplinary action against the individual. It may even result in court-martial charges.

How many times do you take the OPAT? ›

The OPAT is a series of 4 tests, given only in Initial Entry Training (IET) or if a Soldier wants to reclassify MOS into a more physically demaning one, which assess muscular strength and power, and cardiorespiratory endurance.

What is the 2 mile run time for the Army? ›

Age (17-21) -- Minimum (18:54 minutes), maximum (15:36 minutes) Age (22-26) -- Minimum (19:36 minutes), maximum (15:36 minutes) Age (27-31) -- Minimum (20:30 minutes), maximum (15:48 minutes)

How far is the Opat shuttle sprint? ›

TEST INVOLVES RUNNING BETWEEN TWO DESIGNATED POINTS THAT ARE 20 METERS APART. THE RUNNING PACE IS SYNCHRONIZED WITH “B E EP S” AT SPECIFIC INTERVALS. AS THE TEST PROGRESSES, THE TIME BETWEEN “BEEPS” GETS SHORTER, REQUIRING YOU TO RUN FASTER. YOU WILL STAND BEHIND THE STARTING LINE FACING THE SECOND LINE 20 METERS AWAY.

How many minutes do you have to run a mile in the Army? ›

1 mile run under 8:30 (8 minutes, 30 seconds)

What is Army physical demands rating? ›

The physical demands rating is a simple rating system developed to tell us how physically hard or easy it is to do our job in combat. It gives the relative physical work requirements of a soldier to perform their MOS when under fire.

How far is 5.4 on the bleep test? ›

The standard needed for an officer who requires PST as part of their role is 5.4 which means running at least in time with the bleeps for four shuttles at level 5. The whole test takes 3 minutes and 35 seconds and covers 525m.

Is the beep test harder than running? ›

Depending on your abilities, the beep test should take longer than a 1.5-mile timed run. It should require more than 13 minutes on the beep test to score the same in the VO2 max calculator as you would from a fast nine-minute, 1.5-mile run.

How fast is 7.5 on the beep test? ›

You'll have to reach at least level 7.5 on your beep test. That means you'll be running for a total of 6 minutes and 51 seconds getting progressively faster at every level. By the time you complete level 7.5, you'd have run a distance of 1120m that equals 56 sprints.

How many pull-ups for Army? ›

They must be able to perform six untimed pull-ups. A 16-mile hike with a 65-pound pack in 5 hours and 20 minutes or less and an untimed 15-meter swim in full Ranger gear are also mandatory.

How many pushups can you do in 2 minutes in the Army? ›

The minimum passing score is 10 to 30, depending on role, with heavy jobs requiring a higher score. A perfect score requires 60 push-ups. The previous minimums were 30 to 35 standard push-ups for men, and 10 to 13 for women, in two minutes (or slightly fewer for older candidates).

Which branch has the hardest PFT? ›

Marines have it the hardest, running three miles, doing pull-ups and crunches within the span of a two-hour evaluation period. The Army has its troops run two miles, plus two minutes of pushups and situps. There are similar requirements for the Navy, the Air Force, and the Coast Guard.

Can you fail PFT? ›

The Physical Fitness Test is a single, pass/fail event. Candidates who are unsuccessful at their initial PFT attempt will be offered a second attempt within a defined timeframe, provided adequate list eligibility remains.

How many pushups should I do for PFT? ›

Men/women push-up standards (max/min)
Men Marine Push-ups Standards/Age
Age GroupMinimumMaximum
17-204242
21-254048
26-303950
5 more rows

What is a 235 PFT score? ›

USMC PFT and CFT classifications during the data range was first class (235–300), second class (200–234), third class (120–199) or fail (<119) (25).

When did 91B change to 68W? ›

In October 2001, an eight-year transformation began to reengineer the 91B combat medic and 91C licensed practical nurse Military Occupational Specialties into the credentialed 68W (Healthcare Specialist) combat medic of todayAca,!a,,cs Army.

Is 12B a heavy MOS? ›

MOS 12B are heavy equipment operations that know how to handle a variety of machinery.

What is the bonus for 91 Bravo Army? ›

91B: From 9,800 to $32,800 for specialists and sergeants. 92Y: From $12,300 to $41,400 for specialists and sergeants, $12,100 to $36,800 for staff sergeants.

What does washed out mean in the military? ›

Informal. a person who has failed a course of training or study: air force washouts.

What does SOaP stand for in the military? ›

Strategic Operations and Plans (SOaP) > U.S. Army Reserve > News-Display.

What does roll tide mean in military? ›

When the Tide is rolling, the opponent is being man handled and totally dominated.

Is the beep test hard? ›

The beep test is difficult because it requires a lot of endurance and speed. However, with some training, you can pass the test easily. To avoid getting tired too quickly, keep your breathing slow and regulated.

What level is beep test Army? ›

One element of this testing process requires you to pass the Army Beep Test. You will need to achieve level 10.2 for males and 8.1 for females, on the 20m Beep Test. This website provides all the tools and know how you need to pass the beep test.

How long does it take to administer the Acft? ›

How long does it take to administer the ACFT? With 15 lanes of equipment, the ACFT can be administered to a group of 60 Soldiers in about one hour. The average testing time per Soldier is about 50 minutes. A trained company of 120 Soldiers can be tested in two hours.

Can you refuse a UA in the Army? ›

Consent Urinalysis

Military members have an absolute right not to consent to providing a urine sample.

What is the cut off level for military drug test? ›

The detection window for the metabolite of THC can be anywhere from a day or two to up to weeks, depending on various factors including how often the person ingested marijuana, i.e. chronic use. The DoD cut-off for THC is 15 ng/mL.

What happens if you fail UA? ›

If the test result is proven to be legitimate (especially after multiple retests), you will most likely lose your job. If drug testing was part of a screening application, the company will probably revoke your job offer. However, in some industries or states, you might be given a second chance.

How much does an Army OPAT hex bar weigh? ›

16 hexagon/trap bars (60 pounds), each with a set of locking collars.

What is a good mile time by age? ›

Average running speed per mile in a 5K
AgeMen (minutes per mile)Women (minutes per mile)
16–199:3412:09
20–249:3011:44
25–2910:0311:42
30–3410:0912:29
7 more rows

How many miles do Army run a day? ›

It also depends on the distance of the timed run in the military. As you know, 1.5 miles, two miles and three miles are the distances, depending upon the branch of service. There are also longer distances in special-ops programs such as four-, five- and six-mile runs (and rucks).

What is the fastest 2 mile ever ran? ›

The world best for men is 7:58.61 set by Kenyan Daniel Komen in Hechtel, Belgium on 19 July 1997. The women's record is 8:58.58, set by Ethiopian Meseret Defar in Brussels, Belgium on 14 September 2007.

What is a 1/2 mile shuttle run? ›

The One-Half Mile Shuttle Run event measures cardio-respiratory capacity and includes elements of cardiovascular endurance, aerobic power, and agility. This is a timed event that requires the examinee to complete 15 round trips between 2 pylons that are placed 88 feet apart.

How long should a 300 yard shuttle take? ›

The test is repeated after a 3 to 5-minute rest and the score is the average of the two 300-yard trials. For most players, the goal is an average time of 52 seconds or less.

What is the 5 10 5 shuttle? ›

The 5-10-5 shuttle consists of rapid directional changes in a linear plane. It is commonly used as an assessment in American football, basketball, soccer, and most other field and court sports. This test has also been referred to as the pro-agility test. It is used as part of player assessment in the NFL combine.

How much does an OPAT hex bar weigh? ›

While all national stock number (NSN)-approved hexagon bars must weigh 60 pounds, there is always a small manufacturer's production tolerance. The approved weight tolerance for the hexagon bar is +/- 2 pounds (58-62 pounds).

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