PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL
on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition
The goal of the Challenge is to spur innovation, create positive experiences around physical fitness, and identify approaches to help expand Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) participation nationwide.
The Challenge is open to individual schools, school districts, and youth-serving organizations. Eligible entities may include public, charter, private, parochial, Tribal, alternative, or other recognized schools; school districts and local/state educational agencies; nonprofit organizations; community-based and faith-based organizations; libraries, museums, and cultural institutions; parks and recreation programs; and youth clubs and associations. For-profit businesses and commercial entities are not eligible.
Yes, an organization may submit to both tracks. However, each submission must independently satisfy that track’s specific requirements, and submitting the exact same narrative to both tracks will not be accepted.
You should choose the track that best matches what you want to demonstrate:
Winning organizations can compete for two types of rewards based on their selected track:
Key dates include:
You can register for the Challenge up until the final day of the open submission period, which is February 5, 2027 5 PM ET. Early registration is highly recommended to receive important updates and reminders.
Page limits depend on the track you choose:
For both tracks, materials must be formatted for standard letter-size pages (8.5 x 11 inches) and uploaded as PDF files.
The Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) is a national physical fitness assessment for students that evaluates students across three key areas:
• Cardiovascular Endurance (e.g., Beep Test, 1-Mile Run)
• Upper-Body Strength (e.g., Pull-Ups, Push-Ups)
• Core Strength (e.g., Plank, Sit-Ups)
Student scores are measured against age- and sex-based standards. Students can earn Presidential or National awards based on their results, and every student that completes the test receives a Certificate of Participation.
The test is designed to measure two health-related components of fitness: cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength (which includes core and upper-body strength). These components are associated with important health outcomes during childhood and into adulthood. The test is not a measure of a student's overall health, athletic ability, or potential. Rather, it provides information about specific aspects of fitness that can help guide goal setting and progress over time.
The test is designed for students ages 6 to 18, with benchmarks adjusted by age and sex.
The revitalized test gives teachers and students choices within each fitness category. Instead of a single event for each area, students can demonstrate fitness through one of two test options in each category.
These are the three recognition tiers. Every student who completes testing earns a Certificate of Participation. Presidential and National recognition requires achieving or surpassing target benchmarks in at least one test in every category (core strength, upper-body strength, and cardiovascular fitness). Target benchmarks for National recognition are the 50th percentile scores for each test based on age and sex; Presidential recognition benchmarks are set at the 85th percentile, based on normative data from previous versions of the test.
There is no federal requirement for how often students complete the test. However, it is best practice to test twice per year, with test dates spaced 8 to 12 weeks apart, so students can see real improvement and be recognized for growth as well as one-time achievement.
Students should not receive a grade for their performance on the test. Instead, results should be shared with students and families to increase awareness of fitness levels and support personal goal setting. Educators can also use class averages to help guide lesson planning.
No. Recognition is based on fixed age- and sex-specific benchmarks; not on how a student performs against or compares with classmates.
Let them know that this is a personal check-in. Be explicit that the test is not a graded project or a pass/fail exam. Tailor your explanation to your students. For example, younger students benefit from simple, encouraging explanations, while older students can handle more direct conversations about the categories, target scores, and goal setting.
Offer a private or small group testing option whenever a student requests it. Removing the pressure of testing in front of classmates can make the difference between honest effort and a student opting out of the test.
Beyond recognition and reporting, scores can support lesson planning. They can highlight which categories need more classroom attention and help teachers tailor support for individual students.
Health-related fitness is part of the national standards for physical education at all grade levels. Preparing for and completing the test reinforces skills already central to physical education, including self assessment, goal setting, and applying fitness concepts to personal health.
Volunteers, parent-teacher groups (PTA/PTO), school administrators, and student leaders can all play a role — from logistics and set up to building excitement around testing day. Please remember to follow your school’s or district’s volunteer approval and clearance policies for all volunteers you recruit.
Explore the Resources section for tools that support every stage of implementation, including planning guides, test administration protocols, scorecards, accessibility resources, goal setting worksheets, and family communication templates. You'll also find Best Practices for preparing students and creating a positive testing environment.