ACFT: The 540-Point Body-Fat Exemption (2026)
AR 600-9 (Army Body Composition Program) and Army Directive 2023-08. The Combat Fitness Test doubles as a performance-based escape hatch from the body-fat tape.
The six ACFT events
| Abbr | Event | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| MDL | 3-Repetition Maximum Deadlift | Lifts a trap-bar deadlift to a controlled standing position; score by heaviest successful lift. |
| SPT | Standing Power Throw | Two-handed overhead throw of a 10-lb ball for distance. |
| HRP | Hand-Release Push-Up | Maximum reps in 2 minutes; hands must break contact with the ground at the bottom of each rep. |
| SDC | Sprint-Drag-Carry | A timed shuttle: 50-m sprint, sled drag (90-lb), lateral shuffle, carry two 40-lb kettlebells, and a final 50-m sprint. |
| PLK | Plank | Held plank with no sagging or raising of the hips, hands shoulder-width. |
| 2MR | Two-Mile Run | Timed 2-mile run, the endurance capstone of the test. |
The 540 exemption rule
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | 540+ total on the record ACFT |
| Per-event minimum | At least 80 points in each of the six primary events (no alternate events for the exemption) |
| Effect | Exempt from the body-fat assessment even if you exceed the WHtR screen; no flagging for body fat |
| Validity | Until the next record ACFT — ≤ 8 months (Regular Army / AGR), ≤ 14 months (National Guard / Reserve) |
| Record | DA Form 705-TEST shows a “GO” result for body fat; evaluation reports note the exemption |
How this connects to 2026: the WHtR < 0.55 screen is the new entry gate, but the ACFT 540 exemption still waives the secondary body-fat assessment for high performers — the Army's way of protecting athletic, muscular soldiers from being flagged.
Training context
ACFT preparation is part of the Army's Physical Readiness Training (PRT) under FM 7-22. The test replaced the APFT (push-ups, sit-ups, 2-mile run) in October 2020 and became the record test across the force. Soldiers in reconditioning or on profile still take the ACFT with approved alternate events, but alternate events do not qualify for the 540 body-fat exemption.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 540 ACFT score still exempt me from the body-fat assessment in 2026?
Yes. Under AR 600-9 and Army Directive 2023-08, scoring 540+ with at least 80 points in each of the six primary events exempts you from the body-fat assessment (even if you exceed the WHtR screen). The exemption runs until your next record ACFT — up to 8 months for Regular Army / AGR soldiers and up to 14 months for Army National Guard and Reserve.
Do I still go through the WHtR screen if I am exempt?
Yes — height and weight screening still happens. The 540 exemption waives the body-fat assessment only. Soldiers already enrolled in ABCP who reach the exemption standard are released from the program per AR 600-9 paragraph 3-13.
What happens if I fail to re-validate the exemption?
If you do not re-validate within the timeline, you are subject to record body-fat assessments and flagging actions for body-fat failure. The exemption is not retroactive and resets each record test.
How is the ACFT scored?
Each event scores 0–100; the total ranges from 360 to 600. Minimum passing per event varies by age and sex (typically 60 points on each event). 540 total with 80+ per event triggers the body-fat exemption.