Beep Test Military Standards
Shuttle-run standards for military entry — British Army and international forces, plus how the US military tests fitness.
Practice with the Free Beep Test App →British Army & UK Military
The British Army uses the 20-meter multi-stage fitness test (beep test) to assess aerobic fitness at selection. The required level varies by role — the Parachute Regiment and Royal Marines demand the highest aerobic standards, while general soldier roles are lower.
The Army has revised its fitness standards in recent years, and published figures from third parties often lag behind. Rather than quote a number that may be out of date, verify the current beep test level for your chosen role directly with the British Army before you test.
US Military Fitness Testing
The US military does not use the beep test as an entry standard. Each branch runs its own fitness test built around a timed run:
- Army (AFT): 2-mile run, deadlift, hand-release push-ups, sprint-drag-carry, and plank
- Navy (PRT): 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and a forearm plank (with swim and cycle alternatives)
- Marines (PFT): 3-mile run, pull-ups, and a plank
- Air Force: 1.5-mile run, push-ups, and sit-ups
The 20-meter shuttle run shows up only as an occasional alternate cardio option in a few programs, never as the primary standard. Even so, the beep test is one of the best ways to build the aerobic base those timed runs reward — train your level up and your run times follow.
Australian Defence Force (ADF)
The ADF uses the beep test in its Pre-entry Fitness Assessment (PFA). The minimum level depends on the service and role. These figures are published by ADF Careers; some specialist roles require higher.
| Service / Role | Required level |
|---|---|
| Army — General Entry (Combat) & Officer | 7.5 |
| Army — General Entry (Combat Support) | 6.1 |
| Army — Special Forces | 10.1 |
| Air Force — most roles | 6.1 (male) / 5.1 (female) |
| Navy — most entry roles | No pre-entry beep test |
| Navy — Diver | 10.1 |
Source: ADF Careers Pre-entry Fitness Assessment. Standards are subject to change — verify with Defence Force Recruiting before your assessment.
Training for Military Fitness Tests
Military fitness standards — especially for combat arms and special forces — demand serious aerobic fitness. At Level 10.1 (13.0 km/h), you're covering each 20m shuttle in about 5.5 seconds — that's a demanding pace to sustain. Get comfortable running 30+ minutes at threshold pace before attempting the test. The beep test is often just one component alongside push-ups, sit-ups, and timed runs. Train for all components together — isolating beep test prep while ignoring push-ups and timed runs will leave gaps on test day.
For general entry (around Level 6–7.5), a 6–8 week interval program is usually sufficient for those with a basic fitness foundation. For special forces (Level 10+), expect 3–6 months of dedicated high-volume training. Expect to feel genuinely uncomfortable in the final 2–3 levels — that's normal. The test is designed to push you to your limit.