Royal Navy · Rating
Royal Navy fitness test: what's changing on 1 October 2026?
The Pre-Joining Fitness Test is currently a 2.4 km run on an astroturf track, with the time you need set by your age and sex. From 1 October 2026 it becomes a 20 m bleep test to level 6:6 for every candidate, regardless of age or sex.
Verified 2026-09-06 against Royal Navy — Pre-Joining Fitness Test.
From 2026-10-01
The 2.4 km run is replaced by a 20 m multi-stage fitness test to level 6.6 for all candidates, regardless of age or sex, plus an isometric mid-thigh pull and a seated 4 kg medicine ball throw. Divers additionally need MSFT 10.5, 30 press-ups, 40 sit-ups and 4 pull-ups.
The pass mark
2.4 km run (until 30 September 2026) — on an astroturf track at a Candidate Preparation Course — see the age/sex table below
| Cohort | Standard |
|---|---|
| 15–24, male | 13:56 |
| 15–24, female | 16:27 |
| 25–29, male | 14:26 |
| 25–29, female | 17:01 |
| 30–34, male | 14:57 |
| 30–34, female | 17:38 |
| 35–39, male | 15:28 |
| 35–39, female | 18:11 |
| 40–44, male | 16:03 |
| 40–44, female | 18:50 |
| 45–49, male | 16:48 |
| 45–49, female | 19:51 |
| 50–54, male | 17:26 |
| 50–54, female | 20:36 |
Good to know
There's a swim test too
In week one at HMS Raleigh: tread water for 2 minutes, swim 50 m, then exit unaided — all inside 6 minutes, in overalls.
Royal Marines is a separate, harder test
Royal Marines recruits sit the PJFT+, a tougher variant — covered on its own page (phase two).
Common questions
What level is the Royal Navy (PJFT) bleep test?
20 m multi-stage fitness test (from 1 October 2026) to level 6:6 (published as 'level 6.6' — all candidates, regardless of age or sex).
When do I take the Royal Navy (PJFT)?
At a Candidate Preparation Course, ahead of basic training.
How many attempts do I get?
Not published on the PJFT page.
What's changing on 2026-10-01?
The 2.4 km run is replaced by a 20 m multi-stage fitness test to level 6.6 for all candidates, regardless of age or sex, plus an isometric mid-thigh pull and a seated 4 kg medicine ball throw. Divers additionally need MSFT 10.5, 30 press-ups, 40 sit-ups and 4 pull-ups.
8 weeks to 6:6, on-site
Plan opens next
Sources
Changelog
- 2026-09-06 — Initial verified entry against royalnavy.mod.uk. The Candidate Preparation Course page still describes the 2.4 km run as of this date — TO SETTLE the published wording once the 1 October 2026 switch to the bleep test takes effect.