The Air Force has created a temporary policy shift for Airmen who fail the fitness test at Enlisted Professional Military Education (EPME) schools. In the past, Airmen who failed were sent home and had to wait for the next class opening. But with changes to the new Physical Fitness Assessment (PFA) happening in 2026, there will be a grace period given to Airmen as they adjust to the new standards.
The Thomas N. Barnes Center for Enlisted Education discussed the matter on an unofficial Air Force amn/nco/snco Facebook page. The message has been authenticated by an Air Force spokesperson. The message stated, starting January 1, “students that fail a physical readiness assessment will no longer be released from a course.”
In September, the Air Force announced new PFA standards for 2026 that will have an introductory period. The Air Force began pausing physical fitness testing on January 1. After February 28, there will then be a diagnostics period from March 1 to August 31 where Airmen can try out the new test, without it counting on their records. Then official, scored testing with the new standard begins on September 1.
The NEW PFA STANDARDS include four components:
- Two-mile run, previous fitness assessments included a 1.5-mile run and this section is worth 50 total possible points.
- One minutes of push-ups or hand release push -ups and this section is worth 15 total possible points.
- Sit-ups or reverse cross leg crunches completed in one minute or forearm plank and this section is worth 15 total possible points.
- Body composition test, a waist to height ratio that gives members a score and this section is worth 20 total possible points.
A total score of 75 points is required to pass. The PFA must be taken twice a year. Fitness points are given based on age and gender, the full charts are available
During the time of January 1 to February 28 when the Air Force has paused PFA testing enlisted PME courses will continue and those courses will still require a PFA under a 2023 order. But instead of being dropped from the course during the period, Airmen will be able to complete the course. They will be ineligible for awards such as distinguished honor graduate.
Before arriving at the EPME course location, Airmen must arrive with a current and passing official PFA from their home unit. Members who are attending courses should be formally notified of this requirement prior to their arrival.
New EPME courses for Airmen
Last year, the Air Force launched a program to help remove the gap between Airman Leadership School and the Noncommissioned Officer Academy. These courses, also known as Foundation courses are now part of the Enlisted Airmanship Continuum. They include three 5-day courses. Each course is designed to prepare Airmen for the next level of leadership responsibility.
The three courses are:
- 300-level junior enlisted Foundation course that builds a “warrior mindset” and what it means to be an Airman.
- 500-level NCO foundation course that emphasizes critical thinking and team dynamics.
- 700-level SNCO course focuses on sharpening organizational culture and aligning with broader strategic objectives.
While attending courses, Airmen are required to complete a “course-conducted, diagnostic physical assessment,” according to the spokesperson. Failure of this assessment renders the member ineligible for EPME course awards, and no opportunity for a retest will be granted. However, the member will stay enrolled in the course.”
