Army OPAT Explained: The Four Events and MOS Fitness Categories
If you are joining the Army or trying to reclassify into a new job, the OPAT is the fitness test that decides which roles you qualify for. Short for the Occupational Physical Assessment Test, it sorts recruits into physical demand categories that are tied to military occupational specialties. Here is exactly what it involves and what you need to hit.
What is the OPAT?
The OPAT is a four-event test that measures power, strength, and aerobic capacity. The Army uses it to match a recruit's physical ability to the demands of a job, so a higher score opens up more physically demanding and often more competitive roles. All four events are done on the same day, within about an hour.
The four OPAT events
Standing Long Jump
A two-footed jump for maximum distance from a standing start. It measures lower-body power, which carries over to almost every athletic movement.
Seated Power Throw
Seated with your back supported, you throw a 4.4-pound (2-kilogram) medicine ball up and out at about a 45 degree angle for distance. This measures upper-body power.
Strength Deadlift
A deadlift for a target weight that tests lower-body and total-body strength, the most direct measure of the raw lifting capacity many jobs require.
Interval Aerobic Run
A shuttle run done to a progressively faster beep, similar to a beep test, that measures aerobic endurance. Your shuttle count sets your aerobic score.
OPAT categories and standards
Your results place you in one of the physical demand categories, each tied to a tier of jobs:
- Gold (Moderate): for jobs with lighter physical demands. Minimums are about a 3 foot 11 inch long jump, an 11 foot 6 inch power throw, a 120-pound deadlift, and a beep-test run around 36 shuttles.
- Gray (Significant): for jobs with frequent lifting in the 41 to 99 pound range. Minimums are about a 4 foot 7 inch long jump, a 13 foot 1 inch power throw, a 140-pound deadlift, and roughly 40 shuttles.
- Black (Heavy): the most demanding tier. Minimums are about a 5 foot 3 inch long jump, a 14 foot 9 inch power throw, a 160-pound deadlift, and roughly 43 shuttles.
The higher the category you hit, the more jobs you are eligible for, so it pays to train before test day rather than leaving your options on the table.
How to train for the OPAT
Three of the four events reward explosive power and strength, which most recruits have never trained directly. Build a base of deadlifts and squats for the strength event, add jumps and medicine-ball throws for the power events, and run intervals to push your shuttle count. Even a few weeks of focused training can move you up a category. Resistance bands, a sandbag, and basic barbell work cover most of what you need.
The Raider Training Sandbag
The OPAT measures strength and power. The Raider sandbag (60 to 80 lbs) builds the deadlift and total-body power that move you into a higher category.
Shop now →Army OPAT FAQ
How many events are on the OPAT?
Four: the standing long jump, seated power throw, strength deadlift, and interval aerobic run.
What are the OPAT categories?
Gold for moderate-demand jobs, Gray for significant-demand jobs, and Black for heavy-demand jobs. Higher categories unlock more roles.
Is the OPAT the same as the AFT?
No. The OPAT is an entry and reclassification screen that matches you to jobs. The Army Fitness Test, the AFT, formerly the ACFT, is the test of record you take throughout your career. Learn more in our guide to the new Army Fitness Test.
Can you retake the OPAT?
Recruits who do not hit the category they need can typically retest after a waiting period. Confirm the current retest policy with your recruiter.
OPAT events, standards, and categories are set by the U.S. Army and can change. Confirm current requirements with your recruiter or official Army sources.
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