CFT Monitor Certification Exam 2025 – 2026
Study Guide Latest Updated
1. What is the primary purpose of the Combat Fitness Test (CFT)?
A) To measure long-distance running endurance
B) To simulate physical tasks required in a combat environment
C) To assess maximum strength in lifting events
D) To evaluate swimming proficiency for amphibious operations
Correct Answer: B) To simulate physical tasks required in a combat environment
The CFT is designed to test a Marine's anaerobic capacity, physical strength, and mobility under
conditions that simulate combat stressors. It focuses on short, high-intensity events rather than pure
endurance. The goal is to ensure Marines possess the functional fitness needed for battlefield tasks.
2. For the Movement to Contact event, where should the start/finish line be relative to the turn-around
point?
A) The start and turn-around point are the same
B) The start and finish lines are 880 yards apart
C) The start line and turn-around point are separated by 300 yards
D) The turn-around point is at the 600-yard mark of an out-and-back course
Correct Answer: D) The turn-around point is at the 600-yard mark of an out-and-back course
The Movement to Contact is a 880-yard course. The start and finish lines are co-located. A turn-around
point is marked 440 yards from the start, creating a total out-and-back distance of 880 yards. Monitors
are positioned at the start/finish and the turn-around point.
3. A 22-year-old male Marine completes the Movement to Contact event in 2 minutes and 55 seconds.
What is his score?
A) 100 points
B) 95 points
C) 90 points
D) 85 points
Correct Answer: A) 100 points
,According to the CFT scoring tables for males aged 17-26, a time of 2:55 earns the maximum 100 points.
Scoring is based on age and gender, with faster times yielding higher scores. Monitors must use the
current year's official scoring charts to ensure accuracy.
4. What is the correct hand placement for lifting the ammunition can during the Ammunition Lift event?
A) Palms facing up, using a supinated grip
B) One palm up and one palm down, using a mixed grip
C) Palms facing the body, using a neutral grip on the handles
D) Palms facing away, using a pronated grip on the sides of the can
Correct Answer: C) Palms facing the body, using a neutral grip on the handles
The Marine must use the handles built into the M2A1 ammunition can. A neutral grip (palms facing each
other) is required for safety and consistency. Lifting the can by its sides or using an alternate grip is not
permitted and would invalidate the repetition.
5. During the Ammunition Lift, what defines the completion of one full repetition?
A) Lifting the can from the ground to the knees
B) Lifting the can from the ground until the arms are fully extended overhead
C) Lifting the can from the ground to a position where the bottom is above the chin
D) Lifting the can from the ground to the chest and then lowering it back to the ground
Correct Answer: B) Lifting the can from the ground until the arms are fully extended overhead
A proper repetition begins with the can on the ground. The Marine lifts it in one continuous motion to a
position with arms fully extended overhead, elbows locked. The repetition is counted as the can is
lowered back below the chin. The can must not touch the ground during the two-minute period.
6. What is the role of the counting Marine during the Ammunition Lift event?
A) To stand directly in front of the lifter and provide encouragement
B) To stand to the side (at a 90-degree angle) to count valid repetitions and ensure safety
C) To stand behind the lifter to assist with balance
D) To kneel next to the ammunition can and hand it to the lifter for each rep
Correct Answer: B) To stand to the side (at a 90-degree angle) to count valid repetitions and ensure
safety
Positioning at a 90-degree angle provides the best vantage point to observe proper lockout overhead
and descent below the chin. This position also maximizes safety by keeping the counter clear of the
lifting path, reducing the risk of injury from a dropped can.
7. A 32-year-old female Marine performs 42 proper ammunition lifts. What is her score?
, A) 70 points
B) 65 points
C) 60 points
D) 55 points
Correct Answer: C) 60 points
Using the CFT scoring tables for females aged 27-39, 42 lifts corresponds to 60 points. Scores are
calculated based on the total number of valid lifts completed within the two-minute time limit, using
age- and gender-specific scoring columns.
8. Which of the following is a critical safety requirement for the Ammunition Lift event setup?
A) The event must be conducted on a soft, grassy surface
B) The ammunition can must be filled with loose sand to a specific weight
C) Grip tape must be applied to the sides of the ammunition can for better handling
D) The can must be stabilized so contents do not shift excessively during the lift
Correct Answer: D) The can must be stabilized so contents do not shift excessively during the lift
Per the order, the 30-pound weight must be secured (e.g., with sandbags or filler material) to prevent
excessive shifting, which can alter the center of gravity and cause injury. While grip tape is used, it is
applied to the handles, not the sides.
9. What is the total distance covered in the Maneuver Under Fire event?
A) 300 yards
B) 400 yards
C) 500 yards
D) 880 yards
Correct Answer: C) 500 yards
The Maneuver Under Fire is a 500-yard course that combines sprinting, crawling, dragging, carrying, and
grenade throws. It is designed to test agility, coordination, and anaerobic capacity under simulated
combat conditions in a time-based sequence.
10. What is the correct command to start a Marine on the Maneuver Under Fire event?
A) "On your mark, get set, go!"
B) "Ready. Step!"
C) "Ready. Go!"
D) "Begin now!"
Study Guide Latest Updated
1. What is the primary purpose of the Combat Fitness Test (CFT)?
A) To measure long-distance running endurance
B) To simulate physical tasks required in a combat environment
C) To assess maximum strength in lifting events
D) To evaluate swimming proficiency for amphibious operations
Correct Answer: B) To simulate physical tasks required in a combat environment
The CFT is designed to test a Marine's anaerobic capacity, physical strength, and mobility under
conditions that simulate combat stressors. It focuses on short, high-intensity events rather than pure
endurance. The goal is to ensure Marines possess the functional fitness needed for battlefield tasks.
2. For the Movement to Contact event, where should the start/finish line be relative to the turn-around
point?
A) The start and turn-around point are the same
B) The start and finish lines are 880 yards apart
C) The start line and turn-around point are separated by 300 yards
D) The turn-around point is at the 600-yard mark of an out-and-back course
Correct Answer: D) The turn-around point is at the 600-yard mark of an out-and-back course
The Movement to Contact is a 880-yard course. The start and finish lines are co-located. A turn-around
point is marked 440 yards from the start, creating a total out-and-back distance of 880 yards. Monitors
are positioned at the start/finish and the turn-around point.
3. A 22-year-old male Marine completes the Movement to Contact event in 2 minutes and 55 seconds.
What is his score?
A) 100 points
B) 95 points
C) 90 points
D) 85 points
Correct Answer: A) 100 points
,According to the CFT scoring tables for males aged 17-26, a time of 2:55 earns the maximum 100 points.
Scoring is based on age and gender, with faster times yielding higher scores. Monitors must use the
current year's official scoring charts to ensure accuracy.
4. What is the correct hand placement for lifting the ammunition can during the Ammunition Lift event?
A) Palms facing up, using a supinated grip
B) One palm up and one palm down, using a mixed grip
C) Palms facing the body, using a neutral grip on the handles
D) Palms facing away, using a pronated grip on the sides of the can
Correct Answer: C) Palms facing the body, using a neutral grip on the handles
The Marine must use the handles built into the M2A1 ammunition can. A neutral grip (palms facing each
other) is required for safety and consistency. Lifting the can by its sides or using an alternate grip is not
permitted and would invalidate the repetition.
5. During the Ammunition Lift, what defines the completion of one full repetition?
A) Lifting the can from the ground to the knees
B) Lifting the can from the ground until the arms are fully extended overhead
C) Lifting the can from the ground to a position where the bottom is above the chin
D) Lifting the can from the ground to the chest and then lowering it back to the ground
Correct Answer: B) Lifting the can from the ground until the arms are fully extended overhead
A proper repetition begins with the can on the ground. The Marine lifts it in one continuous motion to a
position with arms fully extended overhead, elbows locked. The repetition is counted as the can is
lowered back below the chin. The can must not touch the ground during the two-minute period.
6. What is the role of the counting Marine during the Ammunition Lift event?
A) To stand directly in front of the lifter and provide encouragement
B) To stand to the side (at a 90-degree angle) to count valid repetitions and ensure safety
C) To stand behind the lifter to assist with balance
D) To kneel next to the ammunition can and hand it to the lifter for each rep
Correct Answer: B) To stand to the side (at a 90-degree angle) to count valid repetitions and ensure
safety
Positioning at a 90-degree angle provides the best vantage point to observe proper lockout overhead
and descent below the chin. This position also maximizes safety by keeping the counter clear of the
lifting path, reducing the risk of injury from a dropped can.
7. A 32-year-old female Marine performs 42 proper ammunition lifts. What is her score?
, A) 70 points
B) 65 points
C) 60 points
D) 55 points
Correct Answer: C) 60 points
Using the CFT scoring tables for females aged 27-39, 42 lifts corresponds to 60 points. Scores are
calculated based on the total number of valid lifts completed within the two-minute time limit, using
age- and gender-specific scoring columns.
8. Which of the following is a critical safety requirement for the Ammunition Lift event setup?
A) The event must be conducted on a soft, grassy surface
B) The ammunition can must be filled with loose sand to a specific weight
C) Grip tape must be applied to the sides of the ammunition can for better handling
D) The can must be stabilized so contents do not shift excessively during the lift
Correct Answer: D) The can must be stabilized so contents do not shift excessively during the lift
Per the order, the 30-pound weight must be secured (e.g., with sandbags or filler material) to prevent
excessive shifting, which can alter the center of gravity and cause injury. While grip tape is used, it is
applied to the handles, not the sides.
9. What is the total distance covered in the Maneuver Under Fire event?
A) 300 yards
B) 400 yards
C) 500 yards
D) 880 yards
Correct Answer: C) 500 yards
The Maneuver Under Fire is a 500-yard course that combines sprinting, crawling, dragging, carrying, and
grenade throws. It is designed to test agility, coordination, and anaerobic capacity under simulated
combat conditions in a time-based sequence.
10. What is the correct command to start a Marine on the Maneuver Under Fire event?
A) "On your mark, get set, go!"
B) "Ready. Step!"
C) "Ready. Go!"
D) "Begin now!"
