Connecticut

Connecticut's Physical Fitness Assessment (CPFA) Overview

Physical fitness is an essential component of a physical education curriculum and a child’s total education program. It is expected that by the end of Grade 12 students will recognize the importance of and choose to participate regularly in physical activities designed to maintain and enhance healthy lifestyles. The Connecticut Physical Fitness Assessment (CPFA) provides a snapshot into a child’s fitness level by measuring cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength and endurance, and flexibility. Physical fitness should be a result of the balance of activities that are provided in the physical education programs at school and continued by the family and in other community activities. This assessment should not be the focus of the entire physical education curriculum or program. The assessment should be a part of the ongoing process of helping children understand and improve and/or maintain their physical health and well-being.

Who participates in the Connecticut Fitness Test?
The state requires that all students in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10 take the physical fitness test. In West Hartford all students in grades 4 through 12 take the test. Physical education teachers use the results of the tests to help students understand their own fitness levels and work to improve and/or maintain their fitness levels. Only students with a physician’s note will be exempt from the tests.

Who will administer the test items?
A physical educator teacher trained in the CPFA test administration must conduct the test. See the individual test items for more information on each test item.

When will the testing occur?
The seven-week testing period begins the last week of September and continues through the second week of November.

How are the items scored?
All tests are measured based on students’ age and gender. See individual test items for more information, including scoring.

What is the Health Level?
Students who perform at this level demonstrate a healthy level of fitness-related skills for their age. Generally, students who score in this range engage in physical activities two or more times each week and may be at a reduced risk for certain injuries and diseases that are related to a sedentary lifestyle. The Health Level for each task is considered to be a challenging, yet attainable, standard for most students.

What is the Challenge Level?
Students who perform at this level demonstrate exceptional fitness-related skills for their age. Generally, students who score in this range engage in rigorous physical activities several times per week and may be at a reduced risk for certain injuries and diseases that are related to a sedentary lifestyle. Students who perform in this range may be motivated to achieve and maintain a high level of fitness.

Connecticut State Fitness Test Components