Trying to make sense of IPPT scoring so you can turn effort into points and hit your target award? This guide breaks down how your score is computed across push-ups, sit-ups, and the 2.4km run—and shows exactly where to focus for the biggest gains. Before you dive in, plug your latest reps and time into the IPPT Calculator to get your current baseline.
IPPT at a Glance: The 100-Point Framework
- Push-Ups: max 25 points (1-minute max reps, clean form required)
- Sit-Ups: max 25 points (1-minute max reps, elbows to knees)
- 2.4km Run: max 50 points (faster time → more points)
Your total score = Push-Ups + Sit-Ups + 2.4km. Points scale by age band and gender. To get the exact thresholds for your profile, see the full tables in our IPPT Scoring Chart (2025).
Pass Marks & Award Tiers
Typical thresholds (always verify the latest official guidance):
- Pass: often starts from 51 points overall
- Incentive / Silver / Gold: progressively higher bands (e.g., ~81+ for Silver, ~91+ for Gold)
Pre-enlistees/NSFs may be held to different administrative thresholds (e.g., higher pass criteria for certain benefits). For the most current rules, consult official SAF guidance and use the IPPT Calculator to model scenarios.
How Each Station Converts to Points
1) Push-Ups (Max 25 pts)
In one minute, complete as many valid reps as you can. Reps must hit depth (chest down to allowed height) and full extension at the top with a stable body line. Points increase with each valid rep. If your upper-body is the bottleneck, follow our proven progressions in Best Workouts to Improve Your IPPT Push-Up Score.
2) Sit-Ups (Max 25 pts)
Again, one minute of max valid reps. Hands position and elbow-to-knee contact must meet standards. Pointing is incremental by rep, scaled to your age band. If you’re losing reps to form issues, review the corrections in Common IPPT Mistakes & How to Avoid Them.
3) 2.4km Run (Max 50 pts)
This is the largest single contributor to your total. Even small improvements in pacing can add multiple points. Tempo runs, intervals, and negative splits feature heavily in our IPPT Training Tips (2025).
Example: Turning Numbers Into a Score
Let’s say an age-banded male posts 35 push-ups, 36 sit-ups, and a 2.4km in 11:00. Using the 2025 tables for his band, that might translate roughly to:
- Push-Ups → ~18–20 pts
- Sit-Ups → ~18–20 pts
- 2.4km → ~34–36 pts
Total ≈ 70–76 pts (comfortably above pass; close to incentive/Silver depending on exact thresholds). For precision, enter your stats in the calculator.
Where to Find “Easy” Points
- Form First (no-count killers): If graders don’t accept your reps, you score zero for those efforts. Fix technique via Common IPPT Mistakes.
- Push-Ups & Sit-Ups: 2–5 extra reps can mean +2 to +5 points fast. Use our push-up progression and a simple sit-up cluster scheme.
- 2.4km Pacing: Intervals (e.g., 4–6×800m) and negative splits often deliver the biggest jump. See Training Tips.
Plan by Award: Hitting Silver or Gold
Chasing an award? Start from your calculator baseline and build to a realistic split. Example for a typical male band:
- Silver (~81+): 20 pts push-ups + 20 pts sit-ups + 41 pts run
- Gold (~91+): 23–25 pts push-ups + 23–25 pts sit-ups + 45+ pts run
See the complete award planning playbook in How to Prepare for IPPT Silver or Gold (2025).
FAQs
Do age and gender change the point conversion?
Yes—thresholds are banded. Always check your band’s exact table in the Scoring Chart (2025) and confirm with official guidance.
What if I’m strong in one station but weak in another?
Use the calculator to model “what-ifs.” Many athletes top up a near-miss by adding 2–3 reps in a strength station or shaving ~15–30 seconds off the run. Pick the fastest path for you.
How often should I re-test?
Every 2–3 weeks. Log your numbers in the IPPT Calculator, then adjust training using Training Tips.
Next Steps
- Get your exact points now with the IPPT Calculator.
- Browse your age-band thresholds in the 2025 Scoring Chart.
- Increase reps with our Push-Up Workout Guide.
- Avoid costly no-counts via Common IPPT Mistakes.
- Map your route to Silver or Gold.