Navy SEALs are physically fit, mentally sharp, mature and resilient. Those men who want to become a Navy SEAL Officer are screened to determine their potential to succeed in the community.
In addition to meeting the basic requirements for commissioning in the Navy, candidates interested in becoming SEALs must meet rigorous physical and mental requirements.
Physical Screening Test (PST)
To qualify for a commission, a prospective candidate must meet the minimum requirements. The qualifying PST must be administered by a Naval Special Warfare coordinator or mentor.
To receive orders to BUD/s, a candidate must pass the PST, submit an officer package through a Navy Officer recruiter either at the Naval Academy, Navy NROTC college or at your local Navy Recruiting District. The PST consists of:
Physical Screening Test Minimum Average Optimum
Swim 500 yard breast or side stroke 12:30 10:00 9:30
Push-ups 42 79 100
Sit-ups 50 79 100
Pull-ups 06 11 25
Run 1.5 miles 11:00 10:20 09:30
Prospective candidates can increase their chances of being selected for BUD/S and succeeding in training by having optimum PST scores. You can judge your current level of fitness by taking the PST Calculator. The PST Calculator will compare your PST score against 100 actual BUD/S students.
- Swim then rest for ten minutes
- Follow up the swim with push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups
- Complete a set of max push-ups in two minutes
- Complete a set of max sit-ups in two minutes
- Complete a set of max pull-ups – there’s no time limit
- After all your max sets are done take a ten minute break then go run
- The run is done in shorts and running shoes
Other Requirements
Applicants must be from 17 to 28 years old. Waivers for men ages 29 and 30 are available for highly qualified candidates. Men with prior enlisted service as SEALs who are seeking to become SEAL Officers can request waivers to age 33.
Vision must be correctable to 20/25. Uncorrected vision must be at least 20/70 in the worst eye and 20/40 in the best. Color blindness is disqualifying.
Candidates must be U.S. citizens.
In addition to the other requirements listed on this Web site, applicants must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance, be male and have no felonies involving drugs, weapons, violence or sex.
