You just got your PES grade. Now you are not sure what happens next.

One of the first things you need to sort out is the Pre-Enlistee IPPT. This test can save you 8 weeks of NS. That is 8 weeks you stay home instead of going through Physical Training Phase.

Most guys either do not know about it or wait too long to prepare. Do not be that guy.

This guide covers everything. Your PES grade, the test stations, the scoring, the booking, the training, and all the common questions guys ask before enlistment. Use the free IPPT Calculator to check your score before your test day.

Understanding PES Grades and Basic Training

Before you think about IPPT, you need to know your PES grade. Your PES grade decides everything. It decides whether you take the IPPT at all.

PES stands for Physical Employment Standard. CMPB gives you this grade after your medical screening. It is not about how healthy you are overall. It just tells SAF what kind of physical roles you can handle in NS.

PES A or B1

If you are PES A or B1, you are in the group that can skip PTP.

PTP is the Physical Training Phase. It is an 8-week programme at the start of NS that builds up your fitness before BMT. Most guys dread it because it adds 8 extra weeks before actual training even starts.

But if you score 61 points or more in your Pre-Enlistee IPPT, and you do it at least 2 weeks before your PTP enlistment date, you do not need to go through PTP at all. You enlist 8 weeks later into the next available BMT intake directly.

PES B2, B3, B4, BP, C, or E

If you fall under any of these grades, the Pre-Enlistee IPPT does not apply to you. You go through a different basic training programme modified to suit your PES grade. You do not qualify for the 8-week reduction in NS duration.

What Is the Pre-Enlistee IPPT?

The Pre-Enlistee IPPT is the Individual Physical Proficiency Test you take before you enlist into full-time NS. It has three stations. Push-ups, sit-ups, and a 2.4km run. The maximum total score is 100 points. You need 61 to qualify for the 8-week reduction. Minimum 1 point per station.

Your result is valid for one year from the date you take the test.

How Your PES and Pre-Enlistee IPPT Affect Basic Training

Pre-Enlistee IPPT and NS Duration

Passing this test saves you 8 weeks of NS. That is the straight fact. If you are PES A or B1 and you pass, CMPB will send you a new enlistment notice with your updated date. You skip PTP and enlist 8 weeks later into the next BMT intake.

Location to Take Pre-Enlistee IPPT

There are two ways to take this test.

The first way is through your school. If you are studying in a Junior College, Millennia Institute, Polytechnic, or ITE, your school runs a modified NAPFA test. Your results go straight to CMPB. You do not need to book separately.

The second way is at a Fitness Conditioning Centre.

What to Bring and Wear for Your Pre-Enlistee IPPT

Final Date to Take Pre-Enlistee IPPT

Your last valid test date is the Wednesday that falls at least 14 calendar days before your enlistment date. Use the deadline calculator below to find your exact date.

The Three Pre-Enlistee IPPT Stations

The three stations test different parts of your fitness. You need at least 1 point from every single station for your total to count. Check the full IPPT score table to understand exactly what rep counts and run timings get you which points.

Sit-Ups Score Table

Station one is sit-ups. It tests your abdominal strength and endurance. You do as many correct sit-ups as you can within one minute. Maximum score is 25 points. Your score depends on your age group and how many reps you complete.

Push-Ups Score Table

Station two is push-ups. It tests your upper body strength and endurance. Same format. One minute. Maximum 25 points. Form must be right. Arms go all the way down and lock straight at the top.

2.4km Run Score Table

Station three is the 2.4km run. This is the most important station. It is worth up to 50 points. That is half your total score. The faster you run, the more points you get.

Because this station carries 50 out of 100 points, improving your run timing gives the biggest boost to your total. If you are far from 61 points, focus on the run first. Learn exactly how to improve your 2.4km run time for IPPT with a proper training plan.

BMI and Basic Training

Your Body Mass Index is separate from your IPPT score. But it also affects your basic training. CMPB checks your BMI as part of your pre-enlistment process.

If your BMI is above 27.0, your basic training duration will be 19 weeks. This programme is designed to help you improve your fitness progressively while still completing your soldiering training.

BMI (Metric)

Use this formula if you measure in kilograms and metres.

BMI = Weight (kg) divided by (Height in metres x Height in metres)

Example. You weigh 72kg and you are 1.72m tall. BMI = 72 divided by (1.72 x 1.72) = 24.3. Below 27.0. Standard basic training duration applies.

BMI (Imperial)

Use this formula if you measure in pounds and feet.

BMI = Weight (lbs) x 4.88 divided by (Height in feet x Height in feet)

How to Book Your Pre-Enlistee IPPT

Booking is done through the OneNS portal. Go to ns.gov.sg and log in with your Singpass. Find the pre-enlistee IPPT booking section. Pick your Wednesday slot. Submit.

You can only hold one active booking at a time. But once you take your test, you can book again. There is no limit on attempts. Wondering what happens on the day itself? Read how long IPPT takes so you know exactly what to expect from arrival to done.

Pre-Enlistment Process Overview

The pre-enlistment process starts earlier than most guys realise.

Pre-Enlistment Milestones

Pre-Enlistment Process from Age 13 to Enlistment Day

IPPT and NS Preparation Tips

Knowing the rules is one thing. Actually preparing well is another.

Pre-Enlistment Preparation

Register early. Go for your medical screening without delaying.

Once you have your PES grade, start training for the IPPT right away. Do not wait until you get your enlistment date. Some guys receive their notice and only have 6 weeks left. That is not enough time if you are currently unfit.

Train consistently from the moment you know you are PES A or B1. Use the IPPT Calculator regularly to track where you stand. Know your score target before you even book your first slot.

Preparing for NS

Training for IPPT is one part. There are other things to sort before enlistment. Make sure your personal particulars at CMPB are updated. Check your enlistment notice carefully when it arrives. Know your reporting date, time, and location.

If you have medical conditions, declare them during your medical screening. Do not hide anything. It is better to be properly graded than to struggle with a mismatched PES grade.

If you want to enlist earlier than your scheduled date, look into the Voluntary Early Enlistment Scheme known as VEES.

Life in NS

BMT is tough but manageable. Most guys who went through it will tell you the first two weeks are the hardest. After that, you find your rhythm. Go in mentally prepared. You will be tired, you will miss home, and things will not always go the way you expect. That is normal. Everyone goes through it.

Take care of your body. Eat well at the cookhouse. Sleep when you can. Do not push through injuries.

IPPT Exemption Rules

If you are PES B2, B3, B4, BP, C, or E, you are exempted from the Pre-Enlistee IPPT. You go through a modified basic training programme instead.

If you are in a poly or ITE and your school conducts the modified NAPFA test, your school results count automatically. You do not need to go to an FCC unless you want to retake for a better score.

Guys who already scored 61 points or more through the school NAPFA test are done. Your results have already been sent to CMPB.

NS: How It Began vs How It’s Going

National Service in Singapore started in 1967. The government introduced it to build a strong defence force for the young nation. Back then, Singapore had just gained independence. The British forces were withdrawing. Singapore needed its own defence quickly. NS was the answer.

Today NS is still going. Every year thousands of guys enlist. Facilities have improved. Welfare has improved. Many guys look back at NS as one of the most character-building experiences of their life. The friendships made during NS often last for decades.

Singapore Armed Forces Overview

The SAF is made up of three services. The Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The Digital and Intelligence Service known as DIS was added more recently. Depending on your PES grade, psychometric results, and vocation preferences, you may be posted to SAF, SPF, or SCDF.

SAF handles the largest share of NS enlistees. BMT for SAF is conducted on Pulau Tekong. It is an island off the north-east coast of Singapore.

Frequently Asked Questions

Personal Data Protection Policy

Any personal data shared with CMPB or through NS portals is protected under Singapore’s Personal Data Protection Act. Your information including your PES grade, medical records, IPPT results, and enlistment details is kept confidential. It is used only for NS administration purposes.

If you have concerns about how your personal data is handled, refer to CMPB’s official privacy statement on their website at cmpb.gov.sg.