CFA TRAINING
For those who seek to serve with Valor
Congratulations to Origin’s Class of 2025!
24 USMA Appointments
1 USNA Appointment
2 USAFA Appointments
2 USMAPS Admissions
1 VMI Admission
4 ROTC Scholars
Serve with pride.
Real Candidates. Real Results.
Coach Cisco administered the Candidate Fitness Assessment (CFA) to over 200 candidates from all over NJ during the 2025-2026 testing season. Here are actionable takeaways for new candidates:
Preparation determined success.
An increased number of candidates attempted last-minute training, with some not realizing until weeks before testing that the CFA deadline was January 31. Meaningful physical change simply can’t occur on that timeline.
Your ideal training timeline is 3–6 months.
While muscles become more efficient at movements within 2–3 weeks, substantial strength and conditioning adaptations require 3–6 months of consistent training.
Action items for future candidates:
- Review all application and testing deadlines now
- The final CFA for the 2026–2027 season is January 31, 2027
- Begin CFA-focused training in the spring of your junior year
- Take the CFA in the summer before your senior year to allow a retake window if necessary
Highest failure-rate events for 2025–2026 included:
- Basketball Throw – Difficult for many candidates due to its unnatural, explosive nature and high technical demands
- Pull-Ups – Failed primarily due to insufficient strength and inability to meet strict form requirements
- Shuttle Run – Candidates often burned out early because of poor pacing and inadequate conditioning
These observations directly inform how Origin prepares CFA candidates. We emphasize long-term development, intelligent conditioning, and event-specific strategy rather than last-minute fixes. Applying these insights to your training places you on a stronger path to CFA success.
Check out Origin’s CFA Candidates in action. Thank you to Mrs. Kim for the video…
West Point Cadet and Origin ’22 Alumni Dylan Ferraro speaks exclusively to Origin Cadet Candidates
How Origin’s CFA Program Works:
Origin offers both Small Group and Private CFA Prep tailored to Service Academy candidates.
Coach Cisco has years of experience training future cadets – and has assisted with CFA administration. He knows what it takes to help you succeed.
In New Jersey’s highly competitive districts, passing the CFA isn’t enough – you need to score high to stand out against top-tier applicants.
Origin’s program is designed not just to get you ready, but to help you excel.
What Makes Origin’s CFA Program Different:
- Personalized coaching
- Mental + physical preparation
- 90% success rate (3+ months of training)
- Results that stand out in competitive districts
Ready to go live at Origin?
Schedule Your Free CFA Diagnostic Assessment with Coach Cisco
This one-on-one session is your first step toward CFA success. Coach Cisco will assess your strengths, identify areas needing work, and map out your ideal training strategy—so you can train with purpose and get results
Schedule My CFA Diagnostic Assessment
Not Ready Yet? Start With Origin’s Free 4-Week CFA Jump Start Plan
Complete the information below to get a downloadable 4-week training plan and exclusive training tips designed to give you a competitive edge. It’s the perfect way to start preparing – on your terms.
Parting Inspiration:
Origin Graduate and Princeton ROTC Scholar Mary K.
Every year, a team of cadets from our program completes the Tough Ruck 26.2 to honor the fallen. It’s a marathon ruck, and cadets carry weight that ranges from 20-35 lbs. This year I decided to do the race with our program, and had a great experience. It’s been really exciting to see the progress made since I started your training for the CFA! When giving tips to our underclassmen cadets, I still use training advice that I learned at Origin.
