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20m Multistage Fitness Test (Beep Test) Instructions

The 20m multistage fitness test (MSFT) is a commonly used maximal running aerobic fitness test. It is also known as the 20 meter shuttle run test, beep or bleep test among other names. It is a maximal test involving continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps. For more information on this test, see the complete guide to the bleep / beep test.



equipment required: Flat, non-slip surface, marking cones, 20m measuring tape, beep test audio, audio player, recording sheets.

pre-test: Explain the test procedures to the subject (many beep test audios have an explanation at the start of the recording). Perform screening of health risks and obtain informed consent. Prepare forms and record basic information such as age, height, body weight, gender, test conditions (particularly the weather and running surface). Measure and mark out the course. Ensure that the participants are adequately warmed-up. See more details of pre-test procedures.

procedure: This test involves continuous running between two lines 20m apart in time to recorded beeps. For this reason the test is also often called the 'beep' or 'bleep' test. The participants stand behind one of the lines facing the second line, and begin running when instructed by the recording. The speed at the start is quite slow. The subject continues running between the two lines, turning when signaled by the recorded beeps. After about one minute, a sound indicates an increase in speed, and the beeps will be closer together. This continues each minute (level). If the line is reached before the beep sounds, the subject must wait until the beep sounds before continuing. If the line is not reached before the beep sounds, the subject is given a warning and must continue to run to the line, then turn and try to catch up with the pace within two more ‘beeps’. The subject is given a warning the first time they fail to reach the line (within 2 meters), and eliminated after the second warning.

bleep or beep test diagram

scoring: The athlete's score is the level and number of shuttles (20m) reached before they were unable to keep up with the recording. Record the last level completed (not necessarily the level stopped at). This norms table below is based on personal experience, and gives you a very rough idea of what level score would be expected for adults, using the standard Australian beep test version. There is a more detailed table of norms for the beep test. This level score can be converted to a VO 2max equivalent score using this calculator. You may also wish to check out the Beep Test Recording Sheet.

men women
excellent > 13 > 12
very good 11 - 13 10 - 12
good 9 - 11 8 - 10
average 7 - 9 6 - 8
poor 5 - 7 4 - 6
very poor < 5 < 4

target population: this test is suitable for sports teams and school groups, but not for populations in which a maximal exercise test would be contraindicated.

validity: The correlation to actual VO2max scores is high (see some of these references). There are published VO2max score equivalents for each level reached, which can be determined using this Beep VO2max Calculator.

reliability: The reliability of the beep test would depend on how strictly the test is run and the practice allowed for the participants. There are also other factors which can affect performance, which need to be controlled if possible. See point below.

advantages: Large groups can perform this test all at once for minimal costs. Also, the test continues to maximum effort unlike many other tests of endurance capacity.

disadvantages: Practice and motivation levels can influence the score attained, and the scoring can be subjective. As the test is often conducted outside, the environmental conditions can affect the results.

Beep Test Imagecomments: to increase reliability, you can give consistent instructions prior to the test and provide the same encouragement and apply the same strictness to when to finish the test.

factors to consider: Although the beep test is primarily a fitness test of the aerobic energy system, there is a range of other factors that can affect performance in the test and are important to consider. These include: running efficiency and turning technique, anaerobic capacity, motivation and social dynamics, motor skills and cognitive ability (especially in children), environmental differences, clothing and running surfaces, test familiarization and instructions, the purpose and context of testing

other considerations: 

Variations and Other Beep Type Tests (more on Variations)

There are several versions of the test, but one commonly used version has an initial running velocity of 8.0 km/hr, then up to 9.0 km/hr for level 2 and then increases by 0.5 km/hr thereafter. Another version starts at 8.5 km/hr, then increases by 0.5 km/hr each minute (more on test variations, and see Beep test video examples).

Beep Test Modifications (tests based on the standard beep test) - see more



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