What is the difference between the Promotion Fitness Examination (PFE) and the Specialty Knowledge Test (SKT)?

• A. PFE is general knowledge; SKT is AFSC-specific knowledge.
• B. PFE is AFSC-specific; SKT is general knowledge.
• C. PFE is about physical fitness; SKT is mental aptitude.
• D. PFE and SKT are the same type of test.

Answer: (A)

The difference is about scope: the Promotion Fitness Examination covers general knowledge that applies to all Air Force members, while the Specialty Knowledge Test targets knowledge specific to your AFSC. The PFE assesses broad topics like leadership concepts, military fundamentals, Air Force history, and general policies—things everyone in the-force should know regardless of job specialty. The SKT, however, is tailored to the duties and procedures of your particular specialty, testing how well you know the tasks and concepts required for that job. So the PFE is general, and the SKT is AFSC-specific, which is why this distinction matters for promotions.