The aim was to compare the use of two methodological approaches, the traditional model (TM) and the Sport Education Model (SEM) on the assessment of physical fitness with 118 students of 13 years old (M = 12.81, SD = 0.74). The results indicated that the use of the MED in physical fitness test administration produced higher scores on the variables autonomy, competence, relationship, and intrinsic motivation. Males became more bored and females felt less pressure-tension with the SEM. Fitness assessment from both methodological approaches were similar, indicating good reliability in data collection. Based on the self-determination theory, the results of this study suggest that the use of the SEM in fitness testing can produce benefits in the students without losing reliability in fitness testing.