PMA Entrance Exam Requirements and Process 2023

The Philippine Military Academy or PMA Entrance Exam is available to those who wish to become a part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is a stepping stone for anyone who wants to start a career in the military and be able to hold top leadership position in the Armed Forces later on. But before you can get there, it is important that you take the entrance exam and satisfy other requirements.

This guide provides you with detailed information of the updated requirements and processes for the entrance exam.

PMA Entrance Exam Qualifications

Do you want to be a cadet in the PMA? You have to meet the following qualifications to become eligible to take the entrance exam.

• You must be a natural-born Filipino citizen.
• You must be physically fit
• You must be of good character.
• You must be single, has never been married, or has no child (or children) to support.
• You must pass the entrance examination.
• You must have no administrative or criminal case filed against you.
• You must be a high school graduate (at least) with a GPA of 85% and above.
• You must be at least 17 years old or no more than 22 years old upon application. 

Medical Disqualifications for Taking the PMA Entrance Exam

In addition to meeting the above requirements, you must take note of the grounds for medical disqualification to taking the entrance exam. 

• You must not be color blind. 
• You must not have any of the following communicable diseases:
  • Influenza
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Leprosy
  • Malaria
  • Tuberculosis
  • Mumps
• You must not have physical deformities such as the following:
  • Down Syndrome
  • Deaf/Mute
  • Incomplete Limbs
  • Blindness
• You must not have scoliosis, tattoos, and other medical conditions specified in the AFP Medical Board No.1. 

Requirements for the PMA Entrance Exam

If you qualify based on the above qualifications, the next thing you must do is to gather the necessary documents for taking the PMA entrance exam. 

You need to obtain a copy of your PSA Birth Certificate. You must also obtain any record of your latest GPA, such as the Transcript of Records or the Report Card. To file your entrance exam application, you need a 2”x2” ID photo taken in a white background. This photo must not be over six months old.

You must also complete the Philippine Military Academy Cadetship Application form. You must get a copy online, if you choose an online application. The form is available on the PMA website. You can also get a physical copy of the form that you must fill out and mail once completed.

During the entrance exam, make sure to bring your own #2 Pencil, a Valid ID, your vaccination card, and a negative antigen test taken in the last 24 hours (as per the updated 2022 requirements).

What to Expect During the PMA Entrance Exam

There are several topics that are covered during the PMA entrance exam. The most common subjects included in the exam are algebra, geometry, reading and comprehension, pattern analysis, grammar, composition, and verbal and numerical reasoning.

These are areas that are relevant if you were to become a PMA cadet. You will be utilizing these skills and knowledge areas once you enter the military, which is why they are the main focus areas of the exam.

Physical Fitness Test (PFT)

A physical fitness test is also an integral part to becoming a PMA cadet. It is important that you meet the requirements aside from passing the entrance exam.

The physical fitness test will require the applicant to perform pushups, situps, pullups, and run for several kilometers. The minimum physical fitness test requirements will vary from males to females, although both genders are required to complete them. 

How Do You Know if You Passed the PMA Entrance Exam?

Applicants who successfully passed the entrance exam will receive a notification from the Office of Cadet Admission via mail or website announcement. If you did not receive a notification, you can visit the OCA website to see if you are one of the successful applicants. The notification will also detail when you must complete your physical examination as part of the application process. 

If you are one of the successful applications who passed the entrance exam, you must physically report to the AFP Medical Center for your medical, dental, and neuropsychiatric evaluation. From there, more instructions will be provided on the steps that follow in your application process. 

FAQs on Taking the PMA Exam

The following are the most common questions that people ask when taking the entrance exam.

How much is the fee for the PMA entrance exam?

There are no fees for anyone who wishes to take the entrance exam. It is free for anyone.

Is there a limit to how many times you can take the exam?

No. You can re-take the entrance exam if you did not pass the first time. 

Can I take the exam in another center even if I was assigned to a different exam center?

Yes. Make sure to notify the designed exam center and its proctor ahead of time, or on the day of the exam.

Can I go directly to the exam center on the day of the exam, even without prior application?

Yes, it is possible. However, you will be accommodated only if there is an available slot. You will be considered the least priority as only a limited amount of exam materials are provided. 

What Are the Benefits of Becoming a PMA Cadet?

Aside from passing the PMA entrance exam, there are several additional fitness tests and medical evaluation that you must go through before you can become an official cadet. Even when you become a cadet, you will undergo intense training. The number of cadets that will officially graduate from the PMA is very low compared to the successful applicants. 

There are plenty of benefits for anyone who managed to successfully complete these processes. You will get a free 4-year college education, monthly stipend, and a progressive career that could land you a position in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Air Force, or the Philippine Navy.