PMA Entrance Exam Guide: Requirements, Age Limit and How to Apply

To take the PMA Entrance Exam (PMAEE), you must be a Filipino citizen, at least a Grade 12 graduate with a general average of 85% or higher, single with no children, and not less than 17 and not a day older than 22 on the day of admission. Your barefoot height must be at least 5'0" and not more than 6'4".

The next exam cycle had not been announced when we last checked. As a guide, PMA opened online applications on February 20 in 2026 and held the exams from July to September, so watch pma.edu.ph and PMA's official Facebook page from early 2027.

Who can apply

PMA's published qualifications are:

• Natural-born or naturalized Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character.
• Never married, never pregnant, and with no legal obligation to support a child.
• At least a Grade 12 graduate with a general average of 85% or higher.
• No administrative or criminal case.
• Age and height as above. The height rule is the same for male and female applicants.

What to bring on exam day

If you applied online, bring:

• Your printed exam permit and one 2x2 ID photo, white background, taken within the last six months.
• Two #2 pencils and a valid ID.
• Your own food, drinking water and an umbrella, since food at venues may be limited.
• White t-shirt, pants and rubber shoes, which is the dress code.

How to apply

1. Check every qualification, then watch PMA's official channels for the opening of its online application system.

2. Scan your PSA birth certificate and Form 137 or 138 as JPEG files, with all pages of each document saved as one file.

3. Apply through the Admission link on www.pma.edu.ph, choose your testing center, and upload your documents.

4. Print your exam permit and attach a recent 2x2 photo. PMA has also accepted walk-in applicants at testing centers, subject to available test booklets.

5. On exam day, arrive by 7:00 AM for processing. In 2026 the exam started at 12:00 NN.

How hard is it, and what comes next?

It's very competitive. In 2026, 25,452 qualified examinees took the test at 48 centers, and only 1,216 (4.78%) passed. PMA doesn't publish a passing score. It releases a list of passers.

Passing doesn't make you a cadet yet. Passers go through a Complete Physical Examination, Medical Assessment, Neuropsychiatric Evaluation, Physical Fitness Test and an Aptitude for the Service interview. Those who make it receive free college education, Salary Grade 19 pay and allowances, and a career as a commissioned officer.