After PMAEE: PFT, Medical, Psych Exam — What's Next
The PMA written exam is only the first stage. What the physical fitness test, medical and psychological evaluations involve, and how to prepare for them while you review.
By Super Tutor Team
Many applicants who pass the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) think they're nearly in. They're not. PMA describes the written exam as the first stage of its screening. Passers then face a strict selection process that includes medical, physical and psychological evaluations.
The 2026 PMAEE for Class 2031 ran from 11 July to 6 September 2026, with results expected around October 2026. Here's what waits on the other side, what each stage asks of you, and how to prepare for them alongside your written-exam review.
The Stages After the PMAEE
After results come out, passers move into further screening. The core evaluations reported for PMA are:
- Physical fitness test (PFT) — PMA says it includes a 3.2 km run, push-ups and sit-ups.
- Medical evaluation — a full check of your health and fitness for military training.
- Psychological evaluation — tests and interviews on fitness for military service.
How many passers make it through each stage isn't published. What is known: in 2025, 1,436 of 24,671 examinees passed the written exam (5.82%), and those passers then went through this process. In that cycle, accepted applicants were due to begin training the following May.
Stage 1: The Physical Fitness Test
The PFT is harder than people expect and easier to prepare for than people think — if you start early. PMA's 2026 call named three components:
- 3.2-kilometer run.
- Push-ups.
- Sit-ups.
PMA doesn't post the exact passing standards on its application page. Get the current standards from PMA when you're called, and train to beat them comfortably rather than just match them — test-day nerves drop performance.
How to Train For It
If you're already moderately active, three months of structured training closes the gap. If you're not, start six months out.
- Months 1–2: build an aerobic base (3 easy runs a week, 30–40 min) + bodyweight strength (push-ups, sit-ups, 3 sessions a week).
- Months 3–4: add interval running at your target 3.2 km pace + gradually more reps.
- Months 5–6: timed practice PFTs every two weeks, with recovery between sessions.
- Last 2 weeks: taper. Reduce volume, keep intensity.
Don't treat PFT prep as separate from PMAEE prep. Regular exercise helps sleep, focus and stress control, which carries into the written exam.
Stage 2: The Medical Evaluation
PMA doesn't publish its full medical checklist on its application page. Expect a thorough examination of your general health, vision, hearing, heart and lungs, laboratory tests and physical condition — military training is demanding, and the medical checks that you can handle it.
What You Can Do Now
- Get a general check-up from a doctor before the official medical, and tell them you're applying to PMA.
- Have your eyes tested, including color vision, if you never have.
- Keep a healthy weight — PMA screens height (5'0" to 6'4") and overall fitness.
- Bring records of any past conditions or surgeries, and be honest about them.
An early check-up gives you time to deal with anything treatable, or to plan a different route if needed.
Stage 3: The Psychological Evaluation
This stage looks at whether you're suited to the demands of military life. It commonly involves written tests and an interview.
How to prepare: be honest. Trying to game personality questionnaires usually backfires, because they're designed to catch inconsistent answers. Sleep well the night before, eat normally, and answer consistently. In interviews, be calm, direct and yourself.
Final Selection
After the evaluations, PMA makes its final selection for the incoming class. If you don't make it, you can apply again in a later cycle as long as you still meet the age rule (17–22 on the date of admission). Other routes: the PNPA Cadet Admission Test for a police, fire or jail officer career, the AFPSAT for AFP enlisted or officer-candidate entry, or the Career Service Exam for civilian government work.
A Side-by-Side Timeline for the Next Cycle
PMA hasn't announced the 2027 exam. In 2025 and 2026, applications opened around March and testing ran July to September. If that pattern holds:
- Now to February: PMAEE foundations (algebra, geometry, English, abstract reasoning) + build your running and strength base + a general medical check-up.
- March to May: apply when PMA opens applications; targeted written-exam practice; progressive PFT training.
- June to your exam leg: timed written practice; PFT peak phase; deal with any medical findings.
- After your exam: keep training while you wait for results.
The Mental Side of the Wait
The wait between the exam and each later stage is stressful. What helps:
- Keep a routine. Keep training. Stay engaged with school or work.
- Limit forum doom-scrolling. Rumours spread faster than facts; rely on PMA's official pages.
- Have a backup plan. Knowing you have another route (PNPA, AFPSAT, CSE) lowers the pressure on any single stage.
- Talk to someone. Family, friends or a counselor.
Day-Of Tips for Each Stage
PFT Day
- Eat a light, familiar breakfast 2–3 hours before. No food experiments.
- Hydrate the day before, not just the morning of.
- Warm up properly — cold-start max efforts are injury risks.
- Don't burn out on push-ups; you still need your legs for the run.
Medical Day
- Bring your medical records.
- Disclose existing conditions honestly.
- Wear clothes that are easy to change out of.
- Sleep well; blood pressure in particular is affected by poor sleep.
Psych Day
- Eat normally; don't fast.
- Answer consistently.
- In the interview, be direct and calm.
- Don't try to game the test.
How Super Tutor Helps
The written exam is where we help. Super Tutor's PMA entrance exam reviewer gives you chapter content in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor and a study planner, so your math, English and reasoning stay sharp while you train. It doesn't include full mock exams. Plans start at ₱249 a month with auto-pay (cancel anytime) or ₱299 to pay once for 30 days, and ₱1,999 covers a full year, paid once.
FAQ
What percentage of PMAEE passers enter the academy?
PMA doesn't publish that figure. What's published is the written-exam pass rate: 5.82% in 2025 (1,436 of 24,671).
What does the PMA physical fitness test include?
PMA's 2026 call named a 3.2 km run, push-ups and sit-ups. Get the current standards from PMA.
When are the post-exam stages for the 2026 exam?
They follow the results, which are expected around October 2026. Watch PMA's official website and Facebook page for results and next steps.
Can I improve PFT performance in three months?
Yes, if you're starting from a moderate base. Six months is safer if you haven't been training. Don't crash-train — injuries are a real risk.
What if I have a tattoo or a medical condition?
Ask PMA's Office of Cadet Admission before you apply. Rules on medical conditions and tattoos are PMA's call, and they can change.
See Also
Sources
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