PMA & PNPA Entrance Exams: How to Prep for Both at Once
What the PMA entrance exam and the PNPA Cadet Admission Test actually cover, where their calendars stand, and a combined review plan for applicants targeting both.
By Super Tutor Team
Two Academies, Overlapping Tests
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) each run their own entrance exam: the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) and the PNPA Cadet Admission Test (PNPACAT). Their calendars don't clash, so you can apply to both, and much of your review carries over.
Where the Calendars Stand
- PMAEE (Class 2031) — held from 11 July to 6 September 2026 in five regional legs at 48 testing centres. Results are expected around October 2026. The 2027 exam isn't announced yet; in recent years applications opened around March at admission.pma.edu.ph, with testing from July to September.
- PNPACAT (Class 2031) — set for 25 October 2026. Online applications through PNPA's CAT Online Application System run from 1 June to 30 September 2026.
What Each Exam Covers
PMAEE: PMA's own application page lists three areas — Math (algebra and geometry), English (grammar, composition, reading comprehension) and the SPMA abstract-reasoning test (verbal and numerical reasoning, pattern analysis). There's no Science or General Information subtest.
PNPACAT: PNPA doesn't publish an official subject breakdown. Reviewer sites report English and Filipino communication skills, math, general science, logical and abstract reasoning, and general information and current events. Treat that list as unofficial.
Shared Review Areas
- English — grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension.
- Mathematics — algebra and geometry at minimum.
- Reasoning — verbal and numerical reasoning, pattern and sequence items.
If PNPA is your target, add Filipino, basic science and general information on top, since reviewer sites list them for the PNPACAT.
Combined 10-Week Plan
Weeks 1–5: cover the three shared areas with daily 45-min blocks. Weeks 6–7: add Filipino, basic science and current events if you're applying to PNPA. Weeks 8–9: timed mixed practice under exam conditions. Week 10: rest plus light recall.
Both academies screen far more than your written score. PMA's pipeline continues with medical, physical and psychological evaluations, and its physical fitness test includes a 3.2 km run, push-ups and sit-ups. Keep training while you review.
How Super Tutor Helps
Super Tutor has separate reviewers for the PMA entrance exam and the PNPA cadet admission test, each with chapter content in 11 study formats, practice quizzes at three difficulty levels, an AI tutor and a study planner. Neither includes full mock exams. Each plan covers one exam; 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.
See Also
Sources
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