PNPA vs NAPOLCOM PNPE: Two Different Routes Into the PNP

PNPA vs NAPOLCOM PNPE: Two Different Routes Into the PNP

A common mix-up: the NAPOLCOM PNP Entrance Exam (PNPE) is not the way into the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA). They are two separate routes, for different people, with different exams.

• NAPOLCOM PNPE → police eligibility for appointment as Patrolman/Patrolwoman. For bachelor's-degree holders aged 21–30.
• PNPA Cadet Admission Test (PNPACAT) → admission to PNPA as a cadet. For senior high school graduates aged 18–22. PNPA graduates are commissioned as officers.

Route 1: NAPOLCOM PNPE (Patrolman/Patrolwoman)

• Who it's for: civilians with a bachelor's degree, 21 to 30 years old on exam day (temporary Patrolmen/Patrolwomen: no age limit).
• Exam: 3 hours, pen and paper, four areas (General Information/Uprightness, Verbal, Quantitative and Logical Reasoning). Passing mark 70%. Fee ₱400.
• Dates: twice a year. April 19, 2026 was held (24.26% passed); the next sitting is October 18, 2026; 2027 dates aren't announced yet.
• After passing: the PNP's own recruitment screening, plus the RA 11549 height standard (1.57 m for men, 1.52 m for women).
• Entry pay (2026): Patrolman ₱31,151 a month base pay.

Full details: NAPOLCOM PNPE guide.

Route 2: PNPA cadetship (PNPACAT)

• Who it's for: applicants who are 18 to 22 years old before May 1, 2027 (for the Class of 2031 intake), senior high school graduates with a GWA of at least 85%, at least 5'2" (male) or 5'0" (female) barefoot, with a normal BMI.
• How to apply: through PNPA's own online application system, not NAPOLCOM. PNPA set the 2026 PNPACAT for October 25, 2026, with applications from June 1 to September 30, 2026.
• The test: a written multiple-choice test, the first stage of cadet screening, followed by psychological, medical and physical tests and interviews. PNPA doesn't publish an official subject breakdown.
• Competition: in the last cycle (November 8–9, 2025), 1,627 of 21,179 examinees passed the written test (7.68%).
• After graduating: PNPA graduates are commissioned as Police Lieutenant (PNP), Fire Inspector (BFP) or Jail Inspector (BJMP).
• Pay (2026): a Police Lieutenant's monthly base pay is ₱52,004 (EO 107), compared with ₱31,151 for a Patrolman.

Full details: PNPA admission guide and the PNPA exam page.

Side by side

Which one fits you?

• You're in or just out of senior high school, 18–22, with a strong GWA: look at PNPA. The PNPE isn't open to you yet anyway (it needs a bachelor's degree and you must be 21).
• You have a bachelor's degree and you're 21–30: the PNPE is your route. PNPA's age limit usually rules it out by then.

Where Super Tutor fits

Super Tutor's NAPOLCOM PNPE reviewer covers the general subjects plus PNP Knowledge (RA 6975, RA 8551, PNP ranks, duties and career), with lessons, practice quizzes and an AI tutor. Start free — 5-day trial, no card.

What to read next

The PNP career value guide covers what PNP service offers, and the PNP salary 2026 guide has the full rank pay table.