PMA Cadet Entrance Test
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ExploreAbout this exam
The PMA Cadet Entrance Test is the screening examination used in the admissions process for the Philippine Military Academy, the premier military training institution of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, based at Fort Gregorio del Pilar on Loakan Road in Baguio City. The exam is aimed at Filipino youth seeking appointment as cadets - a path the Academy describes as a noble privilege in serving the country and its people, offering free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly pay and allowances, and a guaranteed job after graduation as an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Candidates should expect broad coverage across Mathematics, English, Science, abstract reasoning, and general information, testing both academic readiness and the reasoning speed demanded of cadets. Preparation works best as a staged effort: rebuild fundamentals in math and science, drill vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension, practice pattern and logic puzzles under time pressure, and stay current on national and international affairs. Because the Academy's stated mission is to develop cadets who possess character, broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to a progressive military career, preparation should also include physical fitness and a clear understanding of the Academy's history and traditions. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with the Philippine Military Academy.
What you'll study
About PMA Cadet Entrance Test preparation
What does the PMA Cadet Entrance Test cover?
Candidates should prepare across five broad areas: Mathematics, English, Science, abstract reasoning, and general information. Expect quantitative problem solving, grammar and reading comprehension, basic physical and biological science concepts, pattern and logic puzzles, and current events. Build accuracy first, then speed, since most sections reward fast, careful reasoning.
Who should take this exam?
Filipino youth who want to enter the Philippine Military Academy as cadets and pursue a career as an officer in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. The Academy frames cadetship as a noble privilege in serving the country and its people, with free college education, monthly pay and allowances, and a guaranteed job after graduation.
How hard is the entrance test?
Treat it as a competitive, broad-coverage exam rather than an advanced one. Most items test solid high school fundamentals under time pressure, so the difficulty comes from breadth and pacing. Weak arithmetic, slow reading, and unfamiliar science vocabulary are the usual score killers, not obscure topics.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
Retake rules are set by the Academy and change between admission cycles, so confirm the current policy directly with PMA before planning. Do not assume a second attempt is automatic. If a retake is allowed, use the interval to fix your weakest area rather than repeating the same general review.
How much time do I get per section?
Section timings and total testing time are announced by the Academy for each admission cycle and are not fixed here. Practice with a timer regardless: simulate short blocks of 20 to 30 items, and train yourself to skip and return to expensive computation items instead of losing minutes on one question.
In what order should I study the subjects?
Start with Mathematics and English, because they improve slowly and underpin science and reasoning items. Add abstract reasoning next, in short daily drills. Keep general information as a light ongoing habit - reading news regularly beats cramming lists of facts in the final week.
What are the most common failure modes?
Running out of time because of slow mental arithmetic, misreading question stems, panicking on unfamiliar pattern items, and neglecting current events entirely. Another frequent mistake is ignoring physical preparation: the Academy develops character and military skills alongside academics, so fitness and discipline matter to the whole application.
How should I prepare in the final weeks?
Shift from learning to rehearsal. Take full-length timed practice sets, review every wrong answer to find the underlying gap, and drill mental math and vocabulary daily. Sleep properly before test day, prepare your documents early, and read the Academy's official admission announcements for schedule and requirements.
Does attending PMA cost tuition?
The Academy lists free college education with a well-rounded curriculum among the reasons to become a cadet, along with monthly pay and allowances and a guaranteed job after graduation. Confirm current benefits, allowances, and obligations with PMA directly, since details are updated per cycle.
Is this page officially connected to PMA?
No. This is an independent study resource written for candidates searching for exam information. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by the Philippine Military Academy. Always verify admission requirements, schedules, and policies through the Academy's own official channels before acting.