Overview
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) runs the PNP Entrance Examination (PNPE) for people who want to join the Philippine National Police. Passing it gives the eligibility needed for appointment as a Patrolman or Patrolwoman, the entry rank of the PNP. Actual appointment then depends on the PNP's own recruitment requirements.
NAPOLCOM holds the exam twice a year. In 2026 the sittings were on 19 April and 18 October. On the same days, NAPOLCOM also runs promotional exams for serving PNP members, but those are separate tests and are not covered here.
Who can apply
According to reports of NAPOLCOM's 2026 announcements, an applicant for the PNP Entrance Exam must:
be a Filipino citizen
hold a bachelor's degree
be no older than 30 (reports describe the bracket as 21 to 30 on exam day)
meet the minimum height of 1.57 m for men and 1.52 m for women
A bachelor's degree in any field is accepted.
Exam pattern
The PNPE is a multiple-choice test. Reports put the duration at about 3 hours, and it covers four areas:
| Area | What it covers |
|---|---|
| General Information | The Philippine Constitution, PNP law and history, the criminal justice system, current events, social awareness and values |
| Verbal Reasoning | Vocabulary, reading comprehension and grammar |
| Quantitative Reasoning | Basic number concepts and problem solving |
| Logical Reasoning | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning |
Marking and results
You need a score of at least 70% to pass. The results of the April 2026 sitting were released in June 2026. In the October 2025 sitting, 14,438 of 40,869 examinees passed, a passing rate of 35.33%.
Important dates
April 2026 sitting
Online registration: 16 to 20 February 2026
On-site application processing: 18 February to 20 March 2026
Exam: 19 April 2026
October 2026 sitting
Online registration: 17 to 21 August 2026
On-site application processing: 18 August to 17 September 2026
Exam: 18 October 2026
Fees
For 2026, the PNP Entrance Exam fee was PhP400.
How to apply
Register during the online window through the NAPOLCOM Online Scheduling System on the NAPOLCOM website.
Go to the NAPOLCOM office on your scheduled date during the application processing period and submit:
your online registration notice (printed or electronic)
two coloured passport-size photos showing you in a white shirt against a white background
a valid government-issued ID that shows your date of birth
a photocopy or certified copy of your transcript of records, diploma or certificate of graduation
a legal-size envelope with postage stamps
Pay the PhP400 exam fee.
After the exam
Passers can use the eligibility to apply for appointment as a Patrolman or Patrolwoman in the PNP. The PNP then runs its own recruitment steps, which are separate from the NAPOLCOM exam.
Preparation tips
General Information is the broadest area, so read the Philippine Constitution, the main PNP laws and the history of the PNP, and follow current events in the months before the exam. Practise timed verbal and number problems too, because every area counts toward the 70% you need to pass.
Who conducts the PNP Entrance Examination?
The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). Passing gives the eligibility needed for appointment as a Patrolman or Patrolwoman in the Philippine National Police.
Do I need a criminology degree to take the PNP Entrance Exam?
No. A bachelor's degree in any field is accepted.
What is the passing score?
At least 70%.
How often is the exam held?
Twice a year. In 2026 the sittings were on 19 April and 18 October.