PMMA Entrance Exam for AY 2026-2027 | Class of 2030

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is now accepting applications for the Entrance Examination for the Class of 2030 (Academic Year 2026-2027).

This article covers everything aspiring cadets need to know about joining the academy.

You’ll learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, important dates, and tips to help you prepare for the PMMA Entrance Exam.

Read on to get started.

Basic Qualification Requirements

To be considered for the PMMA Entrance Exam, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Male or female, physically fit, natural born Filipino citizen;
2. Single and never been married and has no children out of wedlock;
3. Free from being accused or convicted of any crime against the law and the state;
4. At least 17 years old and not more than 23 years old upon enrollment on August 01;
5. Grade 12 student; College Level
6. At least 160 centimeters (5 ft. & 3 in.) for males and 155 centimeters (5 ft. & 1 in.) for females;
7. BMI of less than 25;
8. At least of good academic performance;
9. Has not been enrolled in PMMA.

Disqualification Criteria for Incoming Probationary Midshipmen/women

Here are the medical and dental conditions that may disqualify candidates from entering the PMMA program.

Medical Disqualifications:

For Male Applicants:

1. Undescended testicles
2. Absence of one or both testicles
3. Suspicious enlargement of testis or epididymis
4. Varicocele
5. Redundant prepuce
6. Height less than 5ft & 3 inches

For Female Applicants:

1. History of childbirth/lactation
2. Pregnancy
3. Irregular menstrual cycle including menorrhagia.
4. Dysmenorrhea incapacitating to a degree which necessitates recurrent absences.
5. Ovarian cyst, persistent and considered clinically significant
6. New growth of the external and internal genitalia, e.g. myoma of the uterus
7. Breast mass
8. Endometrioses unless surgically eradicated or controlled
9. Cervicitis, acute or chronic
10. Generalized enlargement of the uterus due to any cause
11. Cervical polyps
12. Height: less than 5 ft & 1 inch

For Male and Female Applicants:

1. Lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis (thoracic & lumbar) regardless of angle
2. Bowlegged/knocked knee (Severe)
3. Pes Planus (flat footed) – Severe
4. Arthritis, acute or subacute
5. Underweight or overweight. Applicants must attain a computed body mass index of less than 25 upon physical examination for both male and female applicants.
6. Severe skin diseases: bacterial, fungal or viral in nature. Excessive acne. Warts and all skin diseases must be cured prior to medical exam.
7. Leprosy in any form
8. Tattoo/hypertrophic tattoo scars causing disfigurement, extensive keloid scars specially in the facial area.
9. Gross physical deformity asymmetry whether congenital due to trauma or disease including extra or missing appendages (i.e. fingers)
10. Errors of refraction of eyes (near-sighted, far-sighted, astigmatism), cross-eyed and other ocular disorders.
11. Visual Acuity of less than 20/30 OU
12. Wearing contact lenses and eyeglasses
13. Color blindness/defective color perception (Ishihara – perfect for BSMT and 2 mistakes for BSMarE)
14. Deafness/perforated eardrum
15. Severe or chronic otitis media
16. Impacted cerumen (must be removed prior to medical exam)
17. Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps
18. Hypertension, abnormal ECG tracings (e.g. AV blocks, bundle branch blocks, ischemia, infarctions, arrhythmia tachycardia, bradycardia, etc.), heart abnormalities and diseases.
19. Active PTB, massive pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary infarctions, pneumonitis, bronchopneumonia, atelectasis and other lung diseases.
20. History of Asthma
21. Lymphadenopathy
22. Epilepsy, seizures, syncope and vertigo
23. Anemia and blood dyscrasia
24. Hyperthyroidism (goiter) Hypothyroidism
25. Diabetes Mellitus
26. Hepatitis B whether active or inactive
27. Gallstones
28. Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, duodenal ulcers and other GIT problems
29. History of major operations within the preceeding 6 months
30. External/internal hemorrhoids and fissures, fistula-in-ano
31. Old or recent fractures wherein internal fixation plates, screws are left in place which may be easily subjected to trauma
32. Sexually transmitted diseases i.e. HIV, gonorrhea & non-gonoccocal urethritis & syphilis
33. Hernia
34. Renal diseases and stones
35. No current or Maintenance Medication (such as for hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, seizures, syncope, vertigo etc.)

Dental Disqualifications:

1. Oral tumors or cyst
2. Cleft palate and Cleft lip
3. Malocclusion
   • Class II
   • Class III
   • Lateral crossbite
4. Open bite
5. Tongue tied which may interfere with speech, breathing, swallowing and eating
6. Missing of four anterior/posterior (front teeth/molar teeth)
7. Complete upper or lower denture
8. Impacted tooth/teeth
9. Facial asymmetry
10. Wearing of orthodontic brackets or any orthodontic appliances

Requirements

Applicants must submit the following requirements to apply for the PMMA Entrance Exam. These documents will help verify your eligibility and academic qualifications.

1. Recent 2×2 Colored Photo:
   • With name tag, front view; white background
2. Copy of PSA Birth Certificate
3. Payment Fee: 500 (Non-refundable)
4. For Current Grade 12 Students:
   • Certification from School Principal verifying current enrollment
   • Photocopy of Grade 11 Report Card
5. For Grade 12 Graduates and 1st Year College Students:
   • Photocopy of Senior High School Diploma
   • Photocopy of Grade 12 Report Card
6. For Current College Students:
   • Photocopy of Registration Form
   • Certified True Copy of Grades
7. For College Graduates:
   • Photocopy of College Diploma
   • Photocopy of Transcript of Records
8. To Be Submitted Upon Enrollment as Probationary Midshipmen/women:
   • Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
   • NBI Clearance

How to Apply for the PMMA Entrance Exam

Follow these five easy steps to complete your PMMA entrance exam application.

Step 1: Create an Account

• Go to https://admissions.pmma.edu.ph/ and fill out all required fields.
• Check your email for the verification message, click the verification button, then log in to your account.
• Note: Old applicants must create a new account due to system updates.

Step 2: Select Your Testing Center

• Choose the nearest and most convenient testing center.

• Reminder: Once submitted, you can no longer change your testing center.

Step 3: Upload Your Requirements

• Select your highest educational attainment, click Next, fill out all required information, and upload the needed documents.
• Make sure all files are uploaded correctly.

Step 4: Review Your Information

• Check all your details carefully and make sure everything is correct and free of errors before submitting.

Step 5: Wait for Your Test Permit

• The admissions office will process your permit.
• Your test permit number will also serve as your room and seat assignment.
• Example: 2024-01-00101
  • 001 – Room Number
  • 01 – Seat Number

PMMA Entrance Examination

The PMMA Entrance Exam is held every last Saturday of January at designated testing centers nationwide. The exam is objective and covers the following core subjects:

• English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Analogy, Reading Comprehension)
• Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Trigonometry)
• Science (General Science, Chemistry, Physics)
• Abstract Reasoning

Approved applicants will receive their test permit through email from the Admissions Office.

Walk-In Applicants:

Walk-in Applicants are welcome to all testing centers on the day of the exam subject to availability of slots. He/She must bring the following items:

• Mobile phone with internet access and QR code scanner application
• Mongol pencil no. 2
• Valid ID with photo

Reminders:

• Arrive at least one (1) hour before the exam
• Bring a valid ID and Mongol pencil No. 2
• Dress Code: White T-shirt and pants
• Not allowed: Calculators, Sleeveless shirts, shorts, ripped jeans and slippers

PMMA Neuro-Psychological Evaluation

Candidates who pass the entrance examination are further assessed for Psychological health, including:

• IQ: for intelligence
• EQ: for emotional stability
• Personality profiling

PMMA Medical Screening

Successful examinees of the Neuro-Psychological Evaluation still have to undergo and pass the following to qualify for admission:

• Pre-Medical
  • Height/ Weight Requirements
  • Color Perception Test (ISHIHARA)
  • Snellen’s Eye Test
• Dental Examination
• Laboratory Examination
• Physical Examination

See the Medical and Dental grounds for DISQUALIFICATIONS on the application procedure above.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the PMMA Entrance Exam is January 10, 2026.

The exam will be held on January 31, 2026, the last Saturday of January.

For updates, including possible changes or extensions, please check the official PMMA Facebook page.

PMMA Orientation and Training

The Summer Orientation Training is a one-and-half-month indoctrination course where probationary midshipmen are quartered at the PMMA compound for the entire duration of the period.

The “probies” are isolated from their families and friends and prohibited from entertaining visitors.

A hectic schedule consisting of military training, refresher courses in Mathematics and English, and introductory lectures in Navigation or Marine Engineering make up the day of every “proby.”

PMMA Appointment as Midshipman

After passing the rigid requirements of the Orientation and Indoctrination Period and fully completing all necessary papers for registration, the “probies” will sworn in as midshipmen of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and subsequently issued their serial numbers by the PMMA Superintendent.

PMMA Benefits

As a PMMA cadet, you can enjoy these benefits that set you up for a successful maritime career:

• A government scholarship;
• Experience a semi-military lifestyle in a leadership environment;
• Rewarding leadership and training experiences;
• Travel the world for free while still a cadet;
• An assured shipboard training onboard international ocean-going vessels;
• Automatic commissionship in the Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard as Ensign (2Lt);
• Earn a Bachelor’s Degree;
• 100% employability, immediate hiring by more than thirty (30) partner international and manning companies; and
• Promising careers in the seafaring industry as master mariners, chief engineers, shipping executives, naval or coast guard officers, educators, and trainers in maritime-related industries/institutions.

About the PMMA

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is the only premier state maritime institution in the Philippines. It offers specialized degree courses and training for marine officers and seamen.

As government scholars, PMMA midshipmen enjoy free tuition, accommodation, and guaranteed shipboard training with stipends.

They boast a 100% employment rate upon graduation, making them the top choice for global shipping companies.

Admission into PMMA is competitive, with only 5% of the roughly 6,400 annual applicants passing the rigorous selection process.

Joining PMMA opens the door to quality education and unlimited career opportunities in the maritime industry.

Conclusion

The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Entrance Exam (PMMAEE) 2026-2027 is for those who want to join the academy.

It explains how to apply, the basic requirements, reasons for disqualification, and medical and dental conditions that may prevent entry.

Applicants must meet physical, academic, and legal standards to pass the application, exam, and training.

For questions, contact details are available. Read the guidelines carefully to prepare well for the PMMAEE.

References

1. Admission Process: The Academy. (n.d.). Pmma.edu.ph. https://pmma.edu.ph/admission-process
2. Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. (n.d.). Www.facebook.com. https://www.facebook.com/PMMA-OFFICIAL

You might also be interested in…

Stay Updated!

Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest exam updates and preparation tips!