Are you passionate about the sea and dream of a rewarding career in the maritime industry? Look no further than the PMMA Entrance Exam for the Academic Year 2024 – 2025. The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) offers a prestigious and comprehensive program that equips aspiring individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the maritime field.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential information, eligibility criteria, application process, and preparation strategies to help you successfully navigate the PMMA entrance exam and embark on a thrilling journey toward a flourishing maritime career.
Overview of the PMMA Entrance Exam
Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is now looking for a new breed of cadets for the Academic Year 2024 – 2025 (Batch 2028 Class).
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), the country’s first maritime school, is sponsored by the government with assistance from the shipping industry. It is the proud mother of the greatest merchant marine officers in the Philippines.
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The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy-PMMAOfficial on its FaceBook Page Announced that, “Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is thrilled to announce that the entrance exam for aspiring cadets will be conducted simultaneously on October 28, 2023.” for the CLASS 2028.
Benefits and Privileges:
- 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.
However, the process of entering PMMA is not that easy. Out of the average examinees of 6,400, about 5% successfully pass the different stages of the screening process. With the use of this data, we can conclude that successful applicants subsequently take their oath as full-fledged PMMA midshipmen are only in the range of 300-350 applicants.
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If you want to be part of PMMA, read and understand the information below and prepare the requirements needed:
Basic Qualification for PMMA Entrance Exam
- Male or female, physically fit, natural born Filipino citizen;
- Single and never been married and has no children out of wedlock;
- Free from being accused or convicted of any crime against the law and the state;
- At least 17 years old and not more than 23 years old upon enrollment on August 01;
- Grade 12 student; College Level
- At least 160 centimeters (5 ft. & 3 in.) for males and 155 centimeters (5 ft. & 1 in.) for females;
- BMI of less than 25;
- At least of good academic performance;
- Has not been enrolled in PMMA.
Medical Disqualifications for PMMA Entrance Exam
For Male Applicants:
- Undescended testicles
- Absence of one or both testicles
- Suspicious enlargement of testis or epididymis
- Varicocele
- Uncircumcised (must be circumcised before medical exam)
- Height less than 5ft & 3 inches
For Female Applicants:
- History of childbirth/lactation
- Pregnancy
- Irregular menstrual cycle including menorrhagia
- Dysmenorrhea incapacitating to a degree that necessitates recurrent absences
- Ovarian cyst, persistent and considered clinically significant
- New growth of the external and internal genitalia, e.g. myoma of the uterus
- Breast mass
- Endometrioses unless surgically eradicated or controlled
- Cervicitis, acute or chronic
- Generalized enlargement of the uterus due to any cause
- Cervical polyps
- Height: less than 5ft & 1 inch
For Male and Female Applicants:
- Lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis (thoracic & lumbar) regardless of the angle
- Bowlegged/knocked knee (Severe)
- Pes Planus (flat-footed) – Severe
- Arthritis, acute or subacute
- Underweight or overweight. Applicants must attain a computed body mass index of less than 25 upon physical examination for both male and female applicants.
- Severe skin diseases: bacterial, fungal, or viral in nature. Excessive acne. Warts and all skin diseases must be cured prior to a medical exam.
- Leprosy in any form
- Tattoo/hypertrophic tattoo scars cause disfigurement and extensive keloid scars, especially in the facial area.
- Gross physical deformity asymmetry whether congenital due to trauma or disease including extra or missing appendages (i.e.fingers)
- Errors of refraction of eyes (near-sighted, far-sighted, astigmatism), cross-eyed, and other ocular disorders.
- Visual Acuity of less than 20/30 OU
- Wearing contact lenses and eyeglasses
- Color blindness/defective color perception (Ishihara – perfect for BSMT and 2 mistakes for BSMarE)
- Deafness/perforated eardrum
- Severe or chronic otitis media
- Impacted cerumen (must be removed prior to medical exam)
- Chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps
- Hypertension, abnormal ECG tracings (e.g. AV blocks, bundle branch blocks, ischemia, infarctions, arrhythmia tachycardia, bradycardia, etc.), heart abnormalities, and diseases.
- Active PTB, massive pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary infarctions, pneumonitis, bronchopneumonia, atelectasis, and other lung diseases.
- History of Asthma
- Lymphadenopathy
- Epilepsy, seizures, syncope, and vertigo
- Anemia and blood dyscrasia
- Hyperthyroidism (goiter) Hypothyroidism
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Hepatitis B whether active or inactive
- Gallstones
- Chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, duodenal ulcers, and other GIT problems
- History of major operations within the preceding 6 months
- External/internal hemorrhoids and fissures, fistula-in-ano
- Old or recent fractures wherein internal fixation plates, and screws are left in place which may be easily subjected to trauma
- Sexually transmitted diseases i.e. HIV, gonorrhea & non-gonococcal urethritis & syphilis
- Hernia
- Renal diseases and stones
- No current or Maintenance Medication (such as for hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, seizures, syncope, vertigo, etc.)
Dental Qualifications for PMMA Entrance Exam
- Cleft palate and Cleft lip
- Malocclusion
- Class II
- Class III
- Lateral crossbite
- Open bite
- Tongue-tied which may interfere with speech, breathing, swallowing, and eating
- Missing four anterior/posterior (front teeth/molar teeth)
- Complete upper or lower denture
- Impacted tooth/teeth
- Facial asymmetry
- Wearing of orthodontic brackets or any orthodontic appliances
- Oral tumors or cysts
How to Apply:
Applicants who wish to take the pmma entrance examination should complete the PMMA Application Form. If you don’t have an account, you can visit the PMMA application portal, create your account and fill out the application form: https://pims.pmma.edu.ph/ or
Check out the step-by-step video guide for a seamless application experience: herein this link (https://bit.ly/3KyOcls).
List of PMMA Testing Centers
From the list of testing centers, applicants must pick their preferred testing center for the pmma entrance exam.
| CODE | TESTING CENTER | ADDRESS |
| 01 | PMMA, ZAMBALES | Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, San Narciso, Zambales |
| 02 | AGUSAN | Agusan Sur National High School, Agusan Del Sur |
| 03 | ALBAY | Tabaco National High School, Tabaco City |
| 04 | BATANGAS | Batangas City Integrated National School, Batangas City |
| 05 | BENGUET | Pines City National High School, Benguet |
| 06 | BOHOL | Dr. Cecilio Putong National HS, Tagbilaran City |
| 07 | BULACAN | Marcelo H. Del Pilar National HS, Malolos City |
| 08 | CAGAYAN | Cagayan National High School, Tuguegarao |
| 09 | CAMARINES NORTE | Camarines Norte State College, Daet |
| 10 | CAMARINES SUR | Camarines Sur National School, Naga City |
| 11 | CAVITE | Bacoor National High School-Tabing Dagat |
| 12 | CEBU | Abellana National School, Cebu City |
| 13 | DAVAO | Sta Ana National High School-Guerrero Campus,Davao City |
| 14 | IFUGAO | Ifugao State University, Nayon, Lamut |
| 15 | ILIGAN CITY | Iligan CityNational High School, Iligan City |
| 16 | ILOCOS NORTE | Ilocos Norte National High School, Laoag City |
| 17 | ILOILO CITY | Iloilo National High School, La Paz, Iloilo City |
| 18 | ISABELA | Rizal National High School, Santiago City |
| 19 | LAGUNA | Pacita Complex National High School, San Pedro |
| 20 | LA UNION | La Union National High School, San Fernando |
| 21 | MISAMIS ORIENTAL | PMMA CDO, Xavier University Grade School |
| 22 | MT. PROVINCE | Mt. Province Gen. Comp. H.S., Bontoc |
| 23 | NCR-FAIRVIEW | Batasan Hills National High School |
| 24 | NCR-MAKATI | Benigno Ninoy S. Aquino High School, Makati City |
| 25 | NUEVA VIZCAYA | Solano National High School, Solano |
| 26 | PAMPANGA | Pampanga High School, San Fernando |
| 27 | PANGASINAN | Dagupan City National High School, Pangasinan |
| 28 | QUEZON PROVINCE | Quezon National High School, Lucena City |
| 29 | SOUTH COTABATO | Gen. Santos City High School-Main, Rizal St., Calumpang |
| 30 | SOUTHERN LEYTE | Sogod National High School |
| 31 | TARLAC | Tarlac National High School, Tarlac |
| 32 | MATE | Maritime Academy For Training and Education 2018(MATE) INC.,Taytay, Rizal |
| 33 | MASBATE | Masbate National Comprehensive High School, Masbate City |
Contact Details:
If you have concerns or questions regarding your application, message the Admissions Office with the following numbers:
- Tel No. (047) 913-2239, 047 912-4396 loc. 166
- Mobile:
- 09666100550 (Globe)
- 09397856822 (Smart)
- Email: Info.admissions@pmma.edu.ph
Two (2) months after the day of the examination, the pmma entrance exam results will be posted on the PMMA website. They will also be sent individual test results through email that was given by the applicants not later than the same month.
Filing Requirements for PMMA Entrance Exam
- Recent 2×2 colored pictures with name tag, front view; white background;
- Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate. (Baptismal and Hospital Birth Certificate NOT honored)
- Applicants who are currently in Grade 12:
- Certification from School Principal that the applicant is currently enrolled as a Grade 12
- Photocopy of Grade 11 Report Card
- Applicants who are Grade 12 Graduates and 1st-year college:
- Photocopy of Senior High School Diploma
- Photocopy of Grade 12 Report Card
- Applicants who are currently enrolled in College:
- Photocopy of Registration Form
- Certified True Copy of Grades
- Applicants who are College Graduates:
- Photocopy of College Diploma
- Photocopy of Transcript of Records
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) to be submitted upon enrollment as probationary midshipmen-women
- NBI Clearance
- Certificate of good moral character from barangay
Note: Prepare all the requirements needed because incomplete filing requirements will not be processed.
The Admissions Office will grant a permit to take the test to each applicant whose credentials have been accepted. Test Permits will be sent to the email address issued by the applicant.
The following are relevant considerations for applicants:
- Prepare a computer or a working device, fully charged and has a stable internet connection
- Be online one hour before your scheduled time.
- Strictly no cheating, it is a ground for disqualification
- Calculators are not allowed
- Wear casual clothes
Read Also: Available Vacancies at PMMA
Coverage of PMMA Entrance Exam:
- English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Analogy, Reading Comprehension)
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, and Trigonometry)
- Science (General Science, Chemistry, and Physics)
- Abstract Reasoning
Neuro-Psychological Evaluation
Candidates who will pass the PMMA Entrance Exam are further assessed for psychological health including:
- IQ: for intelligence
- EQ: for emotional stability
- Personality profiling
Medical Screening for PMMA Entrance Exam
Examinees who successfully pass 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
Orientation and Training
A hectic schedule will make up the day of every “proby” which consists of:
- Military training
- Refresher course in
- Mathematics,
- English and
- Introductory lectures in Navigation or Marine Engineering
Note that probies will be isolated from their families and friends and prohibited from entertaining visitors.
This Summer Orientation Training is a one and half month indoctrination course where probationary midshipmen are quartered at the PMMA compound during the entire duration of the period. After the Orientation Training, qualified applicants must report to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy on the first day of July.
Appointment as Midshipman
After passing the: (1) rigid requirements of the Orientation and Indoctrination Period, and (2) fully accomplished all necessary papers for registration. The probies will sworn in as a midshipman of the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. Later on, PMMA Superintendent will be issuing their serial numbers.
Examination Date
The entrance exam for aspiring cadets will be conducted simultaneously on October 28, 2023.
Deadline of Application
The deadline will be on October 07, 2023
Final Thoughts
Embarking on a career in the maritime industry through the PMMA Entrance Exam is an opportunity to set sail toward a fulfilling and prosperous future.
By following this comprehensive guide, you will gain the necessary knowledge, confidence, and strategies to excel in the PMMA Entrance Exam and take the first step towards a thriving maritime career.
Prepare diligently, stay focused, and embrace this opportunity to join the esteemed Philippine Merchant Marine Academy and contribute to the growth and development of the maritime industry, so take the first step now by taking the PMMA Entrance Exam.
FAQ’s (Frequently Ask Question)
What is PMMA?
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is a maritime education institution that trains students to become merchant marine officers or naval officers. It was established in 1820 as the Escuela Nautica de Manila and is one of the oldest institutions in the Philippines.
How do i get into PMMA?
The Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA) is a maritime education institution that trains students to become merchant marine officers or naval officers. It was established in 1820 as the Escuela Nautica de Manila and is one of the oldest institutions in the Philippines.
Is PMMA free?
PMMA midshipmen are government scholars, who are provided free tuition fee, board and lodging and have an assured shipboard training onboard international vessels during their third year with corresponding stipend. You can check the PMMA website for more details.
What are the Requirements for PMMA Entrance Exam?
here are some of the requirements needed in filing an application for the addmission.
1. Recent 2×2 colored pictures with name tag, front view; white background;
2. Photocopy of PSA Birth Certificate. (Baptismal and Hospital Birth Certificate NOT honored) etc.
What are the benefits?
Here are some of the benefits that you can enjoy.
1. A government scholarship
2. Experience a semi-military lifestyle of leadership environment
3. Rewarding leadership and training experiences
4. Travel the world for free while still a cadet
5. An assured shipboard training onboard international ocean-going vessel and more.
DISCLAIMER:
Source: Philippine Merchant Marine Academy - PMMAOfficial / Facebook Post Reference
