Welcome to the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Entrance Examination (PMMAEE) Guide for SY 2025-2026!
This guide covers everything aspiring cadets need to know about joining the academy.
Learn about the application process, eligibility requirements, important dates, and tips to prepare effectively for the PMMA Entrance Exam.
Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
PMMA Application Procedure
The application process is detailed and difficult, making sure only the best candidates are chosen.
It starts with the Entrance Exam, where you show your academic abilities. Next is the Neuro-psychological Test, which checks if you’re mentally and emotionally ready for the challenges of maritime training.
If you pass, you’ll go through a Medical and Dental Check to ensure you are physically fit for the academy’s tough training and future maritime jobs.
If you pass all these steps, you will join a One-Month Orientation and Training. This helps you adjust to the academy and learn important skills before becoming 4th-class cadets, starting their first year at PMMA.
This careful process shows PMMA’s high standards, making sure only the best are trained to lead in the maritime field.
Qualification Requirements
PMMA Basic Qualification Requirements
- 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.
PMMA Disqualification Criteria for Incoming Probationary Midshipmen/women (MEDICAL DISQUALIFICATIONS)
For Male Applicants:
- Undescended testicles
- Absence of one or both testicles
- Suspicious enlargement of testis or epididymis
- Varicocele
- Redundant prepuce
- Height less than 5ft & 3 inches
For Female Applicants:
- History of childbirth/lactation
- Pregnancy
- Irregular menstrual cycle, including menorrhagia.
- Dysmenorrhea incapacitating to a degree, which 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 5 ft & 1 inch
For Male and Female Applicants:
- Lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis (thoracic & lumbar) regardless of 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 before a medical exam.
- Leprosy in any form
- Tattoo/hypertrophic tattoo scars causing disfigurement, extensive keloid scars specially 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 two mistakes for BSMarE)
- Deafness/perforated eardrum
- Severe or chronic otitis media
- Impacted cerumen (must be removed before 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 six months
- External/internal hemorrhoids and fissures, fistula-in-ano
- Old or recent fractures wherein internal fixation plates, 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.)
PMMA Disqualification Criteria for Incoming Probationary Midshipmen/women (DENTAL DISQUALIFICATION)
- 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
Application Guidelines
PMMA Guidelines on Entrance Exam Application
- Interested applicant who wishes to take the Entrance Examination should create an account and fill up the form on the button below:
Note: Only true and correct entries are accepted; any false information will be a ground for disqualification.
- See the step-by-step guide here: (PMMA Entrance Exam Application Guide)
- Recommendations:
- Make sure you have a stable internet connection.
- Use a Desktop/laptop to fill out the application
- Prepare your requirements ahead before creating an account.
PMMA Testing Center
Choose Your Testing Center
- Access the list of testing centers and locations here: (PMMA Testing Centers)
- Check the testing center nearest to your area or whichever is most convenient for you.
Note: Once you submit your application, this process cannot be undone.
Filing Requirements
Filing Requirements
- Recent 2×2 colored pictures with a name tag, front view, white background;
- Copy of PSA Birth Certificate.
- Applicants who are currently 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 Graduate
- Photocopy of College Diploma
- Photocopy of Transcript of Records
- Applicants who are currently Grade 12:
- To be submitted upon enrollment as Probationary Midshipmen-women
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- NBI Clearance
LEARN MORE: How to
PMMA Entrance Exam Schedule
Please be informed that the deadline for the PMMA online application for AY: 2025-2026 is on December 15, 2024 (Sunday), at 12:00 P.M.
In addition, walk-in applicants will be accepted on the examination date in all testing centers (see https://pmma.edu.ph/pmma-testing-centers/ for the full list).
Please be advised that the PMMA Entrance Examination is scheduled to take place on January 11, 2025 (Saturday), and will be conducted across all designated testing centers nationwide.
The test questions are all of the objective types and cover the core subjects of graduating high school students, namely:
- English (Vocabulary, Grammar, Analogy, Reading Comprehension)
- Mathematics (Algebra, Geometry, Statistics and Trigonometry)
- Science (General Science, Chemistry and Physics)
- Abstract Reasoning
Each applicant whose qualifications have been approved shall be given a permit by the Admissions Office to take the test. Test Permits will be sent to the applicant’s provided email address.
Applicants must take note of the following:
- Arrive one (1) hour before the examination proper;
- Bring the TEST PERMIT with your attached 2×2 picture;
- Bring any valid I.D. and Pencil Mongol Number 2;
- Calculators are not allowed;
- Wear casual clothes (Sleeveless shirt, Short pants and slippers are not allowed).
An update regarding the examination results will be posted on the PMMA Website (www.pmma.edu.ph) and the PMMA Facebook page (Philippine Merchant Marine Academy Official).
Examinees must log in to their accounts on the PMMA Information Management System to view their results.
You may also visit:
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.
PMMA Pre-Registration for Incoming Probationary Midshipmen/Women
All Medical and Dental Qualifiers must prepare the following:
- NBI Clearance
- Birth Certificate
- (1) Original Copy secured from Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA)
- (1) Photocopy (colored)
- Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR)
- 2 x 2 Picture with Name tag (2 copies)
- Signed Parental Consent Form.
- Signed Student Data Proof List.
- Signed Insurance Form.
- See the filled Insurance Form sample below:
For Senior High Applicants Only:
- Senior High School DepEd Form 138
(If the document is not available, attach a certification from the school that the applicant graduated from their institution)- (1) Original Copy
- (1) Photocopy (colored)
- Senior High School Students Permanent Records DepEd 137-SHS
(If the document is not available, proceed without this requirement, as a school-to-school request will be initiated.)- (1) Original Copy
- (1) Photocopy (colored)
For Applicants With College Background Only:
- Honorable Dismissal or Certificate of Transfer Credentials
(If the document is not available, attach a certification from the school that the applicant is enrolled in their institution)- (1) Original Copy
- (1) Photocopy (colored)
Initial Payment: Class 2029 (AY: 2025-2026)
- Insurance – 123.20
- Haircut – 200.00
- Laundry – 507.00
- TOTAL – 830.20
Course Assignment:
When selecting your course, it’s essential to understand that your degree choice will be based on the applicant’s Medical Ishihara Test. If you’re considering the Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT), achieving a perfect score on this test is required.
The following will be collected during aboard and reporting:
- PMMA ADMISSIONS FLOWSHEET (will be released after pre-registration)
- Covid-19 checklist Form: (Click to download)
- Covid-19 Vaccination Card (if available)
- (1) Original
- (1) Photocopy
- Covid-19 Vaccination Card – Booster (if available)
- (1) Original
- (1) Photocopy
- Hard copy of medical or dental compliances (if any)
- THINGS TO BRING: (Click here to view)
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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) 2025-2026 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.
You may also follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest exam updates and preparation tips!
Don’t miss any updates!
References
- Admission Process: The Academy. (n.d.). Pmma.edu.ph. https://pmma.edu.ph/admission-process/
- Philippine Merchant Marine Academy. (n.d.). Www.facebook.com. Retrieved February 26, 2025, from https://www.facebook.com/-PMMAOFFICIAL/
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