The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) is the country’s premier military training institution, shaping the future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Becoming a PMA cadet is a great honor, but the selection process is highly competitive. To qualify, applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria, pass physical fitness tests, and clear medical screenings.
If you're planning to apply, here’s everything you need to know about the qualifications, physical fitness test (PFT) requirements, and medical disqualifications.
Basic Qualifications for PMA Cadetship
To be eligible for PMA, applicants must meet the following criteria:
✔ Natural-born Filipino citizen – Only Filipinos by birth can apply.
✔ Physically fit and of good moral character – Candidates must be in excellent physical condition with no criminal or administrative records.
✔ Single and never been married – Cadets cannot be married or have children while in the academy.
✔ Must pass the PMA Entrance Examination – This is the first step in the admission process, testing mathematics, English, and abstract reasoning.
✔ No administrative or criminal case – A record of any criminal or administrative case leads to automatic disqualification.
✔ Educational Requirement:
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Must be at least a high school graduate.
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If currently in Grade 12, must graduate no later than June of the year following the entrance exam.
✔ Height Requirement:
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Minimum: 5 feet (152.4 cm) for both males and females
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Maximum: 6'4" (193 cm)
✔ Age Requirement:
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At least 17 years old but not older than 22 years on June 1 of the year following the entrance exam.
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Applicants as young as 16 years old may apply, but special handling procedures apply if they pass.
Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Requirements
PMA cadets undergo rigorous training, so applicants must meet the minimum Physical Fitness Test (PFT) requirements before being admitted.
Push-ups
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Male: 30 reps
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Female: 25 reps
Sit-ups
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Male: 30 reps
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Female: 25 reps
Pull-ups
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Male: 10 reps
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Female: 7 reps
Run
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Male: 3.2 km (2 miles)
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Female: 3.2 km (2 miles)
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t just aim for the minimum! To increase your chances of passing, start training at least 3 to 6 months before the test.
Medical Disqualifications
The PMA has strict medical standards to ensure cadets are physically capable of handling training. Applicants with the following conditions will be disqualified:
1. Color Blindness
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Red-green color blindness is the most common.
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Total color blindness is extremely rare but is also a disqualifying factor.
2. Communicable Diseases
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Tuberculosis
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Leprosy
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Mumps
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HIV/AIDS
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Influenza
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Malaria
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And other highly contagious diseases
3. Physical Deformities
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Incomplete limbs
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Down syndrome
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Blindness or severe vision impairment
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Deafness or mute condition
4. Scoliosis
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Mild cases may be allowed, but severe scoliosis can interfere with breathing and physical performance.
5. Tattoos
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Permanent body modifications, including tattoos, are NOT allowed.
6. Other Medical Conditions
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Any condition deemed unfit for military service by AFP Medical Board Nr. 1.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a PMA cadet is a highly prestigious and honorable achievement, but it requires hard work, discipline, and dedication. To improve your chances of passing, start preparing early for the PMA Entrance Exam and Physical Fitness Test.
If you meet the qualifications and have the determination to serve the country, this could be the start of an exciting and fulfilling career in the military.
Are you ready to take on the challenge? 💪 🇵🇠Let us know in the comments if you have any questions!