If you seriously want to build a career in law enforcement or move up the ranks, the NAPOLCOM exams should be at the top of your priority list. These tests are not just formalities; they serve as the foundation of credibility, proving you’re ready and qualified to uphold the standards of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This guide will walk you through the exam types, qualifications, application process, and helpful tips to make it easier for you to prepare and take your next career step.
NAPOLCOM Entrance Examination (For Aspiring Entrants)
The NAPOLCOM Entrance Examination is designed for anyone who wants to join the police force and start their journey as a Patrolman or Patrolwoman.
This exam is open to Filipino citizens who are not yet part of the PNP but are planning to enter the force. You must be at least 21 years old, physically and mentally fit, and a bachelor’s degree holder. You don’t need to be a Criminology graduate since all courses are accepted as long as you completed them in a recognized school.
To make it easier, here are the most common types of examinees:
- Fresh Graduates – Newly graduated students who want to start a career in public service.
- Career Shifters – Employees from the private sector who want to transition into law enforcement.
- OFWs – Returning overseas Filipino workers who plan to apply for the PNP
- Community Volunteers – Individuals involved in local peace and order activities who want to formalize their service in the PNP.
Regardless of your background, you are eligible as long as you meet the basic requirements and are ready to serve.
The test includes the following areas:
- General information
- Verbal and quantitative reasoning
- Logical reasoning
- Values and ethical standards
- Current events (law enforcement, national security, constitution)
- Philippine Constitution and government systems
NAPOLCOM Promotional Examinations (For Current PNP Members)
The NAPOLCOM Promotional Examination is for those who are already in the PNP and plan to advance to the next rank.
Only active PNP members with the required years of service in their current rank may take this exam. Minimum requirements usually look like this:
- To become a Senior Police Officer:
– Current rank required: Police Officer III
– Minimum service: 2 years - To become a Police Inspector:
– Current rank required: Senior Police Officer IV
– Minimum service: 5 years - To become a Superintendent:
– Current rank required: Police Inspector or Chief Inspector
– Minimum service: varies depending on rank
You must also be endorsed by your superior and have no pending administrative or criminal cases.
The exam usually covers,
- Law enforcement administration
- Criminal justice system
- Community policing techniques
- Case-based and leadership scenario questions
Who is Allowed to Take the Exam? (Eligibility)
All applicants (entrance or promotional) must:
- Be a Filipino citizen
- Be of good moral character
- Be physically and mentally fit
- Be at least 21 years old (for the entrance exam)
- Be a bachelor’s degree holder
- Have no criminal or administrative cases
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Online Application Scheduling
Apply only through the NAPOLCOM Online Application Scheduling System (NOASS). Slots are limited and fill up quickly, so be sure to monitor announcements and secure a schedule early.
Payment
Pay the exam fee through an authorized bank or directly at the NAPOLCOM regional office. Keep your official receipt for reference.
Submission of Requirements
After securing your online appointment through the NOASS, your confirmation page will indicate which regional office you need to submit the documents to.
In most cases, walk-in / in-person submission is required so the officer can validate your identity and verify the original documents.
Some regional offices also allow submission via authorized courier, but only if it is clearly stated in the online instruction or confirmation message.
Here’s a list of the documents you need to submit before the deadline:
- Completed application form
- Passport-size photo
- Valid government-issued IDs (must be current)
- Passport
- Driver’s License
- UMID
- PRC License
- PhilHealth ID
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID or Voter’s Certificate
- SSS ID / GSIS eCard
- Senior Citizen ID (if applicable)
- PWD ID (if applicable)
- PhilSys National ID
- Transcript of Records or diploma
- Proof of payment
Notice of Admission (NOA)
Once your application and documents have been validated and approved, NAPOLCOM will release your Notice of Admission (NOA). The NOA is usually:
- Downloaded directly from the NOASS portal (you must log in to your account and download/print the file); or
- Personally issued by the NAPOLCOM regional office if the application and verification were done onsite.
The NOA contains your test venue, exact exam schedule, and seat number, along with important guidelines and reminders.
Make sure to:
- Print at least two copies (for backup in case one gets lost or damaged)
- Bring the printed NOA on exam day, as it will be checked by the proctor before you are allowed to enter the testing room
- Keep a digital copy or photo on your phone for reference (although digital copies will not be accepted in place of the printed version)
Without the printed NOA, you will not be allowed to take the exam, even if you have already paid and submitted all requirements.
Essential Tips for Exam Day: Perform Your Best!
What to Bring:
✔ NOA
✔ Two (2) valid government-issued IDs
Quick Tip: Company and barangay IDs are not accepted unless paired with a valid ID. Always bring a backup ID just in case.
✔ Black ballpoint pens
✔ Drinking water and light snacks
✔ Face mask and alcohol (as required by some test centers)
What NOT to Bring:
✘ Mobile phones and smart watches
✘ Calculators (if not allowed)
✘ Review materials or any written notes
✘ Any type of electronic device
After the Exam: What’s Next?
Checking Results
Results are officially announced and posted on the NAPOLCOM website (www.napolcom.gov.ph). They are usually released two to three months after the examination date, depending on the volume of examinees.
NAPOLCOM also publishes the list of successful passers in major national newspapers on the day of release.
You can check your result in two ways:
🔹 Online:
Visit the official NAPOLCOM website and go to the “Examination Results” section. Results are usually arranged by exam type (Entrance / Promotional) and by region. You may download the PDF list of passers for convenience.
🔹 Physical Posting (Regional Offices):
Regional offices of NAPOLCOM also post hard copies of the results on public bulletin boards for those who want to verify in person.
NAPOLCOM does not send individual results via email. Examinees are responsible for checking the official announcement once it is released.
For Passers
You’ll receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that will serve as proof that you passed and are qualified to move forward.
Next Steps for Entrants:
Passing the NAPOLCOM entrance exam is only the beginning. Before you can officially enter the PNP, you’ll need to complete a series of screening procedures that assess your physical, mental, and moral fitness for police service. These include:
🔸 Background Investigation
The PNP will verify your personal history, including your educational records, employment history, character references, and even your involvement in the community. Investigators will typically visit your barangay and school to confirm that you have no derogatory records or questionable behavior.
🔸 Medical Examination
This is a full-body medical check-up conducted by accredited physicians. They will check your vital signs, eyesight, hearing, laboratory results (blood, urinalysis, X-ray), and overall health to make sure you’re physically capable of handling police duties.
🔸 Neuro-Psychiatric Test
This test checks your mental stability, cognitive ability, decision-making skills, and emotional resilience. It usually consists of written exams and an interview with a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. Many applicants consider this the most challenging part, so it’s important to stay calm and answer honestly.
🔸 Physical Agility Test
You will be asked to perform basic physical activities that measure strength, balance, and endurance. Common exercises include push-ups, sit-ups, a 3-km run, and agility drills. The exact requirements may vary slightly per region, but they are all designed to make sure that you can handle the physical demands of law enforcement work.
Next Steps for Promoters:
Passing the NAPOLCOM promotional exam doesn’t automatically grant a higher rank; it simply qualifies you for promotion. The next step is to go through the official PNP promotion process, which usually includes:
🔸 Performance Evaluation
Your immediate superiors will review your past performance, including your efficiency ratings, accomplishments, disciplinary record, and participation in training or community programs. This ensures your promotion is not only based on exams, but also on actual service rendered.
🔸 Ranking and Selection Board Review
Your name will be forwarded to the PNP Promotion Board, where candidates are ranked and screened based on criteria such as seniority, education, completed training, eligibility, and performance ratings. The board may also ask for additional supporting documents before making a decision.
🔸 Interview / Panel Assessment
In some ranks (especially for Inspector and above), candidates may be required to go through a short interview with a promotion panel. Here, they assess your leadership potential, communication skills, and readiness to handle bigger responsibilities.
🔸 Issuance of Appointment / Promotion Order
Once approved, the PNP will issue an official Appointment or Promotion Order indicating your new rank and effective date. You will then take the oath of office and receive your updated badge and uniform insignia.
For Non-Passers
If you fail the NAPOLCOM exam, you may apply again in the next official examination cycle. There is no disqualification period or penalty, but you cannot retake the exam within the same cycle.
The next exam schedule typically opens 3–6 months later based on the examination calendar.
In most cases, you must submit a new application. However, some regional offices allow the reuse of previously submitted documents only if:
- you are applying for the same type of exam, and
- you are submitting to the same testing center.
Before Re-Applying,
- Review your previous score breakdown (if available)
- Update your review materials
- Practice with timed mock exams
- Start reviewing early, even before the next NOASS schedule opens
Conclusion
The NAPOLCOM exam is an important milestone for anyone who wants to join or move up within the Philippine National Police. By understanding the full process, using reliable sources, and preparing consistently, you give yourself the best chance of passing and continuing to the next stage of your policing career.
Keep in mind that the exam doesn’t only test knowledge, it also reflects your readiness to serve with discipline, integrity, and responsibility. If you pass, move on to the next steps fully-prepared. And if you don’t, take the experience as a learning opportunity and get ready for the next exam cycle.
Your journey toward serving the nation begins with proper preparation, and this guide is your first step.