Did you know that most people fail the NAPOLCOM exam not because they did not study, but because they focused on the wrong materials?
If you aim to join the Philippine National Police or seek promotion to a higher rank, you need to prepare. Each cycle, more than 40,000 applicants take the test, yet the passing rate regularly hovers between 25% and 35%. This means almost 70% of takers did not pass the exam.
If you want to optimize your study time and overcome these challenging statistics, you are in the right place.
In this article, we’ll break down what NAPOLCOM is, who can take the exam, and the passing score you need to hit. We’ll also cover what topics will be on the test and give you some real tips on how to pass it.
What is the NAPOLCOM Exam?
The NAPOLCOM Examination is a national standard test administered by the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM). It is divided into two distinct categories:
- PNP Entrance Examination: An aptitude test that confers the Police Officer Eligibility required for initial appointment to the rank of Patrolman or Patrolwoman.
- PNP Promotional Examinations: Career advancement tests given to active, permanent PNP personnel to qualify for promotion to higher ranks.
Both the Entrance and Promotional Examinations are usually conducted simultaneously twice a year.
- First Batch: Usually held around April or June.
- Second Batch: Usually held around October or November.
Tip: Online registration portals open two months before the exam schedule. Monitor the official channels closely as slots fill up within minutes.
Who is Eligible to Take the Exams?
1. For the PNP Entrance Exam (Civilians)
- Citizenship: Must be a Filipino citizen.
- Education: Must be a Bachelor’s degree holder from a CHED-recognized institution (any 4-year course is accepted).
- Age: You must be 21 to 30 years old.
- Height: At least 1.57 meters (5’2″) for males and 1.52 meters (5’0″) for females (Note: Height waivers are granted to members of recognized indigenous cultural communities).
- PNP Members: Active Patrolmen/Patrolwomen with temporary status may also apply.
2. For the PNP Promotional Exams (Active PNP Personnel)
Active police officers must hold a permanent appointment status in their current rank and must meet the minimum Time-in-Grade (TIG) requirements:
- Police Officer Exam (for Corporal and Staff Sergeant): Open to Patrolmen/Patrolwomen with permanent status.
- Senior Police Officer Exam (for Master Sergeant to Executive Master Sergeant): Open to active Corporals and Staff Sergeants.
- Police Inspector Exam (for Lieutenant and Captain): Open to Master Sergeants up to Executive Master Sergeants.
- Police Superintendent Exam (for Major and Lieutenant Colonel): Open to active Lieutenants and Captains.
NAPOLCOM Exam Coverage & Structure
The tests are 3-hour multiple-choice exams of 150 items. The coverage varies greatly depending on your track:
NAPOLCOM Exam Coverage
Comprehensive breakdown of subjects, estimated weights, and items for the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Examinations:
PNP Entrance Examination (150 Items)
For civilians aspiring to enter the police service as Patrolman/Patrolwoman. Focused on general intelligence and reasoning skills.
| Topics / Coverage | Estimated Weight | Estimated Items |
|---|---|---|
| A. General Information • Philippine Constitution and History • PNP Law and History • Criminal Justice System • Current Events • Social Awareness and Value Judgment |
26.67% | 40 |
| B. Verbal Reasoning • Vocabulary • Comprehension • Grammar |
26.67% | 40 |
| C. Quantitative Reasoning • Basic Concepts • Problem-Solving Skills |
26.67% | 40 |
| D. Logical Reasoning • Verbal • Non-Verbal |
20.00% | 30 |
| TOTAL | 100.00% | 150 |
*Note: Distribution and number of items are estimated and may vary slightly depending on the final NAPOLCOM blueprint.
PNP Promotional Examination (150 Items)
For in-service police officers aiming for promotion (PO 4th Class up to PO 1st Class). Focused on actual laws, police work, and administration.
| Topics / Coverage | Estimated Weight | Estimated Items |
|---|---|---|
| A. General Information • Current Events (national and international events and developments) • Philippine Constitution • Philippine History and History of the PNP (Significant Events, People and Places) • Application of the Philippine Criminal Justice System • Social awareness (Environmental and Ecological laws – Clean Air Act and Ecological Waste Management Act and Issues) • Grammar Analysis |
23.33% | 35 |
| B. Police Administration • Organizational Structure (Line of Authority) • Personnel Policies and Procedures • Disciplinary Machinery • Complaints and Grievance Procedures (Basic Knowledge) • Morale and Welfare • Date Analysis • Local Chief Executives Powers (vis-à-vis Police) • NAPOLCOM vis-à-vis Police • Civil Service Rules and Regulations • Community and Service-Oriented Policing (NAPOLCOM Res. No. 2015-342) • Drill and Ceremonies |
26.67% | 40 |
| C. Police Operations • Police Operational Procedures (POP dated December 2013) • Managing Police/Patrol Operations • Traffic Management • Laws and Jurisprudence related to police work |
30.00% | 45 |
| D. Values and Ethical Standards • PNP Code of Ethical Standards/Protocols • RA 6713 / RA 3019 • RA 9485 / Citizen’s Charter / Quality Service Lane • Gender and Development • PGS/PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 • Uprightness |
20.00% | 30 |
| TOTAL | 100.00% | 150 |
*Note: Distribution and number of items are estimated and may vary slightly depending on the final NAPOLCOM blueprint.
What is the Passing Score?
To pass the NAPOLCOM Exam, examinees must obtain a General Weighted Average of at least 70% and no rating below 50 in any subject area.
Study the table below for a quick example of how this calculation works.
Example 1:
| Subject Areas | Percentage Score | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|
| General Information • Philippine Constitution and History • PNP Law and History • Criminal Justice System • Current Events • Social Awareness and Value Judgment | 37/40 = 92.50% | 92.50% x 26.67% = 24.67% |
| Verbal Reasoning • Vocabulary • Comprehension • Grammar | 38/40 = 95.00% | 95% x 26.67% = 25.34% |
| Quantitative Reasoning • Basic Concepts • Problem-Solving Skills | 39/40 = 97.50% | 97.50% x 26.67% = 26% |
| Logical Reasoning • Verbal • Non-Verbal | 14/30 = 46.67% | 46.67% x 20% = 9.33% |
| Total: | 128/150 = 85.34% | 85.34% (FAILED) |
In Example 1, although the examinee achieved a final rating of 85.34%, the status is still FAILED because the score in Logical Reasoning fell below 50%. According to NAPOLCOM guidelines, to pass the test, examinees must obtain a General Weighted Average of at least 70%, with no score below 50% in any subject area.
Example 2:
| Subject Areas | Percentage Score | Weighted Score |
|---|---|---|
| General Information • Philippine Constitution and History • PNP Law and History • Criminal Justice System • Current Events • Social Awareness and Value Judgment | 35/40 = 87.50% | 87.5% x 26.67% = 23.34% |
| Verbal Reasoning • Vocabulary • Comprehension • Grammar | 37/40 = 92.50% | 92.5% x 26.67% = 24.67% |
| Quantitative Reasoning • Basic Concepts • Problem-Solving Skills | 30/40 = 75% | 75% x 26.67% = 20% |
| Logical Reasoning • Verbal • Non-Verbal | 15/30 = 50% | 50% x 20% = 10% |
| Total: | 117/150 = 78.01% | 78.01% (PASSED) |
In Example 2, the examinee PASSED the exam because he achieved a final rating of 78.01%, which is above the 70% passing threshold. He successfully satisfied the sub-test rule by scoring exactly 50% in Logical Reasoning, ensuring no subject grade fell below the required minimum.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Filing your application follows a hybrid online and face-to-face workflow via the NAPOLCOM Online Scheduling System (NOSS):
- Online Registration: Wait for the official window, then register on NOSS to secure an exam slot.
- Print the NOSS confirmation page containing your reference number and schedule.
- Prepare the Documents (Long Brown Envelope):
- Printed Application Form and Index Card.
- For Entrance: PSA Birth Certificate, CHED-accredited College Diploma, and Transcript of Records (TOR).
- For Promotional: Certified True Copy of Attested Appointment, Report of Rating/Eligibility, and Service Record.
- Two identical 1x1 passport ID photos (white background, complete name tag).
- One legal-size window envelope with corresponding stamps.
- On-site Filing & Payment: Come to your designated NAPOLCOM Regional Office on your scheduled date. Submit your folder, pay the ₱400.00 examination fee, and claim your Notice of Admission (NOA).
Note: Examination Fee:
- Police Officer 4th Class Exam - 400.00
- Police Officer 3rd Class Exam - 450.00
- Police Officer 2nd Class Exam - 500.00
- Police Officer 1st Class Exam - 600.00
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