How to become a Police Officer in the Philippines

To become a policeman, perhaps, has been every child's ambition. Although it changes as they grow. Being a police officer is a meaningful and impactful way to serve a community. In the simplest sense, police officers enforce laws and protect life and property. But of course, there is much more to it than that.

Being a member of the PNP gives rewarding benefits, compensation and generous retirement package. The salary is good enough and the job security is better compared to working in a private firm, since you'll be working for the government – meaning, the employment laws are better implemented and observed, and the source of funding is more secured. There would always be an allocated budget for all the operations and the personnel of the PNP.

So what are the requirements to become a member of the Philippine National Police, a.k.a., PNP? To become a policeman you need to satisfy certain criteria and requirements, as detailed below.

How to become a Police Officer in the Philippines?

If you have been admitted as a cadet of the PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy), then complete the cadetship program/training course and graduate as a police officer, with the rank of a lieutenant.

If you're a College Graduate/Bachelor’s Degree holder, then take the PNP Entrance Examination (NAPOLCOM Entrance Exam). Upon successfully passing the exam, you are then eligible for the appointment to the rank of a Police Officer I (PO1) as prescribed by Section 30 in the RA 6975, amended by republic Act 8551. The requirements for the qualifying exam are:

Must be a Filipino citizen
Not less than 21 years old but not more than 30 years old
At least 1.62 meters height (Male) / 1.57 (Female)
At least 1.52 meters height (Male) / 1.45 (Female) if member of Indigenous communities
With Bachelor’s Degree

After successfully passing the entrance exam, you need to submit the required documents and application for the position of a PO1 at the NAPOLCOM. The appointment and recruitment requirements are:

Must be a Filipino citizen
Not more than 30 years old
At least 1.62 meters height (Male) / 1.57 (Female)
At least 1.52 meters height (Male) / 1.45 (Female) if member of Indigenous communities
With Bachelor’s Degree
With good moral character
Must have passed the physical, mental and health exam by any hospital accredited by the NAPOLCOM
Must be eligible according to the Eligibility Standards set by PNP – if you have passed any of the following or qualified under:

NAPOLCOM Entrance Exam
RA 1080 (BAR or Board Exam)
RA 6506 (Criminology Exam)
Civil Service Commission Professional Exam (CSC Professional Exam)
PD No. 907 – Civil Service Eligibility to College Honor Graduates
PD No. 997

If you want to aim for higher ranks other than being Police Officer I (PO1), you can apply for the particular rank that you wanted, provided you met the requirements for that particular position. Promotions in the PNP are awarded based on performance and experience, academic growth (furthering one's studies in line with his/her work) is also a key factor for promotion.

If you have already passed the Civil Service Exam - Professional level, then you are already qualified and only needs to apply at the PNP.