Your Complete Guide to Passing the NAPOLCOM Police Officer Exam
Congratulations on taking the first step toward becoming a Philippine National Police officer! The NAPOLCOM (National Police Commission) entrance exam is your gateway to a noble career in law enforcement. Whether you're applying for Police Officer I or taking a promotional exam, this guide will help you prepare effectively and confidently. Huwag mag-alala — with the right strategy and dedication, you can pass this exam!
Understanding the NAPOLCOM Examination
The NAPOLCOM entrance examination is specifically designed to assess your readiness for police work. Unlike general aptitude tests, it evaluates both your intellectual capabilities and your understanding of law enforcement principles. Here's what makes it unique:
- ✓ Written Exam Component: Tests your knowledge across 5 major areas
- ✓ Physical Agility Test: Assesses your physical fitness (separate from written exam)
- ✓ Neuro-Psychiatric Exam: Evaluates mental fitness for police work
- ✓ Medical Examination: Ensures you meet health requirements
- ✓ Background Investigation: Verifies your character and history
The written exam typically has 150-200 questions covering all five subject areas. You need to score at least 70% to pass, but aim higher — competition is fierce, and higher scores give you better placement.
The 30-Day Preparation Strategy
Thirty days is enough time to prepare thoroughly if you stay focused and consistent. Here's your week-by-week game plan:
Week 1: Foundation & Constitution
Master the 1987 Philippine Constitution — focus on the Bill of Rights, executive powers, and police-related provisions. Study the PNP organizational structure, NAPOLCOM functions, and key Republic Acts (RA 6975, RA 8551). Spend 2-3 hours daily on General Information topics.
Week 2: Reasoning Skills
Focus on Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning. Practice reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary daily. For math, review percentages, ratios, basic algebra, and data interpretation. Do at least 20 practice problems per day in each area.
Week 3: Logic & Police Procedures
Practice logical reasoning — syllogisms, pattern recognition, and number series. Study police operational procedures, criminal law basics, rights of the accused, and police ethics. Understand the chain of command and proper police conduct.
Week 4: Review & Mock Exams
Take full-length practice tests under timed conditions. Review all weak areas identified during practice. Stay updated on current events, especially crime-related news. Light review only in the last 2 days — don't cram!
Category-by-Category Winning Strategies
📋 General Information (20%)
This is where many examinees struggle, but it's actually the most predictable section. The questions consistently come from these areas:
- • 1987 Constitution: Memorize the Bill of Rights, powers of each government branch
- • PNP Organizational Structure: Know the Chief PNP, regional commands, and ranks
- • Key Laws: RA 6975 (DILG Act), RA 8551 (PNP Reform), RA 9165 (Dangerous Drugs Act)
- • Current Events: Follow news about government, especially police-related matters
📚 Verbal Reasoning (20%)
English proficiency is crucial for police work — you'll write reports and communicate formally. Focus on:
- • Grammar: Subject-verb agreement, tenses, correct word usage
- • Vocabulary: Learn police/legal terminology and common English words
- • Reading Comprehension: Practice finding main ideas and drawing conclusions
- • Analogies: Understand word relationships (A is to B as C is to D)
🔢 Quantitative Reasoning (20%)
Don't let math intimidate you — the questions are mostly basic. Master these fundamentals:
- • Percentages: Discounts, increases, finding parts of a whole
- • Ratio & Proportion: Common in word problems
- • Basic Algebra: Solving for X in simple equations
- • Word Problems: Age problems, work problems, distance-rate-time
🧩 Logical Reasoning (20%)
This tests your analytical thinking — essential for police investigations. Key areas:
- • Syllogisms: "All A are B, All B are C, therefore..." — practice these patterns
- • Number Series: Find the pattern and predict the next number
- • Letter Series: Same concept but with letters
- • Pattern Recognition: Look for repetition, addition, subtraction patterns
👮 Police Procedures & Criminal Justice (20%)
This section tests whether you understand what police work actually involves:
- • Criminal Law Basics: Elements of crimes, degrees of participation
- • Rights of the Accused: Miranda rights, right to bail, presumption of innocence
- • Police Operations: Arrest procedures, search and seizure rules
- • Ethics & Conduct: PNP Code of Ethics, proper use of force
Exam Day Survival Guide
🌙 The Night Before
- • Prepare all requirements (ID, exam permit, pencils)
- • Lay out your clothes
- • Light review only — no cramming
- • Sleep early (7-8 hours minimum)
- • Set multiple alarms
🌅 Exam Morning
- • Wake up early — no rushing
- • Eat a balanced breakfast
- • Avoid heavy caffeine
- • Arrive 30-45 minutes early
- • Use the restroom before the exam
📝 During the Exam
- • Read instructions carefully
- • Answer easy questions first
- • Don't leave blanks — guess if needed
- • Watch your time per section
- • Stay calm — breathe if anxious
Time Management: Your Secret Weapon
Time pressure is real in the NAPOLCOM exam. Here's how to allocate your time wisely:
| Section | Weight | Est. Questions | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Information | 20% | 30-40 | 25 mins |
| Verbal Reasoning | 20% | 30-40 | 30 mins |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 20% | 30-40 | 35 mins |
| Logical Reasoning | 20% | 30-40 | 30 mins |
| Police Procedures | 20% | 30-40 | 25 mins |
| TOTAL | 100% | 150-200 | ~2.5 hours |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Relying on "common sense" alone — study the actual laws and procedures
- ❌ Skipping math practice — quantitative reasoning catches many off guard
- ❌ Ignoring current events — expect questions about recent developments
- ❌ Not practicing under time pressure — simulate exam conditions
- ❌ Changing answers repeatedly — your first instinct is often correct
- ❌ Panicking on difficult questions — skip and return later
Physical Agility Test Reminder
Don't forget! The NAPOLCOM written exam is just one part of the selection process. You'll also need to pass the Physical Agility Test (PAT), which typically includes:
- 🏃 100-meter sprint
- 💪 Push-ups (timed)
- 🦵 Sit-ups (timed)
- 🏊 Swimming (if applicable)
- 🏋️ Pull-ups
- 🏃 Distance run
Start your physical training alongside your review. A balanced preparation covers both mind and body!
You've Got This, Future Police Officer!
The path to becoming a PNP officer is challenging but achievable. Thousands have passed this exam before you, and with proper preparation, you will too. Remember: every question you practice, every law you memorize, and every concept you understand brings you closer to wearing that uniform.
"Kayang-kaya mo 'to, future protector of peace! Maging pulis ka na!"
Start with the practice quizzes above and track your progress. Consistent daily practice is the key to success. Good luck, and we're rooting for you! 🎖️