If you’ve ever wondered what the NMAT is, how it works, and whether it’s really that hard, this guide is for you. We’ll explore everything in simple terms, share some relatable stories, and end with practical tips to help you feel confident about your medical school journey.
Understanding What NMAT Exam Means
The National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) is a standardized exam required for admission to most medical schools in the Philippines. It’s managed by the Center for Educational Measurement (CEM) and serves as a tool to evaluate whether a student is ready for the challenges of medical education.
Think of NMAT as a bridge between your pre-med degree and your dream of becoming a doctor. It helps schools select applicants based on both academic knowledge and mental aptitude, ensuring future doctors have strong reasoning and problem-solving skills.
If you plan to study medicine in the Philippines, taking the NMAT is not optional, it’s a must.
Who Can Take the NMAT
The NMAT is open to all aspiring medical students who meet a few simple criteria:
- You are a college graduate or in your final year of any bachelor’s degree program.
- You have completed or are completing pre-med subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- You are mentally prepared for a full-day test that requires both knowledge and quick reasoning.
Even if your undergraduate degree wasn’t in a science field, you can still take the NMAT as long as you meet medical school admission requirements. This means that even psychology, nursing, or education majors can pursue medicine, provided they’ve completed the necessary pre-med courses.
Your NMAT score remains valid for two years, giving you time to apply to your preferred medical schools after testing.
Purpose and Importance of the NMAT Exam
Many students ask, “Why do we need the NMAT?” The answer is simple: medical schools need a fair, standardized way to measure readiness. Grades alone can vary by school, so the NMAT levels the playing field.
The exam doesn’t just test memory, it evaluates logic, comprehension, speed, and overall academic foundation. These skills are essential for doctors who must make fast yet well-reasoned decisions in real-life medical situations.
By passing the NMAT, you’re proving not only your intelligence but your perseverance, discipline, and readiness for the demanding journey ahead.
How the NMAT Exam Is Structured
The NMAT consists of two main parts, each with four subtests. Altogether, there are 240 multiple-choice questions designed to be answered in one day.
Part I: Aptitude Tests
This section measures your reasoning and critical thinking skills. It includes:
- Verbal: reading comprehension, word analogies, and vocabulary.
- Inductive Reasoning: identifying patterns and logical sequences.
- Quantitative: basic math, problem-solving, and data interpretation.
- Perceptual Acuity: identifying shapes, mirror images, and visual differences.
These sections test how you think and process information rather than what you memorize.
Part II: Academic Proficiency Tests
The second part focuses on your academic knowledge in major pre-med subjects:
- Biology: topics on cells, genetics, and human physiology.
- Chemistry: reactions, equations, and basic organic and inorganic principles.
- Physics: motion, energy, electricity, and basic problem-solving.
- Social Sciences: psychology, sociology, and general behavioral science.
Together, these eight subtests assess both your reasoning ability and academic preparation.
Duration and Schedule
The NMAT is a long exam, usually lasting around five and a half hours. There’s a short break between the two parts, but you’ll need stamina and focus to get through the day.
Here’s how it usually flows:
- Orientation and instructions
- Part I (around 2 hours and 15 minutes)
- Short break (about 10 minutes)
- Part II (around 1 hour and 30 minutes)
You can take the test either in a testing center or online, depending on the current testing cycle. Always read the latest announcements from the testing body for updates.
Scoring System Explained
NMAT scores can seem confusing at first, but once you understand how they’re calculated, everything makes sense.
Each subtest has a Standard Score (SS) ranging from 200 to 800. These are then combined to create your General Performance Score (GPS), a summary of your overall result.
But what most medical schools focus on is your Percentile Rank (PR). This tells you how you performed compared to other test takers. For instance, a PR of 90 means you scored better than 90% of all candidates who took the exam.
Your raw score (the number of correct answers) is less important than your percentile, since the percentile adjusts depending on the difficulty and performance of everyone else.
Is the NMAT Exam Hard?
This is one of the most common questions students ask. The truth is, it’s challenging, but not impossible.
Some say the NMAT is difficult because it covers a wide range of subjects, while others say it’s manageable with enough review. The level of difficulty really depends on your background and preparation.
Why Students Find It Challenging
- Time pressure: You have limited time to answer many questions, so pacing is key.
- Wide coverage: The exam touches on many topics, requiring broad review rather than deep specialization.
- Reasoning skills: Some questions don’t rely on memorization but on logic and pattern recognition.
- Competition: Since medical schools have limited slots, even small differences in scores can affect your ranking.
Student Stories
Many students describe NMAT day as both exhausting and rewarding. Some say they were surprised by the reasoning parts, while others felt the science sections reminded them of college finals. What they all agree on is that preparation makes the biggest difference.
One nursing graduate shared how she initially found physics intimidating but overcame it through daily practice tests. “The more mock exams I took, the less anxious I became,” she said. “When test day came, I focused on breathing, pacing, and trusting what I knew.”
That’s the kind of mindset that turns nervousness into success.
Cost of the NMAT Exam in the Philippines
The NMAT exam fee is ₱1,900 for local applicants. This amount covers both the registration and the testing process. There may be small transaction fees depending on your payment channel, but the total cost usually stays under ₱2,000.
For international applicants or Filipinos taking the test abroad, the fee is about USD 60.
While that’s a significant amount for many students, it’s an investment in your future. Preparing for a medical career is one of the most serious decisions you’ll ever make, and this exam is a major step toward that goal.
What Counts as a Good NMAT Score
There’s no universal “passing score” for the NMAT. Instead, each medical school sets its own minimum percentile requirement.
Generally, here’s what many schools consider:
- PR 40–60: Acceptable for less competitive programs.
- PR 70–85: Competitive for mid-tier medical schools.
- PR 90 and above: Excellent for top institutions like UP College of Medicine, UST, and Ateneo School of Medicine.
So if you ask, “What is a good NMAT score?” the answer depends on your target school. Aim for a percentile higher than their usual cutoff to improve your chances of acceptance.
Remember, the NMAT is not everything. Your college GPA, interview performance, and overall academic record also matter. But a strong NMAT score helps you stand out in a pool of highly motivated students.
NMAT Compared to GMAT
Students sometimes confuse the NMAT with the GMAT because both are entrance exams, but they serve very different purposes.
- The NMAT is for aspiring doctors.
- The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is for students entering business or MBA programs.
While both assess reasoning and problem-solving, the GMAT is generally considered more advanced in terms of data interpretation and analytical reasoning. The NMAT, on the other hand, tests breadth of knowledge across science and reasoning areas.
So if you ever hear someone say, “Is NMAT easier than GMAT?”, the answer depends on what you’re good at. Science students often find NMAT more familiar, while those from math-heavy backgrounds might prefer GMAT-style logic questions.
How to Prepare Effectively for the NMAT Exam
Preparing for the NMAT isn’t about cramming; it’s about strategy, consistency, and confidence. Here’s how you can build a solid plan.
Know the Format
Start by reviewing the official test structure and instructions. Familiarity removes fear. The more you understand how the exam works, the less intimidating it becomes.
Create a Study Plan
Divide your study time into daily or weekly goals. Focus on one subject at a time, alternating between reasoning (Part I) and content-based review (Part II). Many students find that a three-month consistent plan works best.
Here’s a sample weekly layout:
- Monday to Wednesday – Reasoning and verbal practice
- Thursday to Friday – Science review (biology and chemistry)
- Saturday – Physics and social sciences
- Sunday – Rest or light review
Use Quality Review Materials
You can use NMAT reviewers, pre-med textbooks, or online quizzes. The key is not to memorize answers but to understand concepts and recognize question patterns.
Take Mock Exams
Simulate real exam conditions. Set a timer for five hours, remove distractions, and take a full mock NMAT. Review every mistake afterward. This will train your time management and mental endurance.
Strengthen Weak Areas
If you struggle with math or physics, focus extra effort there. Don’t ignore your weak subjects, they often hold the most potential for score improvement.
Manage Stress
It’s natural to feel nervous, but too much anxiety can block your concentration. Try breathing exercises, take regular breaks, and get enough sleep before test day. Eat light, stay hydrated, and believe in your preparation.
Tips for Test Day
Here’s a simple checklist to help you perform your best on exam day:
- Sleep early the night before.
- Eat a light, balanced breakfast.
- Prepare your valid ID and test materials.
- Log in or arrive early if testing on-site.
- Stay calm during the first few questions to build momentum.
- Don’t waste too much time on a single item, move on and return later if possible.
- Trust your instincts; your first answer is often correct.
- Keep a positive attitude until the end.
The NMAT is as much a mental challenge as it is an academic one. A calm, steady mindset will help you handle even the trickiest questions.
After the Exam: Interpreting Your Results
Once you receive your NMAT result, you’ll see two main things: your Standard Scores and your Percentile Rank. Most students immediately look at the percentile, this gives you an idea of where you stand among all test takers.
If your PR is 90 and above, congratulations! You’re among the top scorers. If it’s lower than your target, don’t lose hope. Many students take the NMAT more than once to improve their performance.
Each attempt can teach you something new, how to handle stress, where to study more, and what areas need extra attention. Even if your first result isn’t ideal, it’s a valuable step forward.
Common Questions About the NMAT Exam
Is the NMAT only for medical schools in the Philippines?
Yes. The NMAT is the official admission exam for most Philippine medical schools.
Can I retake the NMAT?
Yes, students can retake the NMAT if they wish to improve their score, as long as they meet eligibility rules.
How long does it take to get results?
Usually, results are released within a few weeks after the exam.
How often is the NMAT offered?
It’s typically conducted twice a year, but schedules can vary.
What happens if I miss the exam?
You’ll have to wait for the next testing cycle to register again.
Real Stories from Students
A student named Carlo shared how he failed his first NMAT attempt. “I scored in the 50th percentile, and I was crushed,” he said. “But I realized I hadn’t practiced under real timed conditions.”
He spent the next three months focusing on mock exams, analyzing every mistake, and balancing study with rest. On his second try, he hit the 90th percentile. “It felt amazing,” he recalled. “Not because I was smarter, but because I finally understood the test.”
Stories like Carlo’s remind us that the NMAT is not a measure of your worth, it’s just one step in a long, meaningful journey toward becoming a healer.
Why Passing NMAT Is More Than Just a Score
The NMAT is a test, yes, but it’s also a symbol of readiness, perseverance, and purpose. Every question you answer represents the effort you’ve put into your dream. Every review session builds the patience and discipline that future doctors need.
Students who pass NMAT don’t just show knowledge; they demonstrate determination. That’s the quality that makes a great doctor, not just intelligence, but commitment to learning and serving others.
Main Points:
- The NMAT Exam is the national admission test for medical schools in the Philippines.
- It consists of two parts: reasoning (Part I) and academic knowledge (Part II).
- A good score depends on your target school, but most students aim for PR 85–95.
- The exam costs around ₱1,900 locally.
- NMAT may be challenging, but it’s absolutely conquerable with the right strategy.
- Consistent review, time management, and confidence are your best tools for success.
Final Motivation: Your Dream is Worth the Effort
Every doctor once stood where you are now, nervous, unsure, but hopeful. The NMAT may feel like a giant wall standing between you and your dream, but remember: walls aren’t there to stop you. They’re there to test how much you want something.
So take that review book, set your study schedule, and believe in yourself. You’re not just preparing for an exam, you’re preparing for a calling.
Emma Johnson is a literacy coach who makes reading and storytelling enjoyable. She helps students, parents, and teachers unlock the joy of words through engaging, relatable lessons.