NAPOLCOM exam testing centers in BARMM.
The NAPOLCOM examinations are administered in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao through the National Police Commission's regional office in Cotabato City. Every applicant registers online, then goes to that office in person for on-site processing before the Notice of Admission is issued. This page covers what applicants in BARMM should know: where the office is, where venues are typically located, how to get there, the local weather to plan around, and how to prepare once your slot is confirmed.
Quick facts
- Region
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
- NAPOLCOM regional office
- Cotabato City
- Coverage
- Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City
- Typical hub cities
- Cotabato City · Marawi · Jolo · Bongao
Where venues are in BARMM, and getting there
The BARMM office is on the 3rd floor of the Elena V. Co Building on Don Rufino Alonzo Street in Cotabato City. The region spans the mainland provinces around Cotabato City and Marawi and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, which are reached by sea or air, in most cases through Zamboanga City. Island applicants face the longest and least predictable journeys in the country for both processing and the exam.
NAPOLCOM doesn't publish a fixed list of BARMM venues — testing sites are named in each examination announcement and can change between sittings depending on capacity and the schools available, and the exact venue and room are on each applicant's Notice of Admission. When you register online you choose this regional office; NAPOLCOM then assigns your specific site, which may not be the city nearest your home. Your notice is the only authoritative source, so check it the moment it's issued.
Slots & registration
The mainland provinces generate most applicants and Cotabato City hosts the processing and testing capacity. Island applicants should register the moment the window opens so their processing date leaves room to travel.
Weather to plan around
Mostly outside the typhoon belt, but the sea crossings to Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are suspended in rough weather and sailings are limited, so a missed boat can cost days. Build in a buffer for every step.
Notes for BARMM examinees
- Regional office: 3rd Floor, Elena V. Co Building, Don Rufino Alonzo Street, Cotabato City 9600.
- Island applicants should plan sea or air travel with a buffer day for both processing and the exam, and have a backup if a sailing is cancelled.
- Confirm your testing center as soon as your Notice of Admission is issued; it may be far from your home municipality.
BARMM testing — common questions
How do island-province applicants in BARMM take the exam?
Applicants from Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi travel by sea or air to their assigned testing center, since capacity on the smaller islands is limited. Book travel well ahead, arrive a day early, and have a backup plan in case a sailing is cancelled by weather.
Where is the NAPOLCOM BARMM office?
In Cotabato City, on the 3rd floor of the Elena V. Co Building on Don Rufino Alonzo Street. Applicants from every BARMM province go there for on-site processing on their appointment date.
Before you sit the exam in BARMM
Practical guides that apply wherever you test.
Other regions
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