Philippine Air Force Recruitment 2026: PAFOCC and Special Enlistment Qualifications and Requirements

Last updated: October 30, 2026

The Philippine Air Force (PAF), or Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas, is the branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in charge of air defense.

The PAF recruits through two programs:

• PAF Officer Candidate Course (PAFOCC) – for college graduates who want to become officers
• Special Enlistment (SE) – for those who want to become enlisted airmen and airwomen

Applications are handled by the PAF Human Resource Management Center (PAFHRMC).

Is the PAF accepting applicants now?

The PAF opens applications in cycles. The last cycle we covered was for PAFOCC Class 2026 and Special Enlistment CY-2026. As of October 30, 2026, we have not seen an official PAF announcement for the next cycle (PAFOCC Class 2027).

Follow the PAFHRMC official Facebook page for the next registration period, processing centers and exam dates. We will update this guide once the PAF posts the new schedule.

PAFOCC qualifications

These were the qualifications in the last PAF cycle:

• Male or female natural-born or naturalized Filipino citizen
• Bachelor’s degree holder (priority courses needed by the PAF)
• Not less than 20 years old but not a day older than 27 on the date of appointment
• Good moral character and free from derogatory records
• Single and never been married
• Never sired or borne a child and with no legal obligation to support a child
• Passed the physical and medical exams with a Physical Profile 1 (P1) from the PAF Medical Board
• Barefoot height of at least 5 feet (152.4 cm) for male and female. Indigenous Peoples below the minimum height must get a certification from the NCIP signed by the Regional Director.

Special Enlistment qualifications

• Male or female natural-born or naturalized Filipino citizen
• Completed K-12 or earned at least 72 college units
• Not less than 18 years old but not a day older than 35 upon enlistment
• Good moral character and free from derogatory records
• Single and never been married
• Never sired or borne a child and with no legal obligation to support a child
• Physically and mentally fit as determined by the PAF Medical Board
• Same height rule as PAFOCC

Age limits and priority courses may change in the next cycle, so check the new announcement.

Initial requirements

Prepare original, photocopy and scanned copies of:

• PSA birth certificate
• Transcript of Records, or Form 137 for Senior High School graduates
• Certification from the school registrar (for graduating students or new graduates)
• Diploma
• 2 pieces 2×2 ID picture with white background (original)
• NCIP certificate (for Indigenous Peoples only)
• Valid AFPSAT Individual Report Form (IRF), if you already passed the AFPSAT in the Army or Navy

Exams

The PAF uses two qualifying exams:

• AFPSAT – the AFP Service Aptitude Test. An AFPSAT result is valid for three years. If you passed it in the Army or Navy, bring your IRF.
• PAF General Classification Test (PAFGCT) – taken every time you apply

Applicants are ranked by their scores. Those with high scores move on to the Physical Fitness Test (push-ups, sit-ups and a 3.2 km run), then the medical and other screening steps.

Before the exam, applicants also undergo a limited physical exam that checks for things like tattoos, piercings and physical deformities.

Licensed criminologists may apply for exemption from the qualifying exams. Read our guide on how a registered criminologist can apply in the Philippine Air Force.

How to apply

1. Get the PAF application form or get one from the nearest PAF processing center.
2. Fill it out and sign it with a blue or black pen.
3. Prepare the requirements above.
4. Register in person at the processing center during the official registration period.

Salary in 2026

PAF personnel follow the base pay schedule for military and uniformed personnel. Under Executive Order No. 107 (s. 2025), the 2026 monthly base pay is:

• Candidate Soldier: ₱19,516
• Airman (same pay grade as Private): ₱31,151
• Probationary Second Lieutenant: ₱40,284
• Second Lieutenant: ₱46,020

Allowances are added on top, including subsistence allowance of ₱350 per day starting January 1, 2026. See our post on the base pay schedule of military and uniformed personnel.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and allowances
• Insurance and health care benefits
• Billeting and housing privileges
• Job security
• Leadership and skills training
• A chance to become a PAF pilot (for officers)
• Career advancement

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• AFPSAT reviewer
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• Latest government job openings

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