Passing the Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) exam is the single most important step on your journey to becoming a personal licence holder. It’s the qualification that proves you understand the laws and responsibilities that come with authorising alcohol sales in England and Wales.
While our complete guide to getting a personal licence covers the entire process, this article focuses specifically on the exam itself. We’ll break down the format, the topics you’ll be tested on, and how to prepare effectively so you can pass the first time.
Quick Overview
- Format: 40 multiple-choice questions.
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Pass mark: 70%, which means you must answer at least 28 questions correctly
- Core topics: Based on the Licensing Act 2003 and the four licensing objectives
- Retake policy: Free resits, depending on your package
What is the APLH Exam Format?
The APLH exam is designed to be straightforward and test your understanding of the course material. It consists of 40 multiple-choice questions, and you will have 60 minutes to complete it.
This format gives you an average of 90 seconds per question, which is ample time to read, understand, and select the correct answer without feeling rushed.
How Many Marks Do You Need to Pass?
To pass the APLH exam and earn your qualification, you must achieve a score of 70% or higher. This means you need to answer at least 28 out of the 40 questions correctly.
While this is an achievable target, it requires a solid understanding of the material. Many people ask, “Is the personal licence exam hard?“, and the answer is no, provided you prepare properly.
What Topics Are Covered in the APLH Exam?
The exam questions are drawn directly from the APLH training course curriculum, which is based on the legal framework of the Licensing Act 2003. The entire course and exam are built around ensuring you understand your legal duties, focusing on the four licensing objectives:
- The prevention of crime and disorder
- Public safety
- The prevention of public nuisance
- The protection of children from harm
You can expect questions on a range of topics, including the roles and responsibilities of a personal licence holder, the duties of a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS), the law around age-restricted sales, and how to manage disorderly conduct.
How Can You Prepare for the APLH Exam?
While it’s possible to self-study, the most effective and reliable way to prepare is by taking an accredited one-day APLH training course. A structured course provides several key advantages:
- Expert Instructors: Learn from experienced professionals who can explain complex legal topics in an easy-to-understand way.
- Focused Content: The course is designed to cover exactly what you need to know for the exam, saving you from wading through dense legal texts.
- Interactive Learning: Ask questions and clarify doubts in real-time, ensuring you have a firm grasp of every topic.
To test your knowledge before the big day, take our free APLH mock exam. It’s the best way to simulate the real test and identify any areas where you might need more revision. You can use the Personal Licence App available on Android and iOS to take mock exams for free.
What Happens If You Fail the Exam?
Don’t worry if you don’t pass on your first attempt. You can retake the exam as many times as you need to. However, an exam fee is typically required for each attempt.
To give you peace of mind, Get Licensed offers course packages that include a free resit, so you can try again without any extra cost.
What Happens After You Pass the APLH Exam?
Once you’ve passed the APLH exam, you’ll receive your Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders certificate. This is the qualification you need, but it’s not the licence itself; there are a few more steps before you’re officially licensed.
You’ll need to submit a personal licence application to your local council, along with your APLH certificate, a basic DBS check, two passport-sized photographs (one endorsed), and the relevant application forms. Most councils process applications within four weeks, though it can sometimes take longer. For a full breakdown of the timeline, see our guide on how long it takes to get a personal licence.
If you’d rather skip the paperwork, our Easy Apply service handles the entire process for you. We’ll prepare your application and arrange all the requirements, including your DBS check and photograph endorsements.
- Includes all fees (£37 licence fee + £36 DBS fee)
- A dedicated licence manager prepares your application
- Avoids common delays in processing time
- 100% money-back guarantee — no licence, no fee
Ready to Get Qualified?
Passing the APLH exam is your gateway to career progression in the hospitality and retail sectors. It opens doors to senior roles, higher earning potential, and the ability to take on the crucial role of a DPS.
At Get Licensed, we make the process simple and stress-free. Our expert-led courses are designed to give you the knowledge and confidence to pass your exam with ease.
Book your personal licence course today and take the first step towards becoming a qualified professional.
