LNAT: Law National Aptitude Test

What it is and who sets it

The LNAT is a two-part test that participating universities use to help select applicants for undergraduate law courses. It tests aptitude for studying law, not knowledge of law. It is sat on computer at Pearson VUE test centres.

Set by: LNAT Consortium (content); administered by Pearson VUE under contract to LNAT

Which universities and courses use it

• University of Bristol

  • Law (M100, MR11, MR12, MR13)

• University of Cambridge

  • Law (M100)

• Durham University

  • Law (M101, M102)

• University of Glasgow

  • Law LLB and joint honours (e.g. M100, M114, M121 and other listed codes)

• King's College London

  • Law (LM21, M100, M121, M122, M123, M190)

• London School of Economics

  • Law LLB (M100)

• University of Oxford

  • Law (M100, M190, M191, M192, M193)
  • Foundation Year in Law (M194)

• SOAS University of London

  • LLB (M100) and all other combinations including Law (not M102 Senior Status)

• University College London

  • LLB Law programmes (M100, M101, M102, M141, M142, M144, M145, M146)

Always confirm on the course page of each university you apply to.

Format, timing and scoring

• Two sections, 2 hours 15 minutes in total
• Section A: 42 multiple-choice questions on 12 argumentative passages (3 or 4 questions per passage), 95 minutes
• You can review Section A answers within the 95 minutes, but you cannot go back to Section A once Section B has started
• Section B: one essay from a choice of three questions, 40 minutes
• Computer-based, administered by Pearson VUE

Scoring: The LNAT score is the Section A multiple-choice score, out of 42. The essay does not count towards the LNAT score, but it is sent to the participating universities, which assess it themselves (UCL says its essays are marked by an Admissions Tutor). Universities see results before candidates do. UCL reports a 2025/26 average of 23 across all test-takers and 30 among offer holders.

Practising for the LNAT

• About 2 minutes 15 seconds per question in Section A, including reading the passages: 42 questions in 95 minutes.
• The essay is 40 minutes from a choice of three questions, so practise planning a structured argument quickly.
• Universities read the essay themselves, even though it is not scored.

Start with the official format and practice material: the test owner's page (opens in a new tab). Then work through timed sections, full mock papers, and a review of every mistake.

Booking, test centres and changes

Where you sit it: Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and worldwide, on computer.

Register and book your date as early as you can.

• Registration and booking opened on 1 August 2026, and testing began on 1 September 2026.
• Oxford and Cambridge applicants: book by 15 September 2026 and sit by 15 October 2026.
• King's College London, LSE and UCL applicants: sit by 31 December 2026. Most other universities: book by 20 January 2027 and sit by 25 January 2027.
• Find your nearest test centre with the official locator, then contact the centre to check it is open and has appointments during your test window.
• Some schools and colleges are registered Pearson VUE test centres, but most are not. Ask your school as early as possible.

Find an LNAT test centre (Pearson VUE) (opens in a new tab)

Changing your date: You can reschedule free of charge up to 48 hours before your appointment, through your LNAT account, subject to available slots.