Guide to the LNAT

What is the LNAT Test?

The LNAT helps a handful of universities (listed below) to shortlist candidates for their undergraduate law degree programmes.

It is an online test that is not designed to test legal knowledge.

Instead, it assesses your general comprehension and reasoning skills, both of which are vital for the study and practice of law.

It consists of two sections:

• Section A: multiple choice questions;
• Section B: the essay.

What Are the LNAT Universities?

Currently, there are 11 LNAT universities. They are as follows:

*Correct as of July 2020

Find out which scores you need for each university on our LNAT scores page >>

There are plenty of universities that don’t require the test which offer excellent undergraduate law degree programmes.

You can compare them with the LNAT universities on our Uni-by-Uni Comparison page!

What Does the LNAT Test Involve?

In terms of LNAT exam structure, the test is split into two parts:

1. Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (95 mins)
The multiple choice section is designed to test comprehension.

You must read and digest 12 passages of text and answer three to four multiple choice questions on each passage. There are 42 questions in total.

Your multiple choice question score is what counts towards your final result. You can score a maximum of 42, with one mark per question.

Practising online questions will give you a flavour of what to expect in the real exam and enable you to hone the techniques you need to score highly.

For this reason, we recommend you have a go at our free LNAT Question Bank.

You can find out more about how to practise for Section A here >>

2. Section B: Essay Based Question (40 mins)

The essay-based section of the test does not affect your overall score. During this part, you are required to pick one of three debatable essay topics.

You must then formulate an intellectually reasoned, convincing, balanced and conclusive argument around your chosen topic.

The maximum word count is 700 words, so around 500-600 is recommended.

Go to our LNAT essay page for some essay example questions >>

How to Register for LNAT

There are two steps you need to take to register. The process is done via Pearson Vue, which is the organisation which runs the online exams.

Step 1: Set up account on the Pearson Vue website

Step 2: Check email and follow instructions sent to you by Pearson Vue to book.

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the date and centre you want.

When Should I Sit the LNAT Test?

You can take the exam on any day that your chosen test centre has a free slot for you.

You also have the choice of taking it before or after you submit your UCAS application.

Please note that if you decide to defer your entry to university after sitting the test, you must resit the exam the year you will start university.

Timings for the University of Oxford are slightly different from the other universities that require the test. See below for details.

Read our top blog post on When is the Perfect Time to Take Your LNAT? >>

What Are the LNAT Test Dates?

For students applying to start university in September/October 2021, the timelines for Oxford and other universities, according to the official website, are as follows:

University of Oxford Applicants Deadlines for 2021 entry

As you can see, the timings are fairly tight. It is therefore imperative to confirm any dates on the LNAT website and also with Oxford University beforehand.

All Other University Applicants (2021 entry)

Be sure to confirm any dates on the website and also with the university concerned and ensure you adhere to them rigidly!

*Late applications: these usually only apply to international students. Some universities will allow you to take the test by 31st July 2021. Please check with the university first*

How Will I Receive my LNAT Test Results?

All correspondence regarding the law admissions test will be via email.

You will receive all the information you need (including those all-important LNAT results) electronically, so it’s important you provide Pearson Vue with the correct email address during registration.

How Much Does the LNAT Cost?

The price of the test depends on where you are sitting it.

For individuals sitting the test in the UK/EU, the current fee is £50.

For individuals sitting the test elsewhere, the current fee is £70.

LNAT Scores

Your score is based purely on the multiple choice section of the exam. This section contains 42 questions, each of which is worth one mark.

While there is no official pass mark, there are some patterns in terms of average scores attained by students who receive offers from particular universities such as Oxford. You can find out more information on our LNAT scores page.

Can I Resit LNAT?

The short answer is no. You can only take the test once per admissions cycle. If you’re not happy with your score, you have to go through the application process for university again the following year.

Avoid this situation by giving yourself the best chance of success in your LNAT test. You can do this by using our free question bank to practice or booking an LNAT workshop.

For guidance on specific sections of the LNAT, check our guides below:

• Section A: Multiple Choice Questions
• Section B: The Essay
• Tips on how to prepare for the LNAT

Unanswered Questions?

Take a look at our FAQs page for a round-up of the most commonly asked questions.

Next Steps to Take

Step 1: Familiarise yourself – go through both sections and understand exactly what they’re asking for, and what the questions are like.

Step 2: Start preparing – read articles and tips on preparing for the test to give you an idea of what you need to do, and how you can do it properly.

Read up on the multiple choice questions section of the LNAT on our Section A guide. Or read about how to ace the LNAT essay plan.

Step 3: Book an LNAT Workshop – ours has helped numerous students to achieve their best LNAT score yet.

Step 4: Practise questions – we offer 100% free online LNAT questions.

Step 5: Register – it’s best to do this as early as possible so you can secure your preferred date and start working towards it.

Here’s what to read next:

• How to Answer the LNAT Questions
• How Well Do You Know the LNAT? Quiz