These LNAT FAQs cover the 2026–27 test cycle for autumn 2027 university entry. Answers were checked on 25 August 2026 against the LNAT Consortium, UCAS and current university guidance.
For the full timeline, start with our LNAT Exam 2027 guide.
What is the LNAT?
The LNAT is a computer-based aptitude test used by participating universities for undergraduate law admissions. It assesses reading comprehension, reasoning and argumentative writing. It does not test legal knowledge and does not replace a UCAS application or academic qualifications.
When does LNAT registration open for 2027 entry?
Registration and booking open on 1 August 2026. Testing begins on 1 September 2026. Book early because convenient Pearson VUE appointments can fill before university deadlines.
What are the LNAT deadlines for Oxford and Cambridge?
For standard 2027 entry, register and book between 1 August and 15 September 2026, submit UCAS by 15 October 2026, and sit the LNAT by 15 October 2026. Oxford's Foundation Year in Law has a separate test deadline of 13 January 2027.
What are the LNAT deadlines for UCL, LSE and King's?
UCL, LSE and King's require relevant applicants to sit by 31 December 2026 for equal consideration. The UCAS application deadline for these courses is 13 January 2027 at 18:00 UK time. A timely UCAS application does not cure a missed LNAT deadline.
How much does the LNAT cost?
The official fee is £75 at UK or EU test centres and £120 at centres outside the EU. The centre location determines the fee, not nationality or residence. Payment is in GBP, so a card issuer may add conversion or foreign-transaction charges.
How long is the LNAT?
The test lasts 2 hours 15 minutes: 95 minutes for Section A and 40 minutes for Section B. The sections are separately timed and you cannot return to Section A after starting the essay.
How many questions are in LNAT Section A?
Section A has 42 multiple-choice questions based on 12 argumentative passages. Each passage has three or four questions. One mark is awarded for each correct answer and there is no negative marking.
What is in LNAT Section B?
You choose one of three essay questions and write for 40 minutes. The official guidance recommends about 500–600 words and a maximum of 750. Section B does not add to the score out of 42, but universities receive it and may assess it.
Do I need to study law for the LNAT?
No. LNAT is an aptitude test, not a test of statutes, cases or legal terminology. Preparation should focus on close reading, reasoning, option elimination, essay planning and timed practice. See our LNAT syllabus and format guide.
What is a good LNAT score?
There is no universal cut-off. Bristol says over half marks is “done well” but has no minimum; recent official Oxford and UCL offer-holder averages have been around 30. Those are historical averages, not guaranteed 2027 thresholds. Read the full LNAT score and university requirements guide.
Is there an LNAT pass mark?
No. You receive a Section A score out of 42, and universities decide how to use it. Academic results, contextual evidence, the rest of the application, Section B and interviews may also matter.
Can I take the LNAT more than once?
Normally you may sit once per admissions cycle. A second unauthorised sitting can be invalidated. If you apply again in a later cycle, you must take LNAT again because results cannot be carried forward.
Can I take LNAT before submitting UCAS?
Yes. You can sit before or after submitting UCAS, provided both are completed by the applicable deadlines. Add your UCAS Personal Identifier to the LNAT profile and select every participating university you intend to apply to.
How do universities receive my LNAT result?
Pearson VUE makes your Section A score and essay available to the participating universities selected in your LNAT profile. Check that your surname, date of birth, UCAS ID and university selections are correct so the records can be matched.
When will I receive my LNAT score?
Candidates who sit on or before 26 January normally receive results by email in mid-February. Candidates who sit after 26 January normally receive them in mid-August. Universities receive results earlier; the LNAT Consortium does not provide a guaranteed specific candidate-results date.
Can I take the LNAT online at home?
No. LNAT is normally taken in person at a Pearson VUE test centre. The official locator lists more than 500 centres in 165 countries. If no centre is reasonably accessible, contact the LNAT Administrator and each university before the deadline; exemptions are individual, not automatic.
Is LNAT different for international students?
The paper and scoring are the same. International applicants need to plan for centre availability, travel, the outside-EU fee where applicable, GBP payment, ID and separate English-language requirements. Read our LNAT international-student guide.
Does LNAT replace IELTS or another English test?
No. LNAT measures aptitude for legal study. Universities may separately require IELTS, TOEFL or other proof of English, depending on your education and course. A strong Section B essay does not automatically waive that requirement.
What ID do I need for the LNAT?
Bring an original, valid photo ID accepted by the current LNAT identification rules, in the same name as your booking. A passport is the most portable option across countries. Check the rules in advance because accepted alternatives can depend on location.
Can I reschedule my LNAT?
The current official booking page says you can reschedule without charge up to 48 hours before the appointment. The separate payment page still says noon UK time on the second working day before the test. Use the earlier cut-off shown in your account or confirmation and reschedule well in advance; after it, you may need to book and pay again.
Is the LNAT fee refundable?
The official payment policy says payments are not refunded when a candidate simply decides not to sit. If you need another date, use the permitted rescheduling window rather than abandoning the booking.
Are access arrangements available?
Yes. Candidates who need adjustments should follow the official exam access requirements process before booking. Do not assume the test centre can add extra time or equipment on arrival.
What if something goes wrong during the test?
Tell the invigilator immediately and obtain an incident or case number before leaving. Contact LNAT customer service promptly. Do not wait for results day; an authorised resit depends on investigation and is not automatically granted.
Where can I find official LNAT practice tests?
Use the official online sample test and the official practice-tests page for two paper tests, commentary and a marking scheme. The official site also provides sample essays and hints and tips.
Our LNAT preparation guide turns those official resources into a six-week plan and explains the difference between official practice tests and unofficial “past papers”.
Which universities use the LNAT?
The current Consortium list includes Bristol, Cambridge, Durham, Glasgow, King's, LSE, Oxford, SOAS, UCL, IE University and SUSS. The exact requirement depends on programme, qualification and intake. Check the course page: SOAS, IE and SUSS in particular have conditions that make a simple university-wide yes/no answer misleading.
Can I use a calculator or bring notes?
LNAT does not require a calculator. Personal items, papers, books and pens are not taken into the testing room. The centre provides a portable whiteboard and pen for note-making under its rules.
Where should I start?
- Check the official 2027 dates, fees and university groups.
- Learn the two-section LNAT format.
- Complete the official materials through our six-week preparation plan.
- Use ExamPrepIQ LNAT practice for extra questions and indicative essay feedback if you need more practice.
ExamPrepIQ is independent of the LNAT Consortium, Pearson VUE and participating universities. University pages and lnat.ac.uk remain the authority for admissions and test rules.