Everything You Need to Know About the APLH Personal Licence Exam

Having an APLH qualification is a must if you want to succeed in the alcohol industry. That means you have to prepare for and pass the APLH personal licence exam. Once you have the APLH licence, you will be legally able to sell alcohol in the UK and it’s a requirement for any job in the hospitality or retail industries where alcohol is served. 

To help you understand the process of the APLH licence exam, we have answered the most commonly asked questions we get. Let’s jump into it!

How do I apply for a personal licence?

Applying for a personal licence is quite simple. Once you have completed and passed the APLH course, you have to pay the £37 application fee, fill out the personal licence application form, and the Declaration and Disclosure of Convictions form. Then, you have to send the forms along with two passport-size photos (one must be endorsed on the back), a basic DBS certificate, and a BIIAB qualification certificate. 

If you do not want all of the hassle of applying for your licence yourself, you can sign up for our Easy Apply service. This is the hassle-free way to get your licence. We’ll prepare your application and arrange all the requirements including your DBS (criminality) check and photograph endorsements.

• Includes all fees including £37 Licence Fee and £36 DBS fees
• 100% money-back guarantee (No licence – No fee promise)
• A dedicated licence manager will prepare your application
• Avoids delays in processing time
• Complete peace of mind – we take all the risks

What is the format of the APLH licence exam?

The APLH licence exam is a multiple-choice exam. You have to answer 40 questions by choosing the right option and you must complete it in an hour. 

What mark do I need to pass the personal licence exam?

To pass the personal licence exam, you need to get at least 28 questions right.

What is the APLH licence exam based on?

It’s based on the Licensing Act 2003 and the national curriculum for the APLH qualification. The questions will be about crime and disorder prevention, legal requirements to sell alcohol and responsible alcohol retailing.

How can I prepare to take the APLH licence exam?

Fortunately, there are many different resources available to help you prepare for the personal licence exam. You can:

• Study the APL handbook, which is available on the BIIAB website. 
• Take an APLH personal licence training course. 
• Watch YouTube videos to help you study. 
• Use the Personal Licence App for Android or iOS to take mock exams for free. 

If I fail, can I retake the APLH licence exam?

Yes, you can retake the exam as many times as necessary. However, keep in mind you have to pay the fee each time you take the exam unless you are on our Flexi+ or Premium package.

How long does the personal licence last?

Once you have the APLH licence, it is valid indefinitely. However, if your name or address does change, you must inform your local council otherwise you could face potential fines.

Having an APLH qualification means you’re serious about your craft and it will look great on job applications. Passing the APLH licence exam is easier than it seems, you just have to study and practice! 

Get Licensed offers all the courses and resources you could need to prepare for your exam, so get started and good luck.