What is the LNAT?

If you're looking to study for an undergraduate law degree, you'll want to check if the university requires you to take the LNAT entrance exam. This will test you on key skills that you'll draw upon both throughout your studies and later in your career as a lawyer, solicitor or barrister.

What is the LNAT?

LNAT stands for Law National Aptitude Test. It's an admissions test that some universities ask their applicants to take if they want to study law.

The LNAT is a computer-based exam which tests your verbal reasoning skills, how you interpret information, draw conclusions as well as your inductive and deductive reasoning. As it's a skills-based test, you won't be asked about your knowledge of law, theories or definitions.

The LNAT sections

The test is split up into 2 sections - a multiple-choice section and an essay. Here's how this looks:

How long is the LNAT?

The LNAT is two hours and fifteen minutes, split across the two sections - 95 minutes for the multiple choice and 40 minutes for the essay. You can also apply for extra time if this is something you require.

Which universities require the LNAT?

There are currently 11 universities that require applicants to sit the LNAT. The majority of these are UK, Russell Group universities. Here's the full list:

List of UK LNAT universities

• University of Bristol
• University of Cambridge
• Durham University
• University of Glasgow
• King’s College, London (KCL)
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University of Oxford
• University College London (UCL)
• SOAS University of London

List of international LNAT universities

• IE School of Law, Spain
• Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore

When can I take the LNAT?

For 2025 entry, most universities require you to have taken the LNAT by 25th January, before the UCAS application deadline on 29th of January 2025.

However, the LNAT deadline can change depending on the university. For example, as the Oxbridge application deadline is October, they require you to take the LNAT before then. Here's what this means for your LNAT and application:

Registration for the LNAT opens from 1st August 2024 and you can sit the test from 1st September 2024.

How to book the LNAT

To book a test, create an account at lnat.ac.uk and book a slot at a time and test centre that is available and works for you. There are over 500 LNAT test centres with 150 in the UK but spaces are known to fill up - the earlier you book the more choice you'll have.

You will need to pay for your test at the time of booking - this is £75 for UK and EU test centres and £120 for test centres outside the EU.

If you have examination access requirements, such as extra time, impaired mobility, hearing or vision, don't book the test online. Instead, you'll need to fill out the LNATs access requirements application form and they will be in touch with more details on finalising your booking and will confirm the necessary arrangements to meet your needs.

How do you prepare for the LNAT?

The test is aimed at assessing the skills needed to study law. For the multiple-choice section, the examiner suggests understanding the stages and development of an argument, being able to digest reading material quickly and identifying the argument outlined. For the essay, they'll be looking at how you structure your argument, how persuasively you can write as well as basic literacy skills. These are all key skills you can develop with some practice alongside your existing studies.

As with many exams, past papers are a great way of understanding the skills needed and where to focus your revision. The LNAT website has a selection of past papers for you to download and an example test that you're able to take in preparation.

There are also private LNAT courses available from many providers that, if you want the extra support, are available as a paid service. These include the Lawyer Portal and Uni Admissions. The earlier you start your prep, the more confident you will be going into the LNAT!