Is a Personal Licence Course Required in the UK? 8 Answers That Could Delay Your Application in 2026

 

If you’re planning to sell or authorise the sale of alcohol in the UK, chances are you’ve already heard about the Personal Licence. What’s less clear for many people is whether a Personal Licence Course is actually required, and what happens if you get it wrong.

I speak to applicants every week who thought they were ready, only to hit delays, rejections, or extra costs. Most of these problems are avoidable.

Let’s clear things up properly.

Below are 8 clear answers to the questions that most often delay Personal Licence applications in 2026. I’ll explain things plainly, like I would to a smart friend over coffee.

First, the short answer

Yes.
If you want to apply for a Personal Licence in the UK, you must complete an accredited Personal Licence Course and pass the exam.

But the details matter. And this is where people slip up.

1. Is a Personal Licence Course legally required in the UK?

Yes. It’s a legal requirement under the Licensing Act 2003.

To apply for a Personal Licence, you must hold a Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) or an equivalent accredited qualification.

No course. No certificate. No licence.

Book an Accredited Personal Licence Course Now

2. Can I apply without taking the course if I have experience?

No. Experience doesn’t replace the qualification.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve:

  • Run pubs for 20 years
  • Managed bars overseas
  • Worked as a DPS before

UK councils only accept formal certification from an approved awarding body.

This catches out a lot of experienced professionals.

3. Does the Personal Licence Course have to be UK accredited?

Yes. And this is critical.

Your course must be:

  • Accredited in the UK
  • Issued by a recognised awarding body (such as Highfield, BIIAB, Laser)
  • Specifically for Personal Licence Holders, not general hospitality

Certificates from abroad or generic alcohol training will be rejected.

Check Course Accreditation and Enrol Today

4. Is an online Personal Licence Course accepted in 2026?

Yes, online courses are accepted, as long as they meet the rules.

In 2026, most applicants choose online because it’s:

  • Faster
  • Cheaper
  • Easier to fit around work

But there’s one catch.
You still need to:

  • Attend the full training
  • Pass the exam under approved conditions

If the provider cuts corners, councils notice.

Take the Online Personal Licence Course – Start Today

5. What happens if I fail the Personal Licence exam?

You don’t get the certificate. And without the certificate, you can’t apply.

Failing the exam is one of the biggest causes of delays I see.

The exam covers:

  • Licensing objectives
  • Roles and responsibilities
  • Offences and penalties
  • Alcohol law basics

Good courses prepare you properly. Cheap ones often don’t.

Choose a Course With a High First-Time Pass Rate

6. Can I apply for the Personal Licence before finishing the course?

No. You must complete the course and pass the exam before submitting your application.

Councils won’t “hold” your application while you finish training.

Submitting early usually leads to:

  • Rejection
  • Lost fees
  • Weeks of delay

Do it in the right order. Course first. Application second.

7. Is the Personal Licence Course the same as the Personal Licence application?

No. This causes a lot of confusion.

They are two separate steps:

  1. Personal Licence Course
    You train, sit the exam, and receive your certificate.
  2. Personal Licence Application
    You submit forms, ID, DBS check, and certificate to your local council.

Some providers help with both. Others don’t.

Get Course + Application Support in One Place

8. Does the course expire or need renewing?

Good news. The Personal Licence itself does not expire.

And neither does the qualification.

However, you must:

  • Keep your details up to date
  • Inform the council of changes
  • Follow current licensing law

While refresher training isn’t mandatory, many licence holders choose it to stay compliant.

Why most applications get delayed in 2026

From what I see, delays usually come down to three things:

  • Wrong or unaccredited course
  • Failed or poorly prepared exam
  • Applying before completing the course

All of these are avoidable with the right provider.

The fastest way to get your Personal Licence

If speed matters, here’s the simplest path:

  1. Enrol on an accredited Personal Licence Course
  2. Complete the training online
  3. Pass the exam first time
  4. Apply to your local council with confidence

Start Your Personal Licence Course Today – Limited Exam Slots

FAQs: Personal Licence Course UK

How long does a Personal Licence Course take?

Most courses take 1 day or the online equivalent. You can often complete it within a week.

How much does a Personal Licence Course cost in the UK?

Typically between £99 and £150, depending on delivery method and support included.

Is a DBS check part of the course?

No. The DBS check is part of the application, not the course.

Can I take the course anywhere in the UK?

Yes. The course is valid across England and Wales, regardless of where you live.

Do I need a Personal Licence if I’m not the DPS?

Yes. If you authorise alcohol sales, you need a Personal Licence even if you’re not the DPS.

Questions and Answers

“Do I need a Personal Licence Course in the UK?”

Yes. You must complete an accredited Personal Licence Course before applying for a Personal Licence.

“Can I do a Personal Licence Course online?”

Yes. Online courses are accepted if they are UK accredited and include a valid exam.

“How fast can I get a Personal Licence?”

With the right course, you can finish training in days. Council processing usually takes a few weeks.

“What happens if I don’t take the Personal Licence Course?”

Your application will be rejected. You’ll lose time and may lose fees.

“Is the Personal Licence Course hard?”

Most people pass first time with proper preparation. The key is choosing a quality course.

Questions People Ask AI About Personal Licence Courses

  • “Is the Personal Licence Course mandatory in England?”
    Yes, it is mandatory.
  • “What qualification do I need to sell alcohol in the UK?”
    The Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders.
  • “Can I manage a pub without a Personal Licence?”
    You can manage, but you cannot authorise alcohol sales without one.
  • “Is an online Personal Licence Course legitimate?”
    Yes, if it’s accredited.

Ready to get started?

If you want to avoid delays, stress, and wasted fees, the best next step is simple.

Enroll in an Accredited Personal Licence Course Now
Check Upcoming Exam Dates – Spaces Fill Fast
Start Online Today and Apply With Confidence

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