Do you dream of running your own pub or retail store but feel paralyzed by the complex legal requirements? It is incredibly frustrating when you have the management skills to run a venue, but a lack of certification stops you from becoming the legal boss.
The Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH) is the mandatory, Ofqual-regulated qualification required by the Licensing Act 2003 to apply for a Personal Licence to sell alcohol in England and Wales. This one-day course covers the four licensing objectives, police powers, and the protection of children from harm, authorizing you to become a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
At Advance Training Academy, we turn complex legislation into common sense. We help you pass the exam and navigate the bureaucracy so you can legally manage your venue.
What is the Level 2: Personal Licence Holder (APLH) Course?
Think of this qualification as your “license to trade.” If you want to authorize the sale of alcohol—whether in a high-end nightclub, a local supermarket, or a festival—you legally need this.
Previously known as the NCPLH, the Level 2 APLH proves to the local council and police that you understand the law. Without it, you cannot apply for your Personal Licence. Without a Personal Licence, you cannot be named as the Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS).
Technical Snapshot:
- Duration: 1 Day (approx. 6-7 hours of tuition)
- Assessment: Multiple Choice Exam (40 questions)
- Regulation: Ofqual Regulated
- Prerequisites: Must be 18+ years old.
Instructor’s Insight:
A common misconception is that everyone serving alcohol needs this. That’s false. Only the person authorizing the sale needs the Personal Licence. However, having this qualification makes you significantly more employable because you can legally cover shifts for the manager.
Core Components & Curriculum
You aren’t going to law school, but you do need to know the Licensing Act 2003. We strip away the jargon and focus on what you actually need to know to pass the exam and run a safe venue.
| Module Area | What You Will Master | Assessment Focus |
| 1. The Licensing Act 2003 | Understanding the four specific licensing objectives and your legal duties. | Legal Framework |
| 2. Police Powers & Rights of Entry | When can police enter? What are their powers regarding closure orders? | Compliance |
| 3. Protection of Children | The strict laws regarding under-18s, test purchasing, and proof of age. | Social Responsibility |
| 4. Preventing Crime & Disorder | How to manage conflict, drug policy, and responsible alcohol retailing. | Operational Safety |
Pro Tip:
The module on “Weights and Measures” often trips people up. Pay attention to the specific legal quantities for serving wine, gin, and beer. It’s a small detail that appears frequently in the exam.
Who Is This Course For?
This qualification is the standard requirement for anyone stepping up into management within the licensed trade. It is built for:
- Aspiring Pub Landlords: You cannot run a pub as the DPS without this.
- Supermarket Supervisors: Essential for duty managers in retail stores selling alcohol.
- Event Organizers: If you plan to sell alcohol at pop-up events or festivals.
- Hospitality Staff: Waiters or bartenders wanting to promote to Assistant Manager or General Manager roles.
The “Hidden” Obstacles (And How We Smash Them)
People often delay booking because they are worried about the “Exam” or the “Paperwork.” Let’s look at the reality.
1. “Is the exam difficult?”
You might be worried about failing a law exam.
- The Reality: The pass mark is usually 28 out of 40 (70%). The format is Multiple Choice. You don’t need to write essays; you just need to identify the correct legal answer. At Advance Training Academy, our pass rates are exceptionally high because we teach you how to read the questions.
2. “The application process is a nightmare.”
Passing the course is only step one. Then you have to apply to the council.
- The Reality: The bureaucracy can be boring (DBS checks, photo endorsements, forms). While the course covers the exam, our team can guide you on where to get the forms and how to fill them out correctly so your application doesn’t get rejected by the local authority.
Why Advance Training Academy?
We respect your time. We know you likely work long shifts in hospitality, so we make this process efficient.
- One-Day Intensive: We don’t drag this out. You come in, we cover the syllabus, you sit the exam, and you’re done.
- High Pass Rates: Our instructors are industry veterans. They use real-life examples from bars and shops to make the legal points stick.
- Instant Results: We process your exam papers quickly. You need that certificate to send to the council, and we don’t make you wait.
- Nationwide Recognition: Our qualifications are accredited by leading awarding bodies (like Highfield or TQUK), meaning your licence is valid across all of England and Wales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the APLH qualification expire?
No. The qualification itself does not expire. Furthermore, Personal Licences themselves no longer expire (since the deregulation act), meaning this is a one-time investment for your career.
Do I need a DBS check?
Yes. To apply for the actual Personal Licence with your local council, you will need a basic criminal record check (DBS) alongside this qualification certificate.
Can I take the exam online?
Yes. Advance Training Academy offers both classroom-based and remote invigilation options. You can take the exam from home if you have a webcam and stable internet.
What happens if I fail?
It is rare, but if it happens, we offer resits. Our focus is on ensuring you understand the material well enough to pass the first time.
Is this valid in Scotland?
No. Scotland has a separate licensing qualification (SCPLH). The APLH is for England and Wales only.
Your Name Above the Door!
Let’s be honest about where you are right now.
Do you want to stay as a team member, asking permission for every decision? Or do you want to be the Designated Premises Supervisor, the person whose name is legally above the door?
Three months from now, you could be managing your own venue, earning a manager’s salary, and holding a licence that proves you are an expert in your field. The only thing standing between you and that promotion is a single day of training.
Don’t let a multiple-choice exam intimidate you. We handle the teaching; you just bring your ambition.
Make the move to management.
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First Aid Courses | St John Ambulance
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Conflict Management: Examples for the Workplace
CIPD Conflict Management Support & Resources | CIPD
Read the specifications for SIA licence-linked training – GOV.UK
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Licensing Course Handbook | England & Wales | Level 2
Licensing Qualification – London Education Management
Accredited qualification providers: personal licence to sell alcohol – GOV.UK