The UKLAP Grade 1 Exam: Format, Booking, Duration & What the MCA Says
Here’s a clear explanation of how the UKLAP Grade 1 examination works under current MCA guidance — including how it’s booked, the test format, duration, pass mark, and what to expect on the day.
This article references MCA guidance, including
Marine Information Note MIN 340
and
MIN 690,
which describe current MCA processes.
How the UKLAP Grade 1 Exam is Booked
Under current MCA procedures, candidates receive a Notice of Assessment (NOA) by email once they are eligible to sit the UKLAP Grade 1 assessment. This email typically contains:
- a secure link to access the online exam platform
- a username and password for the exam
- references to the MCA guidance and the candidate conduct requirements (see MIN 690)
Once you have received your NOA details, you can access the online assessment using the information provided.
Exam Format & Duration
The UKLAP Grade 1 exam is delivered as a computer-based, proctored assessment using multiple-choice questions. The assessment is designed to test your understanding of UK legal and administrative processes in practice.
Key exam details (as set out in MCA guidance)
- Number of questions: 26 (merchant syllabus)
- Time allowed: up to 40 minutes
- Format: multiple-choice with up to four options per question
- Pass mark: 70%
For candidates taking the fishing vessel variation, MCA guidance states that the assessment consists of 22 questions drawn from the corresponding syllabus.
Open-Book Nature and Conduct Rules
MCA guidance describes the UKLAP Grade 1 assessment as open-book, meaning candidates may refer to relevant published materials during the test (for example, appropriate MCA publications). However, you must still comply with the candidate conduct rules and must not receive assistance from another person.
For the official conduct requirements, refer to the candidate information within MIN 690.
Results & Resit Information
MCA guidance indicates that results are normally emailed to candidates within five working days of completing the assessment. Once passed, the UKLAP Grade 1 result remains valid.
If you experience issues accessing the assessment or you need clarification on attempts and resits, the MCA Examinations Team guidance in MIN 690 explains the process and contact route.
What You Need to Take the Exam
To sit the UKLAP Grade 1 exam online, you should ensure:
- a reliable laptop, PC, or tablet (mobile phones are not suitable)
- a stable internet connection
- quiet, interruption-free surroundings
- you can follow any identity or system checks required by the assessment platform
Looking for a clear overview of UKLAP requirements, exam guidance, and study resources?
Visit our
UKLAP Resource Centre for links to official MCA guidance, preparation advice, and support options.
For structured revision and practice, many candidates use our
UKLAP Grade 1 course
and the
UKLAP quiz app
to prepare for the assessment.