The 17 Competencies

Guides / Part 3 essentials

What is the ADI Part 3 pass mark?

The pass mark is 31 out of 51. Scores of 31–42 are a Grade B pass, 43–51 is Grade A, and 0–30 is a fail.

The catch: risk management

Your total isn't the only test. Whatever you score overall, a risk management score of 7 or less is an automatic fail. Risk management is five competencies worth up to 15, so you need at least 8 of them.

Watch out for wrong numbers

Some popular guides say you fail with "less than 7" in risk management, or that Grade A starts at 42. GOV.UK says 7 or less, and 43 for Grade A.

The useful arithmetic

Seventeen competencies at 2 marks each is 34, a comfortable pass. You don't need to be brilliant everywhere, just solid across the board.

Want the full picture? The 17 Competencies explains every competency on the form, with a rehearsal drill for each. Or score your last lesson free.

Sources: GOV.UK: your result. Last checked October 2026.

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