Don’t Miss Key Legal Updates
Taking the SQE Assessments
Unlike the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC), the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is set and regulated directly by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) — not by universities or legal education providers.
This ensures that every aspiring solicitor in England and Wales is assessed against the same consistent national standard, regardless of where or how they choose to study.
Each stage of the SQE is designed to test different areas of legal knowledge and professional skill essential for competent practice.
Both SQE1 and SQE2 assessments are conducted under strict examination conditions at Pearson VUE test centres across the UK and internationally.
To take the exams, candidates must:
The SRA provides all administrative details, ensuring a fair and transparent process for every candidate.
Myth
“You cannot attempt SQE2 without passing SQE1.”
Facts
For domestic candidates, yes, SQE2 requires SQE1 first — but foreign-qualified lawyers may be eligible to take SQE2 directly, depending on SRA exemptions.
SQE1:
The SQE1 assessment is the first stage of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) and is designed to test your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) — your ability to identify key legal principles and apply them accurately and effectively to practical client scenarios.
The assessment is divided into two parts : FLK1 and FLK2 — each covering different areas of law and legal practice. Both exams are closed-book multiple-choice tests, consisting of 180 questions, each offering five options with one single best answer.
In essence, SQE1 evaluates not only what you know about the law but also how you apply that knowledge in real-world legal contexts, reflecting the analytical and problem-solving.
| FLK1 Covers | FLK2 Covers |
|---|---|
|
|
FLK1 Covers
- Business Law and Practice
- Dispute Resolution
- Contract Law
- Tort Law
- The Legal System of England and Wales, including Constitutional and Administrative Law, and EU Law
- Legal Services
FLK2 Covers
- Property Practice
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Solicitors’ Accounts
- Land Law
- Trusts
- Criminal Liability
- Criminal Law and Practice
SQE1 Written Assessment Schedule
The SQE1 is taken over two consecutive days, with each day including two examination sessions:
Day 1
Session 1
2 hours 33 minutes
Scheduled break
60 minutes
Session 2
2 hours 33 minutes
Day 2
Session 1
2 hours 33 minutes
Scheduled break
60 minutes
Session 2
2 hours 33 minutes
SQE2
The SQE2 assessment tests your ability to perform the core practical legal skills required of a solicitor. It focuses heavily on professionalism, ethics, and client care, ensuring you can apply your legal knowledge effectively in real-world practice.
Where SQE1 measures what you know, SQE2 measures what you can do — how well you apply your understanding, analysis, and reasoning to solve complex legal problems.
You will also be assessed in specific practice areas which are:
SQE2 Oral Assessment Schedule
| Day | Time Window | Candidate Attendance | Assessments | Practice Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 4.5 to 7 hours (within the window) |
• Advocacy • Interview & Attendance Note / Legal Analysis |
• Dispute Resolution • Property Practice |
| 2 | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM | 4.5 to 7 hours (within the window) |
• Advocacy • Interview & Attendance Note / Legal Analysis |
• Criminal Litigation • Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice |
SQE2 Written Assessment Schedule
| Day | Session | Duration | Scheduled Break | Practice Areas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Session 1 Session 2 |
1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 45 minutes |
15 minutes -- |
Dispute Resolution Criminal Litigation |
| 2 |
Session 3 Session 4 |
1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 45 minutes |
15 minutes -- |
Property Practice Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice |
| 3 |
Session 5 Session 6 |
1 hour 30 minutes 1 hour 45 minutes |
15 minutes -- |
Business Organisations, Rules and Procedures Business Organisations, Rules and Procedures (continued) |
Note
- Candidates will receive exact timings and venue details from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) prior to their assessment dates.
- All information above is accurate as of April 2025 and may be subject to change.
For the most up-to-date details, visit the official SRA website.
How much do the SQE assessments cost?
The fees for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) are set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and apply to all candidates taking the assessments.
For assessments taken from September 2025 onwards, the fees are as follows:
SQE1
£1,934
(£967 for FLK1 and £967 for FLK2)
SQE2
£2,974
Important
These fees are determined by the SRA and are subject to change.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on SQE assessment costs, visit the official SRA website.
Results and Resits
You will receive your SQE1 results approximately five to six weeks after sitting the assessments, while SQE2 results are released around 14 to 18 weeks after completion.
These timeframes allow for detailed marking, moderation, and quality assurance by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to ensure fairness and consistency across all candidates.
Resits and Attempt Limits
If you do not pass an assessment, you are permitted to resit both SQE1 and SQE2. However, the following rules apply:
- You can attempt each assessment up to three times (i.e., three attempts for SQE1 and three attempts for SQE2).
- All attempts must be completed within six years of the date you first sit your initial SQE assessment.
This six-year time limit ensures that your legal knowledge and practical skills remain current throughout your qualification journey.