SQE — Frequently Asked Questions

The SQE is a two-stage, centralised assessment that all aspiring solicitors must pass to qualify in England & Wales. It replaces previous routes (such as the LPC) for most new entrants and standardises the exams candidates take before admission.

• SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge (FLK) using single-best-answer multiple-choice questions across core subject areas.
• SQE2 assesses practical legal skills (client interviewing, advocacy, drafting, legal research, etc.) through assessed tasks/stations.

SQE1 consists of two papers (FLK1 and FLK2). Each paper contains up to 180 single-best-answer (SBA) questions — so candidates typically answer 360 SBAQs in total across both papers. The SBA format tests application of law to scenarios rather than rote recall

Each FLK paper is taken on computer and split into sessions; timings, breaks and permitted materials are set out by the SRA and on the candidate guidance pages. (Check the official test instructions before your sitting.)

Raw scores (number of correct answers) are converted into a scaled score out of 500. The pass mark on the scaled score is always 300/500; scaling ensures fairness across different paper versions and sittings.

FLK1 and FLK2 together cover the core areas a newly qualified solicitor should know, including: Business Law & Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Property, Trusts, Wills, Criminal Law & Practice, Accounts, Constitutional & Administrative Law, and the Legal System.

Most new entrants to the profession must pass the SQE. Some candidates with prior qualifications or overseas legal qualifications should consult the SRA guidance about exemptions, transitional arrangements or re-qualification routes.

From September 2025 the candidate fees published by the SRA are: SQE1 — £1,934 (both FLK1 & FLK2 booked together) and SQE2 — £2,974. Candidates pay exam fees at booking; additional preparation course costs are separate.

You must complete the SRA’s QWE requirement — two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience — which can be gained in up to four different legal or law-related roles. Employers, paralegal work, secondments and placements can count if they meet the SRA criteria.

Bookings are made via the SRA/Kaplan candidate portal (the official SQE booking site). The SRA publishes assessment windows and booking windows; check the official SQE site for current dates and available test centres.

You have six years from your first attempt of an SQE assessment to pass the required assessments for admission. Resit policies, attempt counts and deadlines are set out in SRA candidate guidance.

Several providers and resources publish practice materials and taster questions. Legal Cheek’s SQE Hub curates provider profiles, sample SBAQs and preparation guides — it’s a practical place to compare course options and mock tests. The official SRA pages also provide sample SQE1 questions.

Some prep providers publish internal pass-rate figures or graduate outcomes, but these are not centrally validated by the SRA. Compare providers on course content, teaching format, student reviews and any verified performance information rather than relying on a single headline pass rate.

Yes — many candidates study part-time, combine work with preparation, or take block courses and evening classes. Plan your study timetable early, use mock tests to benchmark progress and consider whether an intensive course or longer paced course suits your commitments

Candidates with disabilities or specific needs can request reasonable adjustments for assessment. Applications must be supported by appropriate evidence and be submitted within the SRA/Kaplan deadlines — check official candidate guidance for the process.

SQE2 is assessed through a series of practical stations/tasks — client interviews, advocacy, drafting, attendance notes and other skills-based exercises — observed and marked by trained examiners. Performance is assessed against competency standards set by the SRA.

The Law Society provides plain-language guides and templates for employers and candidates on what counts as QWE and how to log it. Many providers and law firms also offer QWE logging templates.

You may resit a failed component. Your candidate transcript shows attempts, raw and scaled scores and any deadlines for completing the SQE route. Use the SRA results guidance to understand resit rules and how to interpret your score breakdown.

Look for: clear syllabus mapping to FLK topics and SQE2 skills, mock/exam practice opportunities, tutor experience, format (live vs recorded), student support, cost, and verified student feedback.

Always check the SRA’s official SQE pages for the authoritative rules on booking, fees, assessment format, adjustments and results — and use the Law Society pages for practical guidance on QWE, funding and career pathways.

No—you do not need a law degree specifically to sit the SQE1 or SQE2 assessments. However, to be admitted as a solicitor, you must hold a degree (in any subject) or an equivalent qualification (such as a Level 6/7 apprenticeship or professional qualification), or equivalent experience.

Yes—transitional arrangements allow candidates who began certain courses prior to the deadlines (for example, started a Qualifying Law Degree, Graduate Diploma in Law, or LPC before specified dates) to finish under the old regime.

Both the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments are closed book; no external materials may be used during the assessments.

Once you sit your first SQE assessment (usually SQE1), you have a six-year period in which to pass both SQE1 and SQE2 and complete your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

Yes—QWE can be undertaken before, during or after sitting the SQE exams. The two-year (or equivalent) requirement must be fulfilled by the point you apply for admission as a solicitor

Yes—provided the role meets the criteria of “qualifying work experience” (legal work, sufficient responsibilities, confirmed by a qualified solicitor or COLP), the experience may be paid or unpaid/voluntary.

You may accumulate your required QWE time across up to four different organisations.

If you do not pass either SQE1 or SQE2, you can resit the component(s) within the permitted time/window. Resit regulations, attempt limits and deadlines are set out by the regulator. Solicitors Regulation Authority+1

A qualified solicitor of England & Wales, or the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP) in your organisation, can confirm that your experience meets the required standards and span.

Yes—in certain circumstances experience gained abroad may count, provided it meets the regulatory standards and is confirmed by a qualified solicitor or COLP in England & Wales. It’s important to verify eligibility in advance.

Yes—candidates without a law undergraduate degree can still pursue the SQE route (though they may need to ensure they build legal knowledge) because the SQE only requires a degree (or equivalent) plus the assessments and experience.

The regulator (Solicitors Regulation Authority) will publish some data about education and training providers (performance, outcomes) though not necessarily full “league tables”. Solicitors Regulation Authority

Yes—reasonable adjustments can be requested. Candidates need to submit supporting evidence and comply with the process and deadlines set by the assessment centre/regulator.

Yes—the regulator specifies that you must complete SQE1 before sitting SQE2.

SQE2 is a single uniform assessment combining multiple “stations” or exercises (written and oral) that sample across practice areas and legal skills (advocacy, drafting, interviewing, legal research).

Yes—each of the two SQE1 assessments (FLK1 & FLK2) has specific timings, as set by the regulator. Candidates should review the official guidance.

Yes—the SQE route offers increased flexibility (for example, QWE across multiple organisations, part-time or full-time study, more provider options) compared to the previous mandatory training contract model.

Candidates who started certain courses or training before specified cut-off dates may continue under the LPC/training contract route, but they must meet those transitional requirements; after the deadlines the SQE route is standard.