SQE: Your Essential Guide to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new route for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. This guide covers the structure, exam dates, fees, locations, preparation tips, exemptions, and how to qualify as a solicitor.

Key Takeaways

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) was introduced to standardise the qualification process for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC).
The SQE consists of two parts: SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, while SQE2 assesses practical legal skills via real-life scenarios.
Candidates must complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) in various legal settings and pass both SQE assessments to qualify as solicitors.

What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) ?

Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the SQE replaces the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) route, towards becoming a solicitor.

The SQE is designed to assess candidates on their knowledge and skills in areas such as legal research and writing, client interviewing, advocacy, and legal drafting.

The SQE consists of two stages:

SQE1: which tests candidates on legal knowledge and application of law;
SQE2: which assesses candidates on their ability to apply their knowledge and skills in a practical legal context.

How to Qualify as a Solicitor via the SQE

To qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route, candidates must:

Pass both SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.
Complete two years of qualifying work experience (or QWE).
Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.

Do I Need a Degree to Sit the SQE?

No, you don’t need a degree to sit the SQE. However, to become a solicitor, you must have a degree (in any subject) or an equivalent qualification, pass the SQE, and fulfil other necessary requirements.

What do Equivalent Qualifications Include?

Equivalent qualifications include:

A level 6 or 7 apprenticeship
A level 6 or 7 professional qualification

If you do not have an equivalent qualification, relevant work experience might be considered as an alternative. Learn more about solicitor apprenticeships here.

Why the Route to Qualify as a Solicitor Has Changed

The SQE was introduced to modernise and standardise how solicitors qualify in England and Wales. It replaces the LPC with a single national assessment, offering a more consistent and transparent process. Candidates can prepare flexibly, through self-study or courses, making the route more affordable and accessible. By focusing on competence over credentials, the SQE opens the profession to a wider range of backgrounds.

Benefits of the SQE

Flexible Preparation

The SQE allows candidates to prepare for the assessments at their own pace and in their own time, without having to commit to a full-time course of study. This makes the qualification more accessible to individuals who may not be able to undertake the traditional LPC route due to work, family or other commitments.

Encouraging Diversity

The introduction of the SQE has also been praised for promoting diversity within the legal profession, as it provides a more flexible and affordable pathway to qualification. By removing the need for candidates to complete a specific course of study, the SQE allows individuals from a wider range of backgrounds to qualify as solicitors.

A Modern Alternative to the LPC

Unlike the LPC, which required enrolment in specific courses, the SQE allows both law and non-law graduates to prepare in a way that suits their needs, whether through structured courses or self-study. This opens up the legal profession to a wider range of candidates and reflects the evolving demands of the legal sector.

Ensuring Consistency and Professional Standards

The SRA aims to ensure that all solicitors are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills of a Day One solicitor as defined in the Threshold Standard.

What SQE Preparation Courses are Available?

A range of SQE preparation courses are offered by numerous training providers, including law schools and private course providers.

These courses are designed to prepare candidates for the SQE.

Recommended List of SQE Providers for 2025/26

The follwing SQE Providers are highly recommended to ensure you are well-prepared for both exams, covering both the breadth of legal knowledge and the depth of practical skills tested.

Note, preparation course costs can vary based on the provider, the depth of the course, and the format (online vs. in-person).

SQE Costs & Funding Options

While some candidates self-fund the SQE, others may be sponsored by law firms that cover exam fees and preparation costs as part of their recruitment and training programmes.

For those without sponsorship, scholarships, or bursaries offered by educational institutions or legal charities may be available.

SQE Pass Rates

The SQE1 pass rate in Jauary 2025 was 56%.

The SQE2 pass rate in January 2025 was January 2025 was 75%.

Learn more about the SQE pass rates here.

About SQE1

The Purpose of SQE1

SQE1 forms the foundational certification of legal knowledge and understanding. Passing SQE1 is essential to progress to the practical stage, SQE2.

SQE1 Assessment Objectives

The primary objective of SQE1 is to confirm that candidates possess:

A foundational understanding of key legal principles.
The ability to apply basic legal knowledge to given scenarios.
Critical analytical skills necessary to interpret and solve legal problems.

SQE1 Exam Structure and Format

SQE1 assesses a wide range of substantive and procedural law, split across two exams: Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1) and Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2).

Each test comprises 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), designed to assess candidates’ legal knowledge across various subject areas.

Each FLK is split into two sessions, comprising 90 questions per session.

The questions require candidates to apply legal principles to practical scenarios, demonstrating not only recall but critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

SQE1 – FLK1

FLK1 tests candidates on the following areas:

Business Law and Practice: This section covers the essentials of business structures, the legal obligations and responsibilities in business operations, and typical transactions.
Dispute Resolution: Focuses on the civil litigation process, including pre-trial procedures, trial, and post-trial actions, as well as alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Contract Law: Involves the principles and rules governing the formation, operation, and termination of contracts.
Tort Law: This includes the legal principles governing torts such as negligence, trespass, and nuisance.
Legal Services: Covers the basics of providing legal services, including considerations for cost and funding, client care, and the strategic approach to case management.
Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and The Legal System: This area deals with the framework of the UK government, the functions of its institutions, and the influence of European Union law on domestic legislation.

SQE1 - FLK2

FLK2, on the other hand, covers:

Property Practice: This section examines the laws related to the ownership, buying, selling, and leasing of real estate and land.
Land Law: Covers the application of core legal principles and rules in relation to registered and unregistered land, interests in land, freehold and leasehold estates, landlord and tenant issues, and co-ownership.
Trusts: Includes the application of law in relation to express and implied trusts, fiduciary relationships, trustees’ duties, powers and liabilities, and equitable remedies.
Wills and the Administration of Estates: Tests knowledge on wills, probate process, and issues related to estate administration.
Solicitors Accounts: Focuses on the rules and practices related to managing client funds and law firm accounts.
Criminal Law and Practice: Covers the principles, procedures, and practices essential to criminal law, including the study of specific criminal offences.

FLK1 and FLK2 Pervasive Topics

Ethics and Professional Conduct

Ethics and Professional Conduct is examined across all subject areas in FLK1 and FLK2 and is considered a pervasive topic.

These questions will assess a candidate’s knowledge of professional responsibilities, ethical dilemmas and conduct issues that might arise for solicitors in practice.

Scoring and Passing SQE1

The passing score for SQE1 is set by the SRA and is subject to a process called standard setting, where the difficulty of each question is considered. Results are provided 5-6 weeks after the exam. Candidates must pass both FLK1 and FLK2 to proceed to the next stage of the SQE, passing the SQE2.

SQE1 Exemptions

Specific exemptions are available for certain parts of the SQE1 assessment, primarily for those who have already demonstrated comparable legal knowledge through other qualifications.

Available Exemption from SQE1 includes:

Qualified Lawyers

Lawyers qualified in jurisdictions outside England and Wales or within may apply for exemptions based on their existing qualifications and experience. These exemptions are granted if their professional qualifications cover the same substantive content as the SQE1.

Graduates of Recognised Law Degrees

Graduates who have completed a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) in England and Wales might be eligible for exemptions if their university courses covered the requisite areas of legal knowledge to a sufficient depth. However, as of the latest updates, full exemptions are not generally available, and all candidates are advised to verify with the SRA.

Legal Professionals with Other UK Qualifications

Those with certain UK legal qualifications, such as Chartered Legal Executives and LPC Graduates might be eligible for exemptions depending on the overlap of their course content with the SQE1 syllabus.

SQE1 Exam Dates

SQE1 has two sittings per year: January and July.

Candidates can sit the assessments at many locations, both within the UK and internationally.

SQE1 Assessment Fees

The fee for the SQE1 assessment is £1,934. This fee covers the cost of both FLK1 and FLK2 exams, which test your functioning legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions.

SQE1 Exam Locations

Exam locations for SQE1 are available both within the UK and at various international sites.

Assessments take place at various Pearson Vue Centres. Each session of FLK1 and FLK2 is completed on a single day, with a few days typically scheduled between the two FLK assessments to allow candidates some rest.

How to Book SQE1

Booking for the SQE1 exam is done through the SRA’s dedicated SQE portal. Candidates need to create an account on the portal, where they can also find additional details about the exam, including fees and the booking process.

Learn more about SQE1 here.

About SQE2

The Purpose of SQE2

The SQE2 assessment is the second and final part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. It is designed to assess the practical application of legal knowledge in real-world scenarios, fulfilling the SRA’s competency framework.

SQE2 Assessment Objectives

The primary objectives of SQE2 are to evaluate the candidate’s ability to:

• Apply legal knowledge effectively in practical scenarios.
• Demonstrate professional skills in communication, both written and oral.
• Handle legal documents and processes with accuracy and proficiency.
• Provide effective client services under simulated conditions.

SQE2 Exam Structure and Format

SQE2 consists of 16 practical assessments: four oral and 12 written, completed over several days and totalling 14 hours. All individual scores are combined into one final mark.

The oral assessments focus on client interviewing, attendance note/legal analysis, and advocacy. The written assessments cover case and matter analysis, legal writing, legal research, and legal drafting.

The format is skills-based and involves a series of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), where candidates demonstrate their skills in simulated legal environments.

SQE2 Topics

The SQE2 covers five practice areas, aligning with the FLK1 and FLK2 topics from SQE1:

Property Practice: This section examines the laws related to the ownership, buying, selling, and leasing of real estate and land.
Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice: Covers the processes related to wills, dealing with intestacy, and the administration of estates, including probate.
Criminal Litigation: Involves the principles and procedures essential to the practice of criminal law, including pre-trial and trial processes, as well as post-trial actions.
Dispute Resolution: Focuses on various methods for resolving disputes, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Business Organisations, Rules and Procedures: Covers the legal aspects of different business entities, their formation, governance, and procedural rules.

Candidates are required to apply their legal knowledge from these areas in practical tasks that mimic the work of a solicitor.

Each skill is tested in the context of at least two different practice areas, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of the candidate’s capabilities, whether they come from a qualifying law degree background or not.

It also important to note, that professionalism and ethics will be core parts of SQE2. As such, questions on ethics will be pervasive throughout SQE2.

Scoring and Passing SQE2

The SRA sets a standard pass mark for SQE2, based on the performance required for entry-level solicitors.

The test is pass/fail, and candidates receive their results 14-18 weeks after completing the assessment.

Passing SQE2 is a critical step towards qualification, requiring a demonstration of both proficiency and professionalism in legal practice.

SQE2 Exemptions

Qualified lawyers holding a professional legal qualification which confers rights to practise in England and Wales or in another Jurisdiction, could be eligible for an SQE2 exemption.

To gain an SQE2 exemption, you must show that you have the skills and legal knowledge assessed and applied to the same standard as candidates taking the SQE2. This is done through a review of the candidate’s qualification(s) or professional legal work experience, or a combination of both.

The SRA has a helpful drop-down list where you can input the jurisdiction where you are qualified, and the SRA will advise which exemptions could apply. If your jurisdiction is not on the list, you are encouraged to make an individual application to the SRA.

SQE2 Assessment Fees

The fee for the SQE2 assessment is £2,974.

Find out more about the SQE exam costs here.

SQE2 Exam Locations

SQE2 testing locations are available across the UK and in selected international venues for the 12 written assessments.

The four oral assessments are only examined in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Cardiff.

How to Book SQE2

Booking for the SQE2 exam is managed through the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)’s official SQE portal, similar to the SQE1.

Learn more about SQE2 here.

Retaking the SQE

If you need to retake either part of the exam, you will need to pay the exam fees again, so it’s advantageous to prepare thoroughly the first time around.

See here for more information about SQE retake fees.

Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

QWE is an essential requirement for becoming a solicitor under the SQE framework. Candidates must complete at least two years of qualifying work experience, which can be accrued in up to four different legal settings.

The work experience can be obtained in various environments, including law firms, in-house legal departments, law clinics, or other approved organisations, which can help you in your career as a solicitor.

Learn more about QWE here.

Important Tip

Alongside preparing for the SQE, devote a little time each day to develop your commercial awareness—You can learn more about commercial awareness here.

Career Opportunities Post-SQE

The completion of the SQE opens up a wide array of career opportunities for newly qualified solicitors. Whether you aim to join a single-solicitor practice, a mid-sized firm, or a large, global law firm, the SQE equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in various legal environments.

Learn more about the best legal recruitment agencies here.

FAQ

What is SQE and how does it differ from LPC?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a new route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC). The SQE is divided into two stages, SQE1 and SQE2, focusing on legal knowledge and legal skills respectively.

How can I prepare for the SQE exam?

Preparation for the SQE assessment can involve either self study or enrolling in a preparation course specifically designed for the SQE, which covers the necessary content and skills needed to pass the exam.

What is the process to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE?

To qualify as a solicitor through the SQE, candidates need to pass both SQE1 and SQE2, complete the required amount of qualifying work experience, and meet all the other qualification criteria set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

When is the deadline to transition to the SQE route?

Anyone who falls within the LPC transitional requirements will need to qualify as a solicitor by 31 December 2032 under the LPC route.

What is the key change to qualification introduced by the new SQE route?

The new SQE route focuses on ‘functioning legal knowledge’ and aims to provide a more structured and standardised process for individuals to become solicitors. It also eliminates the need for the LPC and the traditional training contract and introduces a more flexible approach to gaining qualifying work experience.

How do I pass the SQE and what are the pass rates?

Passing the SQE requires a combination of thorough SQE preparation, dedication to studying legal knowledge and legal skills, and practical application of concepts. The SQE pass rates can vary, and it’s important to stay informed about the exam success statistics.