Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

What is the SQE?

The SQE is a centralised exam for solicitors that will eventually replace the GDL and the LPC, but don't be misled - it's not a course but a series of exams taken in two stages.

Under the SQE system trainee solicitors must:

• hold a degree or equivalent qualification (such as a degree apprenticeship) in any subject
• pass stages 1 and 2 of the SQE
• complete two years qualifying work experience (QWE)
• meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority's (SRA) character and suitability requirements.

While it's helpful for your undergraduate degree to be in law, it doesn't have to be. Graduates of any subject can take the SQE. For non-law graduates, law conversion courses (PGDLs) and SQE preparation programmes are available.

Why was the SQE introduced?

Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the SQE is designed to create a more consistent and accessible pathway to becoming a solicitor.

The SQE aims to standardise the assessment process, as well as widen access to the profession by providing more flexible and varied pathways to qualification.

Learn more about how to become a lawyer.

What does the SQE involve?

Provided by Kaplan the SQE exam is split into two stages - SQE1 and SQE2 - and is assessed on a pass/fail basis.

SQE1

SQE1 is taken after your degree or conversion course. It tests functioning legal knowledge (FLK) in two exams, each made up of 180 multiple-choice questions. The first exam (FLK1) covers:

• business law and practice
• constitutional and administrative law and EU law and legal services
• contract
• dispute resolution
• legal system of England and Wales
• tort.

The second part of SQE1 (FLK2) covers:

• criminal law and practice
• land law
• property practice
• solicitors accounts
• trusts
• wills and administration of estates.

Take a look at these SRA SQE1 example questions.

Each of the two exams last five hours and six minutes and are taken on a computer, in one assessment window - meaning they must all be taken together. They are offered over a period of two days. You must pass SQE1 in its entirety before attempting SQE2. This is the only restriction regarding timing.

SQE2

SQE2 tests practical legal skills. The assessment comprises 16 practical exercises involving four oral skills assessments and 12 written. Ethics and professional conduct are assessed throughout. Taken over five days in total, the oral element takes place over two half days and the written over three half days.

SQE2 assesses the following skills:

• advocacy
• case matter analysis
• client interview and attendance note/legal analysis
• legal drafting
• legal research
• legal writing.

The practice contexts are:

• business organisations rules and procedures
• criminal litigation
• dispute resolution
• property practice
• wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice.

Practice with these SRA SQE2 sample questions.

When can I take the SQE exams?

There are multiple sittings of the exams per year.

• SQE1 sittings - January and July
• SQE2 sittings - January, April, July and October.

To find out more about assessment dates see the SRA - When you can take the SQE.

The SRA encourages those who are ready to sit the exams to register early as places are filled on a first-come-first-served basis. Before you book your place on the assessments, you'll need to register as an SQE candidate.

'If you've secured a training contract, most firms expect candidates to complete the SQE before joining the firm, with all examinations passed,' says Cristina Gutierrez, early talent senior adviser at Winston Taylor.

Where do I sit the exams?

You will take the SQE exams at your nearest Pearson test centre - there are numerous across England and Wales.

SQE2 oral assessments can be taken only in Birmingham, Cardiff, London or Manchester, although it's expected that more locations will be made available in the future.

What about results and resits?

Expect your results to arrive five to six weeks after sitting the exam for SQE1 and 14 to 18 weeks after sitting SQE2.

In terms of resits, you're allowed only three attempts at each of SQE1 and SQE2 and these must be taken within six years.

'Be aware that firms may also have policies relating to resits and failed assessments, including limits on the number of permitted resits and requirements to pass within a specified timeframe,' adds Cristina. 'Therefore, it is important for candidates to review the terms of their sponsorship carefully and understand any conditions attached to it.'

To understand more about your results and potential resits see SRA - Results and resits.

What does qualifying look like for law and non-law graduates?

Bear in mind that the SRA isn't prescriptive as to the order of these steps and so the route to qualification may look different depending on your circumstances.

How does the SQE affect those already studying?

Most firms have transitioned to the SQE route but because of a long transition period, if you started your law degree or LPC before September 2021 you'll have until 2032 to qualify under the traditional route. However, if you want to switch to the new SQE route you can.

If you began studying law after September 2021 the LPC will have ceased as a qualification route. You'll have to take the SQE and won't have the option of qualifying via the old route.

It's the same story for non-law graduates. If you began the GDL before September 2021 you'll be able to choose to continue down the traditional route of progressing onto the LPC and a training contract until 2032.

For new entrants the GDL has ceased as a qualification route, you'll need to take a law conversion course and an SQE preparation course instead.

Are SQE preparation courses available?

Yes, but they're not mandatory.

'While the SRA does not require candidates to complete a specific preparation course, most undertake formal SQE training before sitting the assessments,' says Cristina.

'If you have secured a training contract the firm will typically partner with a training provider or university to deliver a structured SQE preparation programme. At Winston Taylor, we have partnered with The University of Law to provide a comprehensive SQE preparation programme, designed to equip trainees with both the legal knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in the SQE assessments. The specific provider and course structure will vary between firms, so candidates should check the details of the programme offered by their future employer.'

QLTS School offer several course packages for SQE1 and SQE2, which include:

• a video library with tutorials that cover the practice areas and skills
• digital flash cards
• hundreds of SQE mock exams
• practice questions
• study textbooks
• summary notes
• tutor support.

Some institutions incorporate SQE1 preparation into their law degrees, while other providers offer stand-alone courses. The majority of SQE preparation courses can be studied either full or part time.

BPP run the following SQE preparation courses:

• SQE Starter Course (online)
• SQE1 Preparation (self-study)
• SQE1 Preparation
• SQE2 Preparation
• LLM SQE1&2
• SQE1&2 Diploma
• LLM Law Conversion with SQE1.

At The University of Law you can study a number of options including:

• LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & SQE2) Online
• MA Law (SQE1) Online
• SQE Law Essentials Online
• SQE1 Exam Preparation Course Online
• SQE2 Exam Preparation Course Online
• SQE1 Preparation Course
• SQE2 Preparation Course
• MA Law (SQE1)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (SQE2 and SQE plus)
• Postgraduate Diploma in Legal Practice (SQE2 and SQE plus) Online
• SQE1 for Legal Professionals Online
• SQE2 for Legal Professionals Online
• SQE1 Preparation Course Online
• SQE2 Preparation Course Online
• LLM Legal Practice (SQE1 & 2).

While BARBRI run three programmes:

• SQE1 Prep
• SQE2 Prep
• SQE Complete.

Other preparation courses are offered by institutions such as:

• Bath Spa University
• City, University of London
• Coventry University
• De Montfort University
• Nottingham Trent University
• The College of Legal Practice
• University of the West of England.

'It is possible to self-study,' says Tiff Wiltsher, early careers specialist at Lewis Silkin, 'but many candidates find that a structured preparation course provides valuable support through taught workshops, practice assessments, skills training and exam preparation.

Ultimately, the right route will depend on an individual's circumstances, but for most candidates we would recommend undertaking a recognised SQE preparation course to give them the best possible foundation for success.'

For more information on which institutions and organisations provide preparation courses, see the SRA's SQE training providers list.

Search SQE preparation courses.

How much are SQE prep courses?

SQE preparation course fees are set by individual institutions and as such vary widely. What you pay depends on what (study level) and where (location) you study. For example:

• fees for the Masters level LLM Legal Practice (SQE1&2) at the University of Law range between £15,150 and £18,850
• the SQE1&2 Diploma at BPP University costs £12,200 to £14,300
• QLTS School charge £1,990 each of the basic SQE1 and SQE2 prep courses.

Cristina reiterates that 'if you have secured a training contract with a firm, the firm will typically sponsor your SQE studies, covering both tuition fees and examination costs.'

What does qualifying legal work experience (QWE) mean?

Under the SQE you need to complete two years of qualifying legal work experience to become a solicitor. Traditionally a training contract was the essential work-related element qualification, but it was also one of the main barriers, as placements are notoriously difficult to secure.

The SQE is designed to offer more flexibility when it comes to work experience, so aspiring solicitors don't necessarily need to do a training contract. However, many firms are sticking with the traditional training contract format.

QWE can be completed at a maximum of four organisations. The experience can be paid or unpaid and must provide you with the opportunity to develop the prescribed competencies for solicitors and be confirmed by an appropriate person, for example the Compliance Officer for Legal Practice.

The following all count towards the SQE's work experience requirements:

• formal two-year training contracts
• working as a paralegal
• completing a placement as part of a sandwich degree
• volunteering in a student law clinic or with Citizens Advice.

For example, you could complete a training contract at one law firm or, alternatively, carry out six months of pro bono work at your university law clinic and then work as a paralegal for 18 months.

Each placement needs to be signed off by a solicitor at the organisation, or a solicitor outside the organisation who has direct experience of the candidates work.

'At Winston Taylor our future trainees complete their QWE through our structured two-year training contract,' explains Cristina.

'They complete four six-month seats across different practice areas, giving them exposure to a variety of clients, matters and sectors. Throughout the training contract, trainees receive close supervision from experienced lawyers, regular feedback and dedicated support from both their supervisors and the Early Talent team.'

QWE can be taken at any point throughout the SQE, but most firms have their trainees complete QWE in the form a of training contract after having passed all SQE exams.

How much does the SQE cost?

For assessments taken after September 2026 the total candidate fee for the SQE is £5,092.

• SQE1 will cost £2,006 (£1,003 for FLK1 and £1,003 for FLK2).
• SQE2 will cost £3,086.

You pay the fees when you book your assessments.

These figures don't include additional training costs such as SQE preparation courses. If institutions incorporate SQE preparation into their law degrees there will be no additional charge, however if you choose to take preparation courses separately SQE costs will be considerably higher.

Is SQE funding available?

There are a number of options when it comes to funding your SQE preparation and assessments.

• Postgraduate loan - if you choose to study a Masters course that incorporates SQE1 and/or SQE2 preparation into the programme you can apply for a Masters loan worth up to £13,206 in the 2026/27 academic year. While this will cover a big portion of your fees, it might not cover them entirely and you'll likely have to fund the cost of the SQE assessments yourself. Be aware that not all SQE prep course providers are universities - those who are not will be able to provide this funding option.
• Scholarships - from small discounts to full-fee awards there are a number of postgraduate scholarships on offer that could help you fund your SQE preparation course. Check with different preparation course providers to discover what's available. The Law Society runs the Diversity Access Scheme, which is designed to assist those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Via the scheme you can apply for SQE funding including prep course and assessment costs. Find out more about scholarships and bursaries.
• Self-funding - via savings, family assistance or bank loans.
• Working while studying - the majority of SQE preparation courses can be studied part time, which enables you to work and earn money alongside your studies. As the SQE training route provides more flexibility, you could work full time for a period to fund SQE1 prep and assessments and then take time out to do the same for SQE2. Learn more about working while studying.
• Law firm sponsorship - large and mid-sized firms usually recruit trainees two years in advance (second-year law students and final-year non-law students). And just as firms used to sponsor their future trainees through the LPC, many firms now offer sponsorship to cover the costs associated with the SQE including A&O Shearman, Bird & Bird, Charles Russell Speechlys, Dentons, Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, Osborne Clarke, Pinsent Masons, Weil and Winston Taylor. If you choose to complete your QWE in this way, read up on training contracts.
• Apprenticeships - If you choose to qualify as a solicitor via the solicitor apprenticeship pathway, SQE preparation and assessment fees are paid by your employer. What’s more, you'll earn a wage while you learn. Discover more about law apprenticeships.

Find out more

• Read up on the different types of law.
• Learn more about the reality of working in law.
• Discover the essential skills you need for a successful law career.
• Find out more about becoming a solicitor via the SQE at QLTS - SQE Exams.