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SQE

Licensing exam for solicitors in England & wales

Exam Date: August 17, 2025

Test Structure

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a centralized assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in 2021. It serves as the sole route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, replacing the previous Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) pathways. The SQE is designed to ensure that all solicitors meet consistent standards of competence, regardless of their route to qualification. 

Exam Dates (2025)

SQE1:

January 2025: FLK1: 13–17 Jan; FLK2: 20–24 Jan

July 2025: FLK1: 14–18 Jul; FLK2: 21–25 July

SQE2:

April 2025: Oral: 28–29 Apr;           Written: 6–8 May

July 2025: Oral: 28–29 Jul;              Written: 5–7 Aug

October 2025: Oral: 30–31 Oct;       Written: 4–6 Nov


Eligibility Criteria

To qualify through the SQE route, candidates must:

1. Education: Hold a degree in any subject or an equivalent Level 6 qualification. 

2. Pass the SQE: Successfully complete both SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. 

3. Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): Undertake two years (or equivalent) of full-time legal work experience. This can be completed in up to four different organizations and can include placements, paralegal work, or training contracts. 

4. Suitability: Pass the SRA's background checks and meet suitability requirements. 

Exam Pattern

SQE1:

Structure: Two parts – FLK1 and FLK2.

Format: Multiple-choice questions.

Duration: Each part lasts 3 hours.

Content: Tests functioning legal knowledge across various practice areas.

SQE2:

Structure: Practical assessments.

Format: Written and oral assessments.

Duration: Oral assessments: 2 days; Written assessments: 3 days.

Content: Assesses practical legal skills, including client interviews, advocacy, and legal research. 


Syllabus Overview

The SQE1 syllabus covers the following practice areas: 

1. Dispute Resolution

2. Contract

3. Tort

4. Legal System and Legal Services

5. Constitutional and Administrative Law

6. Criminal Law

7. Property Law

8. Wills and the Administration of Estates

9. Solicitors Accounts

10. Land Law

The SQE2 syllabus assesses practical legal skills, including:

1. Client Interviews

2. Advocacy

3. Legal Research

4. Legal Writing

5. Drafting Legal Documents

6. Case and Matter Analysis


Future Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the SQE and meeting all other requirements, candidates can:s

Qualify as a Solicitor: Be admitted to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales.

Practice in Various Legal Roles: Work in private practice, in-house legal departments, or as a sole practitioner.

Pursue Further Specialization: Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and specialize in areas such as family law, corporate law, or intellectual property. 

How to Prepare

Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarize yourself with the SQE1 and SQE2 formats and content areas.

Create a Study Plan: Allocate sufficient time for each practice area, focusing on areas of weakness.

Utilize Official Materials: Use the SRA's sample questions and resources. 

Enroll in Preparation Courses: Consider courses offered by providers such as QLTS School, BPP, or The University of Law.

Practice Regularly: Take mock exams and practical assessments to build confidence and improve skills.

Stay Updated: Keep abreast of any changes to the SQE syllabus or assessment methods.

Important Dates

  • FLK1- 14-18 July,2025

    FLK2- 21-25 july,2025

Frequently Asked Questions

The SQE is a two-stage national exam that all aspiring solicitors must pass to qualify in England and Wales, regardless of their educational background or nationality.

Anyone can sit the SQE — law graduates, non-law graduates, UK and international candidates — as long as they:

Have a university degree (in any subject) or equivalent

Pass SQE1 and SQE2

Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)

Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements


You’ll need:

Proof of identity (e.g., passport)

Degree certificate or qualification documents

SRA number (if already registered)

SQE
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