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Exam Date: December 14, 2025
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.
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.
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.
January 2026:
FLK1: 12–16 January 2026
FLK2: 19–23 January 2026
July 2026:
FLK1: 13–17 July 2026
FLK2: 20–24 July 2026
SQE2 2026 dates
April 2026:
Written: 28–30 April 2026
Oral: 5–13 May 2026 (various sitting dates)
July 2026:
Written: 28–30 July 2026
Oral: 4–7 August 2026
October 2026:
Written: 27–29 October 2026
Oral: 3–11 November 2026 (various sitting dates)
SRA Official SQE Page: https://www.sra.org.uk/become-solicitor/sqe
SQE Registration: https://sqe.sra.org.uk
SQE Exam Dates and Booking: https://www.qlts.co.uk/becoming-a-solicitor/sqe-exams-dates-registration-
https://kaplanassessments.com/qlts
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)
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulates the SQE, and the exam is administered by Kaplan on behalf of the SRA.
The SQE has two parts:
1)SQE1: Tests legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions.
2)SQE2: Tests practical legal skills such as client interviewing, advocacy, writing, and legal drafting.
Candidates must complete two years of QWE, which can be gained in up to four different organizations, such as law firms, legal clinics, or in-house legal departments.
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