SQE1 & SQE2
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the centralized assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It ensures that all aspiring solicitors meet consistent professional standards before entering the legal profession.
To qualify as a solicitor, candidates must:
Pass SQE1 and SQE2
Degree/Equivalent: A university degree in any subject (law or non-law) or equivalent qualification/experience is required.
Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
Meet the SRA character and suitability requirements.
Below is a short overview of the two stages of the SQE course.
SQE1 – Functioning Legal Knowledge
SQE1 tests a candidate’s ability to apply legal knowledge in practical scenarios. It focuses on the foundational legal principles required for practice as a solicitor. The assessment is conducted through multiple-choice questions using the “single best answer” format.
The exam is divided into two parts:
1. FLK1 (Functioning Legal Knowledge 1)
This section covers core areas of law including:
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Business Law and Practice
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Dispute Resolution
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Contract Law
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Tort Law
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The Legal System of England and Wales
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Constitutional and Administrative Law (including EU law)
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Legal Services and professional conduct.
2. FLK2 (Functioning Legal Knowledge 2)
This section focuses on practical legal areas such as:
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Property Practice
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Wills and Administration of Estates
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Solicitors’ Accounts
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Land Law
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Trusts
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Criminal Law and Practice.
Both FLK1 and FLK2 must be passed to successfully complete SQE1. Ethics and professional conduct are assessed throughout the exam.
Brief summary:
SQE1 ensures candidates have the legal knowledge required to advise clients and understand the law before moving to practical training.
SQE2 – Practical Legal Skills
SQE2 assesses whether candidates can apply legal knowledge in real-life legal practice scenarios. It focuses on the practical skills needed by newly qualified solicitors.
The assessment consists of written and oral exercises conducted over several days.
Skills tested in SQE2
Candidates are assessed on six key legal skills:
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Client interviewing and attendance note/legal analysis
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Advocacy
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Case and matter analysis
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Legal research
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Legal writing
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Legal drafting.
Practice areas covered
The practical exercises are based on key legal practice areas including:
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Criminal Litigation
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Dispute Resolution
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Property Practice
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Wills and Probate Administration
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Business Organisations and procedures.
SQE2 consists of multiple assessment stations (oral and written tasks) where candidates simulate real solicitor tasks such as advising clients, drafting documents, or presenting arguments.
Brief summary:
SQE2 ensures candidates can demonstrate the practical legal skills required to work effectively as a solicitor in real professional situations.
Benefits
Studying for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) offers several advantages for aspiring legal professionals seeking to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales under the standards set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
1. Internationally Recognized Qualification
The SQE qualification is widely respected and recognized globally. It provides graduates with the opportunity to build legal careers not only in the UK but also in international law firms and global legal organizations.
2. Flexible Pathway to Becoming a Solicitor
The SQE offers a more flexible route to qualification compared to the previous system. Candidates can complete their Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) with different legal employers, including law firms, legal clinics, or in-house legal departments.
3. Practical and Skills-Based Training
The course focuses on developing real-world legal skills such as legal research, drafting, client interviewing, advocacy, and case analysis, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the practical demands of legal practice.
4. Equal Opportunity for All Candidates
The SQE introduces a standardized assessment that ensures all aspiring solicitors are evaluated under the same professional standards, regardless of their academic background or training pathway.
5. Enhanced Career Opportunities
Completing the SQE opens doors to a wide range of legal career paths including:
Corporate law
Litigation and dispute resolution
Property and real estate law
Criminal law
Legal consultancy
6. Strong Foundation for Legal Practice
The SQE structure ensures candidates develop both comprehensive legal knowledge (SQE1) and practical legal skills (SQE2), preparing them to confidently handle real legal matters and client cases.
Tuition Fees
- Great British Pound (GBP) £2000.00
How to Apply?
- You Apply
Tell us a little about yourself and we’ll help with the rest. Our convenient online application tool only takes 10 minutes to complete.
- We Connect
After you submit your application, an admissions representative will contact you and will help you to complete the process.
- You Get Ready
Once you have completed your application and connected with an admissions representative, you are ready to create your schedule.