With the July SQE1 sitting now underway, many aspiring solicitors are already starting to look ahead to January. If you’ve just begun preparing, or even just started researching the exam, you’ve probably come across the term SBAQ and wondered what it really means.
This is one of the most common early questions students ask when they start their SQE prep.
Let’s break it down.
What is an SBAQ?
SBAQ stands for Single Best Answer Question.
Each question gives you five possible options, and your task is to choose the best one.
That sounds a lot like a standard multiple-choice question (MCQ), right?
Here’s the key difference:
➡️ In an MCQ, there is usually only one correct answer. The others are simply wrong.
➡️ In an SBAQ, more than one answer might be technically correct, but only one is the best based on the facts and context given.
This means you’re being tested not just on what you know, but on your judgment and ability to apply the law.
Why it matters
The SQE1 exam is designed to test how well you can apply legal knowledge to realistic scenarios. It’s not about spotting textbook definitions. It’s about understanding how legal principles play out in practice.
That’s why SBAQs are used. They are more reflective of real-world decision-making, where you often have to choose between several valid options based on the best reasoning.
Examples from the SRA sample questions
Here are three examples that show how SBAQs differ, and how they can even vary in style:
✅ Question 3 – Trusts (FLK2):
The question asks whether it’s necessary to appoint a replacement trustee. Several options may sound plausible, but only one reflects the correct legal process based on the scenario. This is a classic SBAQ that requires applying judgment to competing reasons.
✅ Question 12 – Land Law (FLK2):
This question asks whether a seller can remove an item from a property. The law isn’t black and white here, so the best answer depends on applying the relevant tests to the facts. It’s not about finding the “right” answer, but the most likely outcome in practice.
✅ Question 5 – Wills and Estates (FLK2):
This one is actually a true MCQ. It asks who has the best right to apply for a grant, and only one answer is correct. There’s no need for judgment, just legal knowledge.
These examples show that the exam is a mix of MCQs and SBAQs. But you’ll need to approach every question with an SBAQ mindset.
How to tackle SBAQs in your revision
🔹 Always read the lead-in question first. Know what you’re being asked before reading the fact pattern.
🔹 Use process of elimination. Rule out obviously wrong options to narrow your choices.
🔹 Don’t rush. Think about the purpose of the question and why one answer might be better than the others.
🔹 Practice regularly. Familiarity with SBAQ logic is key to building confidence.
If you’re looking for practice materials that mirror the SQE format, check out our Land and Property Practice SBAQ pack or get in touch to ask about one-to-one tutoring.
Final thoughts
SBAQs are not there to trip you up. They are there to test whether you can apply your legal knowledge with clarity and confidence, just like you’ll need to in practice.
Get comfortable with the format, trust your judgment, and keep building those exam-day instincts.