If you’ve just finished university and are thinking about qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, you’ve probably heard about the SQE – the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and how should you approach your preparation?
This guide is here to cut through the confusion and give you a clear starting point.
The basics
The SQE is the centralised assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in 2021. It replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) routes for most candidates.
There are two stages:
- SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge through 360 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions (SBAQs) split across two papers (FLK1 and FLK2).
- SQE2 assesses practical legal skills like client interviewing, advocacy, case analysis, legal research, and drafting, both in oral and written form.
You’ll also need two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) and to meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements to qualify as a solicitor.
When can you sit the SQE?
SQE1 is held twice a year – in January and July. SQE2 runs four times a year, in January, April, July and October, although exact dates can vary.
Some candidates sit SQE1 soon after graduation. Others gain legal work experience first and then prepare for the exams. There’s no single “right” timeline – it depends on your personal circumstances, finances, and career plans.
Different ways to prepare
There are three main approaches to SQE prep:
✅ In-person, taught preparation course – Ideal if you want structured learning, tutor support, and a set timetable. These often run for around 12–20 weeks for SQE1 (either part time or full time), with an additional block for SQE2.
✅ LLM SQE preparation course – The taught courses described above, are often also available as an LLM, meaning that you get a master’s qualification and may be eligible for a student loan. The master’s versions usually incorporate the same prep course, but with some additional modules added that don’t relate to the SQE assessments.
✅ Blended learning – Suitable if you are working alongside study. You can spread prep over 6–9 months, often with live classes, on-demand content, and practice questions.
✅ Self-study – Cheapest option but requires discipline. You’ll need access to reliable study materials, practice questions, and a clear study plan.
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How to choose the right study route
When comparing providers or deciding whether to self-study, think about:
- Your preferred learning style (live teaching vs self-paced)
- How much time you can realistically commit each week
- Your budget and whether an employer will fund your prep
- The level of support and feedback you want
- The quality of practice SBAQs and mock assessments available
Top tip for early success
Don’t leave everything to the last few months. Even if you’re not starting formal prep yet, you can begin preparing before your course actually begins – don’t forget that the SQE covers the academic subject areas, not just practice areas.
You can start by refreshing your knowledge of the core concepts from your undergraduate degree modules in Contract, Tort, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Land, Trusts, and Criminal.
Small steps now can make the formal study period much more manageable.
Final thoughts
The SQE can feel like a big leap from your law degree or conversion course, but breaking it down into stages makes it manageable. Understand the structure, choose a preparation route that suits you, and start developing the skills you’ll need now.
If you’d like more detailed resources, example SBAQs, or tailored study planning advice, visit our Total Law Tuition website for guides, question packs, and one-to-one support, or just get in touch and we can schedule a free call to run through your options with you.