A guide to the SQE
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the standardised assessment for aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the SQE replaces the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and aims to create a more accessible and consistent route into the legal profession.
To qualify as a solicitor, candidates must pass SQE1 (assessing the application of legal skills, principles and knowledge through multiple-choice questions); pass SQE2 (testing practical legal skills); complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) and meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
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Why was the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) introduced?
The SQE was introduced to ensure a fairer, more consistent, and more affordable route to qualification. Unlike the LPC, which varied across institutions, the SQE ensures that all solicitors meet the same high standard.
The key reasons for its introduction include:
Standardisation – Every candidate is assessed using the same criteria.
Accessibility – The SQE aims to remove financial and academic barriers.
Flexibility – Candidates can take the SQE alongside employment.
Additionally, the SQE allows for a more diverse range of candidates to enter the legal profession by removing the requirement for a traditional law degree. This opens doors for individuals from various academic and professional backgrounds, ultimately enriching the profession with a wider range of perspectives and experiences.
For those considering a legal career, the SQE represents a modernised and structured approach to becoming a solicitor.
What does the SQE involve?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a two-part assessment designed to test candidates on the knowledge and skills required to practice as a solicitor.
The first stage, SQE1, focuses on the application of legal knowledge and principles and is assessed through two multiple-choice exams.
The second stage, SQE2, tests practical legal skills through a series of written and oral assessments.
Both stages are rigorous and require extensive preparation.
SQE1: Legal Knowledge Assessment
Format: Two exams, each with 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
Subjects covered
SQE2: Practical Legal Skills Assessment
Format: Practical Legal Skills Assessment
Subjects covered
SQE costs and funding
Embarking on the SQE journey requires financial planning. Here's a breakdown of the costs involved:
SQE1 exam fee: Costs change annually
SQE2 exam fee: Costs change annually
Preparation courses: Costs vary depending on the provider and the level of support you need.
Additional costs: These may include resit fees, books, and travel expenses.
SQE funding options
Remember to research and compare different funding options to find the best fit for your financial situation.
BPP scholarships
BPP offers various scholarships to support aspiring solicitors.
Postgraduate loans
You may be eligible for a postgraduate loan to cover course fees and living costs.
Employer sponsorship
Some law firms offer sponsorship programmes to cover SQE costs for future trainees.
Other funding sources
Explore other options such as bursaries, grants, and part-time work.Who can do the SQE?
The SQE is open to law graduates, non-law graduates, and international candidates. Unlike the LPC, which required a qualifying law degree or a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), the SQE allows individuals from various academic backgrounds to qualify.
Can you do the SQE without a law degree?
Yes! Non-law graduates can qualify as solicitors through the SQE, but they must have a thorough understanding of a range of legal principles to be successful when sitting the SQE1.
BPP offers SQE1 preparation courses tailored for non-law graduates, ensuring they are fully equipped to pass the exam.
This opens the door to a legal career for individuals from diverse academic backgrounds, who can leverage their existing skills and experience in a new professional context. By removing the requirement for a law degree, the SQE promotes a more inclusive and accessible legal profession.
What is QWE and do you need it to do the SQE?
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) is a crucial part of the solicitor qualification process. Candidates must complete two years of relevant legal work experience, which can be gained in:
Law firms
In-house legal teams
Local government
Charities and pro bono work
Unlike the traditional training contract, QWE offers more flexibility, allowing candidates to gain experience in different settings. It can be completed before, during, or after the SQE assessments.
The QWE can be undertaken in up to four different organisations, with a maximum of four placements allowed. It must also be signed off by a solicitor or Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP), who will confirm that the work completed meets the SRA's requirements.
The QWE is designed to provide candidates with the practical skills and experience needed to practice as a solicitor, complementing the theoretical knowledge assessed in the SQE1 and SQE2 exams. It is an essential component of the SQE and must be completed before applying for admission as a solicitor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The average pass mark varies per sitting but typically falls between 55-60%. The exact pass mark is determined by the SRA and takes into account various factors, including the difficulty of the exam and the performance of candidates.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re serious about qualifying as a solicitor, BPP offers expert-led SQE preparation courses to give you the best chance of success.
