Information for SQE candidates

The July 2026 SQE2 seat reservation form is available. More...

Important information regarding the July SQE2 booking process. More...

News SQE news item alert service - sign up now. More...

Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)

Register for the SQE, book your assessments and get your results. Understand and prepare for the SQE with guidance on the process and information about the exam.

Register for SQE Learn more

A person with glasses and a headband writes in a notebook next to a laptop. Other individuals are visible working at desks in a classroom setting.

The SQE process

Your journey as an SQE candidate involves registering for the SQE, booking assessments, sitting SQE1 and SQE2, and getting your results.

A person with curly dark hair and glasses smiles while looking at a laptop, holding a pen to their chin with a green plant in the blurred foreground.

Registering

The first step in the SQE process is to register for the SQE.

This starts with creating your SQE account, then verifying your identity, completing the diversity survey, stating whether you need reasonable adjustments and applying for them if you do.

A person wearing glasses and a light-colored sweatshirt sits at a desk using a laptop. They have headphones around their neck, and the desk features various items including plants, a globe, and a microphone.

Booking

When you've completed registration the next step is to book your SQE1 assessments.

You'll book and sit SQE1, then get your results. When you've passed SQE1 you'll be eligible to book and sit SQE2.

There's also an option to sit the SQE in Welsh.

A young woman with blonde hair focusing on a laptop at a desk in a classroom setting.

Assessments

The next step after booking is to sit your first assessments.

You'll sit SQE1. When you get your results and pass, you'll be eligible to book and sit SQE2.

To prepare and know what to expect read the assessment specification and assessment day guidance.

A person with dark hair and a beard cheers with a fist pump while looking at a laptop. They wear glasses and a tan shirt, with a tablet and notebook on the white desk in a bright office.

Results

After sitting SQE1 you'll get your results. If you pass you are eligible to book and sit SQE2.

You will not be eligible to book SQE2 until you have passed SQE1. You are allowed three attempts to pass SQE1.

You also have three attempts to pass SQE2. After passing SQE2 you have passed the SQE.

The SQE route to qualify as a solicitor

The SQE route to qualification consists of four elements that must be completed before a candidate applies to be admitted to the roll of solicitors.

Degree or equivalent

A degree in any subject or an equivalent level 6 qualification.

Pass the SQE

Pass the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.

Work experience

Gain a total of two years' full time qualifying work experience.

Suitability

Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.

Learn more about the SQE

Hear from SQE candidates

A person with glasses and a tan blazer smiles while looking away from their laptop. They sit at a wooden desk with papers and a notebook in a modern office.

I found that the candidate services team was extremely helpful and responsive. Any issue that I encountered was dealt with and solved promptly.

Susanna Paralegal

Candidate case studies

Are you ready to register for the SQE?

Create your personal SQE account and register for the SQE.

SQE News

Stay up to date with all the latest news and announcements.

Training provider survey for January SQE2 candidates now open

23 April 2026

Training provider survey for January SQE2 candidates now open

Read more

July SQE2 seat reservation form

22 April 2026

The July 2026 SQE2 seat reservation form is available

Read more

An update on SQE fees and publication of the SQE Annual Report 2024/2025

21 April 2026

We have published the SQE annual report and an update on fees

Read more

Important information regarding the July SQE2 booking process

14 April 2026

Key information and timings for July 2026 SQE2

Read more

Stay updated with SQE news

Subscribe to receive email alerts letting you know when we publish the latest SQE news.

Subscribe to news alerts