Information for SQE candidates

The January SQE1 statistical report has been published. More...

We have published information on the April SQE2 joining instructions. 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.

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The SQE process

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

January and April SQE2 2024 assessment dates published

May 5, 2023

We have published the assessment dates for the January and April 2024 SQE2 oral assessments.

For the January 2024 SQE2 oral assessments, the dates are as follows:

First sitting: 6-7 February
Second sitting: 8-9 February

For the April 2024 SQE2 oral assessments, the dates are as follows:

Oral: First sitting: 7-8 May
Second sitting: 9-10 May
Third sitting: 14-15 May
Fourth sitting: 16-17 May

The dates of the January and April SQE2 written assessments are already available on the website and are as follows:

January SQE2 written assessments: 30 January-1 February
April SQE2 written assessments: 30 April-2 May 2024.

We will publish the remaining assessments dates for 2024, including booking and results dates, as soon as possible.

Learn more: Timings