What is the SQE?

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, or SQE, is the assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. It is designed to assure consistent, high standards for all qualifying solicitors.

An SRA competence statement sets out what solicitors need to be able to do to perform the role effectively, and provides everyone with a clear indication of what to expect from a solicitor. This is what the SQE assessments test.

The SQE qualification

The SQE is split into two assessments - SQE1 and SQE2.

From 1 September 2021, to qualify you will need to:

• have a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification or work experience)
• pass both stages of the SQE assessment - SQE1 focuses on functioning legal knowledge and SQE2 on practical legal skills and knowledge
• have two years' Qualifying Work Experience
• meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements

Learn more: How the SQE works 

Assessment topics

Information on assessment topics will give you a better understanding of the topics within SQE1 and SQE2.

The assessment information section offers a detailed breakdown of how the exam and its assessments are structured.

The SQE is split into two assessments: SQE1 and SQE2.

Learn more: Assessment topics