When you can take the SQE

2021 and 2022 are transitional years. From 2023, SQE1 sittings will take on a regular pattern and will be in January and July. We will continue to monitor demand for introducing additional SQE1 sittings, for example in April and October, when appropriate.

From 2024 SQE2 sittings will take on a regular pattern (January, April and July), ultimately rising to four SQE2 sittings (January, April, July, and October), when appropriate.

We will aim for assessment dates that are within the same weeks of the same months as far as possible. These will be published 12 months before each relevant assessment. We aim to announce any additional sittings 18 months before they are introduced.

You can only book and sit SQE2 after passing SQE1, or if you have been granted an exemption by the SRA for the whole of the SQE1.

Once registration is open, you can register at any time throughout the year.

If you want to sit your assessment outside of the UK, you should check the timing of your assessment when you book. There will be varied start times for assessments held in international centres.

SQE assessment dates - 2021 to 2023.

*Bookings will close approximately five weeks before the assessment sitting.
**We expect results for the first sitting of SQE1 to be published within 6 - 10 weeks.
***SQE1 and SQE2 written will take place at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and internationally.
**** SQE2 oral assessments will take place at locations in Cardiff, London, Manchester. Please note that both first and second oral sittings may not be available in all locations. Exact dates for each location will be available when the booking window opens. Further SQE2 oral assessment dates may be added at a later date if needed to meet demand.

Planning ahead

To assist candidates, training providers and employers in their planning, the weeks we are aiming to start assessments for each relevant assessment window is as follows:

SQE1: third week of the month

SQE2: final week of the month

However, these are indicative only. Specific dates will be published 12 months before the relevant assessment.

Also, we aim to allow some time following the publication of SQE1 results for candidates that have passed to book on to the next SQE2 assessment, although this may only be a few days. We are looking at our processes to try to maximise this window for candidates that want to follow this path. Candidates can of course book on to a later SQE2 sitting if that is more suitable for them.

You could sit both SQE1 and SQE2 within one academic year, but you will still need a degree (or equivalent) and two years’ work experience before you can apply to qualify as a solicitor.

SQE time limit

You have six years in which to complete SQE1 and SQE2. The six-year period starts from the first day you sit your first SQE assessment. You can have up to three attempts at each of SQE1 and SQE2 within this period. 

Studying for the SQE

You will need to study for the assessments. How you study towards the SQE is up to you and will depend on factors such as your experience, your employer and your learning preferences.

To find out who delivers SQE education, tutoring or training services (or plans to in the future), or produces SQE-related study materials and resources (or plans to in the future), check the SRA’s list of training providers.

Please note that neither Kaplan nor the SRA regulates, accredits or endorses training providers or organisations.