How to register for the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.
How to verify your ID and what you need to provide.
What the survey is, and what it covers.
If you need help or assistance to sit your assessments.
If you are a qualified lawyer, you may be eligible for an exemption.
How to book the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.
Find out how and when to book your SQE assessments.
Upcoming assessment dates, booking windows, and test centre locations.
Find out how you can take the SQE assessments in Welsh.
Everything you need to know about sitting the SQE1 and SQE2 assessments.
The assessment specification for both FLK1 and FLK2, including annexes and sample questions.
The specification for the written and oral assessments, including annexes and sample questions.
Useful advice and resources to help you prepare for the SQE assessments.
What to expect on the assessment days and how to claim mitigating circumstances.
How to get your results, how assessments are marked, how to resit an assessment, or make an appeal.
What to expect when you get your results, and how to resit any assessments.
If you believe your assessment result or a decision made by the Assessment Board is incorrect or unfair.
Read and download SQE reports.
Learn about what the SQE is, who it's for and how much it costs.
Find out what the SQE is and how it works.
Find out who's eligible to take the SQE, including exemptions.
Find out how much the SQE will cost and how you can pay for it.
Find out what candidates say about their experience of the SQE.
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Orla, Solicitor
I grew up and attended school in London before pursuing my legal education at university. My path to qualification has been a blend of academic rigor and practical experience; following my degree, I completed the Bar course and was called to the Bar. Rather than staying solely in an academic environment, I have worked across various commercial settings, which provided me with a grounded, professional perspective. My latest journey involved the challenge of balancing SQE preparation with the demands of working full-time, a process that required bridging my previous legal training with the specific practical requirements of the SQE.
The SQE is undeniably a rigorous set of assessments, but I believe that it is entirely manageable when taken in context. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the ‘high stakes’ nature of the exams, but if you have confidence in your preparation and trust the work you have put in, you can get through it. Do not let the pressure distort the reality: these exams are a bridge to your career, and they are a bridge you can cross.
The best thing I did to prepare was leaning into my personal learning strengths rather than following the crowd. It is vital not to simply copy how others absorb information. For example, while many people swear by study cards, they simply do not work for me. Instead, I found that colour-coding and highlighting large blocks of text helped me retain information and visualise the law.
For SQE2, I focused on a strategic ‘strength-based’ approach because, given that there is just one overall pass mark, I accepted I may do less well in some assessment stations or legal areas and still pass.
I recognised that my legal knowledge was at a good level, and I worked to capitalise on some of my stronger skills. By having a solid overall knowledge and boosting my marks in some of the practical skills areas, I was able to compensate for the weaker ones. So, for me it is about knowing your preferred learning style, knowing what helps you retain information, and working on strengths.
I completed both SQE1 and SQE2 while working full-time. It was challenging as this meant my time was limited. However, this forced me to be more intentional with my revision. It required a high level of discipline and a self-driven approach to studying, ensuring that every hour spent with the material was maximised for efficiency. It proves that you do not need to be a full-time student to succeed, provided you manage your time and energy and stay consistent with your preparation.
If I could go back and adjust my preparation, I would have focused more on simulating timed conditions. I would have done this using the SQE1 and SQE2 sample questions and with practice questions from preparation providers. The time pressure is a significant factor, and practicing against the clock is the only way to truly prepare for the pace of the day. Additionally, for SQE2, I would have used my family more as ‘mock clients’ to practice the oral assessments. Having a non-lawyer listen to you can really highlight whether you are communicating clearly and effectively.
The SQE is challenging because of its breadth, but I felt the level of knowledge required was appropriate for a day one solicitor. It tests your ability to apply the law practically. I managed the challenge by staying grounded and refusing to get caught up in the ‘noise’ I heard surrounding the exam. If you stay patient, you will get through the process.
A crucial part of my success was recognising that the SQE is fundamentally different from previous academic and professional exams. I had to shift my mindset from answering a question for a grade to thinking professionally like a ‘day one’ solicitor. In my preparation, I focused on the client and the desired outcome, rather than just reciting law. Understanding that these assessments are designed to test your judgment under pressure, rather than just your memory, helped me manage the intensity of the days. Once you accept that you are being tested on your ability to act for a client, any pressure becomes much more purposeful and easier to channel into your performance.
While the exams are high-pressure, the actual experience at the London assessment venues I attended was smooth. The facilities were good and the days well-organised. To cope with the stress of the day, I relied on the confidence I built during my preparation. If you know you have done the work, you can walk into the venue with the confidence that you can pass.
Preparing for the SQE
SQE assessment days
SQE1 sample questions
SQE2 sample questions
Create your personal SQE account and book your assessments.
Find out what happens after passing the SQE and admission to the roll of solicitors.
Stay up to date with SQE news and important announcements.