Who is the SQE for?

Unless you started your training journey by September 2021, you’ll need to sit and pass the SQE in order to qualify, regardless of your route into the profession.

You might be an apprentice completing your training with a law firm, a paralegal with a non-law degree and a range of experience, or someone volunteering in a legal advice centre.

You might have done a law degree and gained some Qualifying Work Experience. Or, if you’re CILEx-qualified or a barrister, you can take the SQE to become a solicitor.

Wherever you're coming from, the SQE provides a single, rigorous assessment for demonstrating the skills and knowledge required to practise as a solicitor in England and Wales.


Already in the legal profession

If you’re already working in law – whether as a paralegal, barrister, CILEx-qualified professional, or in another legal role – the SQE could be your next step towards qualification. If you're a qualified lawyer seeking admission as a solicitor of England and Wales, you don’t need to complete Qualifying Work Experience and may be eligible for exemptions.

Learn more: Guidance for Qualified Lawyers


Students

There are several routes to qualification depending on your current stage of study.

If you started your legal training before September 2021 – for example, you’re currently studying for a law degree – you may be able to qualify under the transitional arrangements instead of the SQE.

These arrangements will continue for a limited period, offering flexibility to those already on their way to qualification.

Learn more: Transitional arrangements 


Apprentices

If you’re on the solicitor apprenticeship route – whether you’ve just started, are partway through, or have recently completed your training – you’ll need to sit the SQE. SQE2 will be your End-Point Assessment.

Learn more: Apprentices 

Ready to register for the SQE?

Create your personal SQE account and book your assessments.

Register for SQE 

Have you passed the SQE?

Find out what happens after passing the SQE and admission to the roll of solicitors.

Learn more

Ready to register for the SQE?

Create your personal SQE account and book your assessments.

Register for SQE 

Have you passed the SQE?

Find out what happens after passing the SQE and admission to the roll of solicitors.

Learn more about Have you passed the SQE?