Apprentices

The SQE is a single, rigorous assessment for anyone wishing to be admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales.

If you're completing the solicitor apprenticeship, you must pass SQE1 and SQE2. SQE2 will be your End-Point Assessment (EPA).

You do not have to pay for your EPA – all costs and fees must be covered by your employer or training provider.

We also provide specific guidance for employers and training providers on how to register apprentices, enter into EPA contracts, and manage payments and bookings.


Registering

You need to register for an SQE account. Once you've done this, your employer or training provider must notify us that you're an apprentice. We’ll then update your account accordingly.

Learn more: Registering for an SQE account


Assessments for Apprentices

You’ll need to take both SQE1 and SQE2:

  • SQE1 is the first part of your professional assessment.
  • SQE2 is your EPA. You must pass SQE1 and complete your apprenticeship gateway review before attempting SQE2.

Learn more: Assessment information


SQE summary guidance for apprentices

These documents outline key information about SQE1 and SQE2 for solicitor apprentices:


Booking your assessments

You should liaise with your training provider to establish when you will take your SQE assessments and follow the booking process steps.

Usually your training provider or employer will provide you with a prepaid voucher to allow you to book your assessment.

Remember: apprentices do not need to pay for assessments themselves.

Learn more: Booking assessments


After the assessment

You’ll receive your results through your SQE account. We’ll also send a summary to your training provider.

When you pass SQE2, you’ll complete the EPA for the Solicitor Apprenticeship Standard. If you’ve given us permission, we’ll apply to the relevant government body for your apprenticeship completion certificate.

Please note that to be admitted as a solicitor, you must also meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.


Advice for Training Providers/Employers

Establishing an EPA contract

Training providers must enter into an EPA contract to allow apprentices to take the SQE. Contact the Candidate Services Team to request the contract. Once completed and signed, return it to us before any bookings are made.

Registering apprentices

After your apprentice registers for an SQE account, notify the SQE Apprenticeship Manager of their candidate number as soon as possible.

Early notification helps us plan assessment capacity and improve the apprentice experience.

Paying for assessments

You can pay using a credit or debit card, or by invoice (subject to a credit application). Our team will support you through the payment process.

Learn more: Payment methods

Gateway review for SQE2

Before an apprentice can take SQE2, a gateway review must take place between the employer, training provider and apprentice. This confirms the apprentice has met the minimum requirements set out in the apprenticeship standard.

You must complete and return the Solicitor Gateway Declaration. Once this is recorded, the apprentice will be able to sit SQE2. The declaration also provides us with authority to apply for your apprenticeship certification if you pass SQE2.

Learn more: Apprenticeship gateway information on gov.uk website

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?