SQE1 sample questions

Overview

SQE1 is the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination and assesses the application of functioning legal knowledge. The assessment consists of two parts: FLK1 and FLK2, each containing 180 single best answer multiple choice questions.

In November 2024, an additional 40 sample questions were released (20 for FLK1 and 20 for FLK2), bringing the total number of sample questions to 170. These are equally split between FLK1 (questions 1–85) and FLK2 (questions 1–85), with the newest questions numbered 66–85 for each assessment.

The sample questions are available in both English and Welsh.


Single best answer multiple choice questions

SQE1 is a single best answer multiple choice test.

Each question is followed by five suggested answers or options. The correct answer / option is the best of the stated alternatives and is indicated in each of the sample questions. There will only be one correct answer.

Single best answer questions require a candidate to select the single, most accurate option based on the fact pattern (stem) and the specific question being asked (lead in). The questions make it clear that only one option is to be selected.

With single best answer multiple choice questions, the incorrect options should be plausible. They can be partially or wholly incorrect and can be based on common misconceptions.


Purpose of the sample questions

The sample questions are designed to illustrate the type of questions you can expect on the FLK1 and FLK2 assessments. They are designed to help both education providers and candidates plan their training and prepare for the assessments.

While the sample questions represent the types of questions used, they do not cover all assessment material contained in the FLK and are not designed to be a full mock exam. SQE1 is a timed and closed book assessment, which cannot be fully replicated by working through the sample questions.

As part of their preparation, candidates should be mindful of the assessment time limits: each FLK assessment is split into two sessions of 90 questions each, with 2 hours and 33 minutes per session. This averages to about 1.7 minutes per question, though some questions may require more or less time.

The cut off date for the law and practice upon which candidates are examined in the SQE will be four calendar months prior to the date of the first assessment in an assessment window.

We keep the law and practice relevant to the sample questions under review and are aware that the law and practice can change within the four month period referred to above. The sample questions will always reflect the law and practice that is examinable in the upcoming SQE1 assessment. If there is a change in the law or practice within the four month period before an assessment, the sample questions will be amended to reflect the change after that assessment.


SQE1 structure and sample question mapping

SQE1 consists of two assessments, FLK1 and FLK2, each with 180 questions covering:

  • FLK1: Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract Law; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law; Legal Services.
  • FLK2: Property Law and Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts Law; Criminal Liability; Criminal Law and Practice.

Ethics and Professional Conduct questions are examined pervasively throughout both assessments.


The pass mark

The pass marks for assessments in each SQE1 sitting is set by the Assessment Board, considering the difficulty of the questions in that sitting to maintain consistent standards across sittings.

To view previous pass marks, please refer to the SQE1 statistical reports.


Try out the exam functionality

Experience a demonstration of the SQE1 exam interface and sample questions, available in both English and Welsh:


Sample questions

Access the sample questions for FLK1 and FLK2 in both languages and formats:

FLK1 sample questions (English)
FLK1 sample questions (Welsh)
FLK2 sample questions (English)
FLK2 sample questions (Welsh)

PDF versions

English FLK1 sample questions (85 questions, 440KB)
Welsh FLK1 sample questions (85 questions, 803KB)
English FLK2 sample questions (85 questions, 435KB)
Welsh FLK2 sample questions (85 questions, 800KB)


More information

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?