Check key dates

We publish key booking information on the Assessment date and booking windows page for each assessment window. This tells you when reservation forms are sent out, payments are requested and when you must complete your booking.

• You'll find dates for upcoming assessments on the booking windows page.
• Updates when bookings are being prepared will appear in the banner at the top of the homepage.
• Training providers also use these updates — they’re the most up-to-date source of information.

Test centres

• You can view Pearson VUE test centres using the locator tool on our Dates and locations page.
• SQE1 and SQE2 written assessments take place in Pearson VUE centres.
• SQE2 oral assessments are held at a small number of centres, listed on the Dates and locations page.

Note: There are no SQE assessments in Ukraine, Belarus or Russia.

Complete your pre-booking tasks

Before an assessment can be booked, you must complete these tasks in your SQE account:

1. Diversity survey - required, but you can opt out of individual questions.
2. Exemptions - enter your SRA exemption number if applicable.
3. Reasonable adjustments – request these separately in your account.

You can do all these steps in advance — you don't need to wait.

Plan your booking

Before booking an assessment, think carefully about when you're likely to be ready. Many candidates say the SQE is very challenging, so it’s important to prepare thoroughly.

• Candidate case studies

You may want to complete a period of qualifying work experience before attempting your assessment.

Reasonable adjustments

If you need adjustments to sit your assessment, we encourage you to apply as early as possible — ideally before the booking window opens.

• You can submit an application for both assessments (SQE1 and SQE2).
• A member of our team will work with you to confirm your adjustments, help you choose a suitable test centre, and book your place once everything is approved.
• You need to complete the seat reservation form to tell us where and when you wish to sit.
• You do not need to book online. Your reasonable adjustment liaison will manage your booking after you’ve accepted your adjustment plan and paid your fees.

More on applying for reasonable adjustments

Seat reservation bookings

Most candidates book their seat by completing a short online reservation form. This is the main method of booking.

• The form asks for your SQE candidate number, preferred location and dates, and whether you need reasonable adjustments.
• We allocate seats based on the order forms are received, doing our best to meet preferences.
• Once your seat is allocated, we will contact you to pay and you can log into your SQE account, accept it, and pay to confirm your booking.

If your preferred location isn't available, we'll offer the closest available alternative.

Manual online bookings

A small number of candidates (e.g. those awaiting results) may book manually via their SQE account.

• This is covered in the Key booking information on the Assessment dates and booking windows page.
• You'll book via Pearson VUE and then return to your account to pay.
• There may be a queueing system in place during busy periods.

More on manual online bookings

Payment methods and vouchers

You can pay for your assessment with a debit/credit card or a prepaid voucher. Training providers and employers can purchase vouchers for groups of candidates. If you’re an apprentice, your provider will usually give you a voucher.

• More about payment methods
• The SQE for apprentices

Training providers/employers can apply for a credit account to bulk purchase vouchers. This process takes up to 10 working days.

Rescheduling your booking

You can:

• Reschedule your SQE1 or SQE2 written assessment (subject to availability) while the booking window is open.
• Not reschedule your SQE2 oral assessment — you'll need to cancel and rebook through Candidate Services.

If a more convenient seat becomes available due to a cancellation, you can rebook — as long as long as online booking is still open.

Booking closing date

For each assessment booking period there is a closing date. You'll find this on the Assessment dates and booking windows page. If the date changes, we'll publish a news item.

Next: How to book