SQE1 Functioning Legal Knowledge sample questions

SQE1 is the first part of the SQE assessment and tests the application of functioning legal knowledge. The structure of SQE1 is set out below. This is a computer-based single best answer multiple choice test.

We provide 90 SQE1 sample questions. Each question is followed by five suggested answers. The correct answer is the best of the stated alternatives and is provided alongside the sample questions.

Go to: SQE1 sample questions

Purpose of the sample questions

The sample questions are designed to illustrate the kind of questions that appear on the FLK1 and FLK2 assessments and therefore assist both education providers and candidates plan SQE training and prepare for the assessment. The sample questions follow the same style and have been drafted in accordance with the same process as the questions used in the assessment.

The 90 sample questions do not represent all the material that is covered by the FLK and are not designed to be a replica of the SQE1 assessment itself, or to be a mock assessment. Sitting the actual SQE1 under timed and closed book assessment conditions cannot be replicated by working through the 90 sample questions.

As part of their preparation, candidates may want to consider the amount of time they have to complete SQE1 questions. As a reminder, each FLK consists of 180 questions. Each FLK is split into two sessions and the standard time allocated for each session is 2 hours 33 minutes with 90 questions in each session. Therefore, on average, candidates have approximately 1.7 minutes per question. Some questions will take more/less time to answer than others.

Learn more: The assessment day

The pass mark

The pass mark for each sitting of the SQE1 assessment will be set by the Assessment Board. The pass mark is set for each sitting of the SQE1 assessment, taking into account the difficulty of the questions in the sitting. This ensures that the standard of the assessment remains consistent from one sitting to the next.

Learn more: Marking and standard setting policy 

On these two sets of 45 questions, the pass mark would be likely to be in the range 55% - 60%. To see the pass marks for SQE1 assessments that have taken place please see the SQE1 statistical reports.

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SQE1 structure and sample question mapping

SQE1 involves two assessments. There are 360 questions in total - 180 in each assessment. They cover the following subject areas:

  1. Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services. (Sample questions 1-45)
  2. Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice. (Sample questions 46-90)

Ethics and Professional Conduct are examined pervasively across the two assessments above.

PDF download of SQE1 sample questions (PDF 95 pages, 539KB)

Learn more: SQE1 assessment specification

Trying out the exam functionality

Experience a simulation of the exam, including sample questions and realistic user interface.

Learn more: SQE1 exam functionality on Pearson VUE

Ready to register for the SQE?

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Have you passed the SQE?

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

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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