Important update regarding the October SQE2 booking process

Jun 19, 2024

Booking process for the October SQE2 assessment

The booking process for the October SQE2 assessment will operate in the same way as recent booking windows, using a short online seat reservation form, following feedback from candidates and other stakeholders. This is to provide a quicker and simpler way for candidates to book a seat for this assessment. There will be no queueing process to complete the form. We also hope to reduce the questions about bookings posed to training providers and employers that support their candidates.

Please note that the seat reservation form for all eligible candidates will be sent on 3 July rather than 10 July. We will also write to candidates with this information.

SQE pre-booking steps

  • Candidates who have passed SQE1 (or are eligible to sit SQE2) and wish to sit the October SQE2 should complete their pre-booking steps by 5pm (UK time) on 1 July. If you do not complete these steps we will not be able to reserve you a seat.
  • Candidates waiting for their April SQE2 results or July SQE1 results who find that they want to sit SQE2 in October, should complete their pre-booking steps when they receive their results (see below).

Seat reservation form

We will email all candidates who are already eligible to take the October SQE2 or waiting for their July SQE1 results a seat reservation form at approximately 6pm (UK time) on 3 July. The form will remain open until 5pm (UK time) on Wednesday, 10 July. It will contain full instructions and only take a few minutes to complete. It will ask you to confirm if you want to sit the SQE2 in October and information on your preferred assessment locations. You must complete the form if you want us to reserve you a seat for the October SQE2 (see below if you require reasonable adjustments). There is no queuing system to complete the form but we will adopt a process of allocating seats on a first come first served basis - i.e. in the order in which we receive completed forms. You will receive confirmation of submission of your form by email. If you do not intend to sit the October SQE2 you do not need to complete the form.

Candidates requiring reasonable adjustments

Completing the pre-booking steps is the only means of requesting reasonable adjustments. Completing the reservation form is how you tell us about your preferred location if your adjustments are agreed. Seats are allocated on a needs basis and there is no further action that candidates need to take regarding booking seats online. Once the Equality and Quality team agree to the request for adjustments, they source an appropriate seat and ask the candidate to pay.

Booking window

To facilitate the administration of the reservation system, we will pause the booking window from 10 July up to and including 12 August and from 3 September up to and including 16 September. We will also extend the booking window by two days (from 18 to 20 September) to allow more time for candidates waiting for their July SQE1 results to complete their booking.

Completing your booking

For those who do not require reasonable adjustments, once the booking window re-opens on 13 August (or 17 September for those waiting for their July SQE1 results), you will see the seat reserved for you in your candidate account and we will ask you to make payment to complete your booking. You do not need to accept the seat. If you do not take any further action or do not make payment by 5pm (UK time) on 16 August (or by 5pm on 20 September for those waiting for their July SQE1 results) your reservation will lapse. Once you have secured your seat by making payment, you can reschedule your booking via your candidate account up until 5pm (UK time) on 20 September if you find a seat you feel is more suitable. But to do so you will need to make payment to secure your seat.

Booking window closure

The booking window will remain open until 5pm (UK time) on 20 September, if you want to make your own booking between 13 August - 2 September September and 17 September - 20 September. You can use the self-service booking system via your candidate account if you want to book a seat (subject to availability).

We will update the Timings page of the website to reflect these changes.

Our aim

The process for reasonable adjustment candidates is described above. For all other candidates, we will endeavour to allocate a seat to every candidate that completes the seat reservation form. The seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. There will be no queueing process to complete the reservation form and no need for you to manually search for a convenient test centre location. We believe that this approach to the booking process will provide a quicker and simpler way for candidates to book a seat and we will continue to assess the impact of this approach and seek feedback from stakeholders.

Process for candidates waiting for their April SQE2 results

The seat reservation process will not apply to you. If you find that you need to resit SQE2 and you wish to do so in October, you will be able to book on-line as soon as you have completed your pre-booking steps after you receive your April SQE2 results. Results are due to be released on 28 August.