Scaled scoring for SQE2

We will move to a system of scaled scores for SQE2, and it will first apply to the January 2025 SQE2.

We introduced scaled scoring for SQE1 in 2024 and we are bringing SQE2 in line with this approach. Candidate scores will be placed on a common scale that will enable us to achieve accurate and fair comparisons between test takers, both within an assessment window and between assessment windows over time. Scaled scores are routinely used in high stakes professional assessments, for example, in medicine, accountancy and the New York State Bar.

If two candidates with the same ability take different assessments their marks might differ if the assessment difficulty varies. Converting marks to a scaled score allows scores across all assessments to be compared, and accounts for any differences in the difficulty of the assessment.

SQE2 candidate results page

The candidate results page already provides a breakdown of results by assessment station. This will not change and candidates will continue to see the detailed breakdown of marks from 0-5 for each assessment criteria for each assessment station. Candidates will also continue to see their overall mark expressed as a percentage. In addition to this, candidates will now see their mark expressed as a scaled score out of 500, where the pass mark will always be set at 300.

We will provide more detail in the coming months, and we will update the website with images of a results page and further explanation.