Expected Standard of Behaviour for SQE Candidates

Last updated: 28 June 2024

Introduction

This document sets out the standard of behaviour expected from SQE candidates before, during and after an assessment.

Expected standard of behaviour

SQE candidates can apply to become a solicitor of England and Wales if they pass the SQE and meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Before, during and after an assessment, SQE candidates are expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with the SRA Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules and SRA Code of Conduct for Individuals. These describe the standards of professionalism, honesty and integrity that the SRA expects of solicitors in England and Wales.

Where there is evidence that a candidate’s behaviour raises serious concerns about their understanding of, or ability to comply with, the SRA Principles or Code of Conduct for Solicitors, the matter will be referred to the SRA for consideration as part of the assessment of a candidate’s character and suitability to be admitted as a solicitor in accordance with the SRA Assessment of Character and Suitability Rules.

Examples of the types of behaviour which could be referred to the SRA are where a candidate:

• Harasses, bullies or is otherwise disrespectful to staff involved with delivering the SQE.
• Harasses, bullies or is otherwise disrespectful to other candidates.
• During an SQE2 assessment task, behaves in a way that would be inconsistent with SRA’s Principles or Code of Conduct for Individuals, for example, if they:
  • Advise a client to destroy relevant unhelpful evidence
  • Advise a client to bribe a witness
  • Behave in a way, or advise a client to behave in a way, which unlawfully discriminates against an individual on the basis of their protected characteristics.

Candidates are reminded that when they register for the SQE they are deemed to understand that in taking an SQE assessment, they agree to the conditions and obligations set out in the:

• Assessment regulations
• Candidate Confidentiality Policy

Note: this is the Expected Standard of Behaviour text that will appear on the registration page, with links directly to the Assessment Regulations and the Candidate Confidentiality Policy. All three documents are in the Policies section of the website.

I acknowledge that I have read and hereby agree to the SQE Assessment Regulations as well as the Expected Standard of Behaviour.