Exemptions and using SQE2 as an equivalence

Only qualified lawyers can apply for exemptions to the SQE assessment.

As part of the transition regulations LPC candidates can opt to substitute QWE and SQE2 as an equivalent to a period of recognised training, these candidates will not need to sit SQE1. This is not an exemption from SQE1.

Learn more: Lawyers qualified in a recognised jurisdiction who have passed the QLTS MCT assessment

Learn more: Passed the LPC

Learn more: Passed the QLTS MCT assessment

SQE exemptions for qualified lawyers

Qualified lawyers can apply for exemptions from the SQE assessments. This is someone who holds a legal professional qualification which allows them the right to practice in England and Wales or another jurisdiction.

Before you book any assessments, if you think you could be entitled to an exemption you must apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). They are responsible for assessing whether a candidate is exempt or not.

The SRA will consider your application and let you know which part(s) of the SQE, if any, you are exempt from. You may be exempt from one of the following:

  • SQE1 FLK Assessment 1 or SQE1 FLK Assessment 2 or
  • SQE1 in full or
  • SQE2 in full.

We advise you not to book an assessment until you have had an exemption confirmed by the SRA. If you do not declare an exemption before you book, you will pay have to for the whole assessment.

The SRA’s website also has a table of agreed exemptions for qualifications that has been looked at. This table will be updated if further exemptions are granted.

How to apply for qualified lawyer exemptions

If you are a qualified lawyer seeking an exemption, you must apply to the SRA before you can book any SQE assessment that you will sit.

Learn more: Exemption application on the SRA website

Learn more: SQE assessment exemptions on the SRA website

Confirming your exemption

Follow these steps to update your SQE account with exemption information:

  • Log in to your account and complete the pre-booking steps (the diversity survey and reasonable adjustments).
  • Once you have completed the diversity survey and the reasonable adjustments questions, you will see the exemptions form.
  • Enter your SRA ID number
  • Your eligibility for SQE assessments will be automatically updated. You can then move on to booking a place.
  • If exemption information does not show in your account, contact the SQE Candidate Services team.

After completing this, you will only be able to book any assessments that you need to take.

For example, if you have an exemption for SQE2 in full, the first bookable assessment will be SQE1. You will not see an option to book SQE2.

Using SQE2 as an alternative

Passed the LPC

If you have started or passed the LPC, or meet the SRA’s transitional requirements, you can use qualifying work experience and SQE2 as an equivalent to a period of recognised training (training contract). You would not need to take SQE1.

Firstly, tell the SRA that you wish to use this option. You do this by completing the relevant form on their website.  

Once you have done this, you will need to enter your SRA number in the exemptions section of the pre-booking steps in your SQE account. This tells us that you can go straight to booking SQE2.

Learn more: Using qualifying work experience and SQE2 on the SRA website 

Passed the QLTS MCT

Deadline for sitting SQE2 as an equivalent to the QLTS Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has now passed.

The SQE2 (October 2023) booking window has now closed.

If you have passed the QLTS MCT and have passed or will pass SQE2 you have until 31 March 2024 (inclusive) to apply to the SRA to become a solicitor.

Not attempted SQE2

If you have not attempted SQE2 you will have to restart your qualification through the SQE route. This means you will need to complete the entire SQE, passing SQE1, before sitting SQE2.For this to happen, you will need to close your current SQE account and re-register for a new account without including the MCT pass. This will reset your attempts to zero. You can use your existing email address but you will need to upload a photo ID and go through all pre-booking steps before you book SQE1.

Your old account will be deactivated and you will be unable to log into it from 13 September 2023.

Sitting SQE2 in October 2023

If you are sitting the SQE2 in October 2023, you will receive your results after 11 am 20 February 2024.

If you pass the October 2023 SQE2 sitting you have until 31 March 2024 (inclusive) to apply to the SRA to become a solicitor.

If you fail this assessment and any subsequent appeal, you will have to register for a new account this will reset your attempts to zero. You can use your existing email address but you will need to upload a photo ID and go through all pre-booking steps before your book SQE1.

You will not be able to access your previous account.

Already sat and failed the SQE2

If you have failed SQE2 and not booked the SQE2 October 2023 sitting by 11 September 2023, you will have to restart your qualification through the SQE route. This means you will need to complete the entire SQE, passing SQE1, before sitting SQE2.

For this to happen, you will need to close your current SQE account and re register for a new account without including the MCT pass. This will reset your attempts to zero. You can use your existing email address but you will need to upload a photo ID and go through all pre-booking steps before you book SQE1.

Your old account will be deactivated and you will be unable to log into it from 13 September 2023.

If you wish to sit the January 2024 SQE1 you will need to contact the SRA and apply for a waiver.

Learn more: Sitting January SQE1

Need help?

If you need help or have questions please contact us.

Learn more: When you can take the SQE

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

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