Exemptions and using SQE2 as an equivalence 

SQE exemptions for qualified lawyers

Exemptions

Only qualified lawyers can apply for exemptions from the SQE assessments. This is someone who holds a legal professional qualification which confers rights to practise 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 of the SQE, if any, you are exempt from.

For information on SQE exemptions that may apply to you as a qualified lawyer please visit the SRA’s website.

Please note that you cannot apply for an exemption from a part of the SQE you have previously failed. You must retake the assessment and pass to be eligible to qualify as a solicitor.

We advise you not to book an assessment and apply for an exemption for that same assessment in parallel. You will be required to pay for your assessment when you book. If your exemption is agreed by the SRA after you have booked, the usual cancellation provisions in the terms and conditions will apply.

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: 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. This is not exemption but an equivalent for the LPC transitional route.

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 

Former QLTS candidates

The deadline for using SQE2 as an equivalent to the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) OSCE has now passed. The deadline to apply for admission under the QLTS route was 31 March 2024. To find out your options and for any queries relating to admission to the roll of solicitors, please contact the SRA on contactcentre@sra.org.uk or 0370 606 2555.

Learn more: Transitional arrangements on the SRA website 

Need help?

If you need help or have questions please contact us.

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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 about Have you passed the SQE?