Verifying your identity

To register for the SQE, you need to provide a valid, official photo ID.

You will need to upload an image of your ID when you register so that we can authenticate it and verify your identity. We will keep a copy of your ID document throughout your SQE journey. We will retain it for the life of your account being active, or for as long as it takes for you to sit and pass the SQE. 

Suitable ID for verification

Valid official photo ID.

For example:

• Passport
• Photocard driving Licence
• Other official (government issued) photograph photo ID (e.g. national identification card or biometric residence permit)

We recommend that you use your passport to verify your identity.

Problems uploading

If you are having problems uploading your photo ID, please contact our Candidate Services Team. Call 0203 486 3080 or email enquiries@sqe.sra.org.uk

Exam day

SQE1 and SQE2 written assessments

You must bring two forms of identification to SQE1 and SQE2 written (taking place at Pearson VUE test centres).

Preferably, one of these should be the same ID you used when registering.

We recommend you bring your current valid passport as the primary form of identification. Alternatively, you may use one of the following documents as a primary form of identification. If you present any of the primary IDs listed below, they must be valid with photo embedded.

• Photocard driving licence
• Photocard national identification card
• Photocard UK biometric residence permit

The second form of identification must contain your full name and signature (e.g. a signed debit or credit card).

Important: No other forms of identification are acceptable. If you have any concerns contact the Candidate Services team as soon as possible.

If you fail to present the correct forms of identification, you will be denied entry to the examination and forfeit your examination fee.

The name on your identification must exactly match the name you provided when you registered with the SQE. The assessment centre staff have no discretion to waive or vary the identification rules.

You must bring identification as specified above to every day of the assessment.

SQE 2 oral assessment

You must bring the same valid form of photo ID you used when you registered. If you have had to change your ID during the period between registration and sitting the SQE2 oral exam, you must update the photo ID record held on your SQE account before you attend the assessment. Failure to do so will delay your exam registration process on the day of an assessment.

You must bring identification as specified above to every day of the assessment.

Unsatisfactory evidence of identity at an SQE2 Oral assessment

If staff are in any doubt about either your identity or the authenticity of any documents provided, the following will take place:

• A photograph of you and/or the document (as the case may be) will be taken, on which you will be asked to print your full name and the date and write your signature. The photograph will be kept on your file. If you refuse to do this, you will not be able to take the assessment.
• If you allow a photograph of yourself and/or the document to be taken, you will be informed that you may sit the assessment but that you are required to return to the registration desk following the assessment to try to resolve the query.
• If there are further documents for you to produce, you are required to bring the correct documents to the SQE Head of Operations (or their nominee) personally within 30 days of the assessment. In the event of failure to carry out this instruction, the issue may be referred to the SRA.
• In the event that any query remains unresolved, the matter may be referred to the SRA for a decision as to whether the identification requirements have been satisfied. If they are found not to have been satisfied, the assessment attempt will count as a fail.

If there are any such unresolved issues relating to evidence of your identity, you will not be permitted to sit any further SQE assessments.

Your data

Your ID is collected and retained for as long as you are a registered SQE candidate.

This information is treated with the strictest confidence. It will be used to ensure that we are able to confirm you are the registered candidate at the point of sitting SQE.

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