Exemptions and using SQE2 as an equivalence 

SQE exemptions for qualified lawyers

Exemptions

Only qualified lawyers can apply for exemptions from the SQE assessments. A qualified lawyer is someone who holds a legal professional qualification that gives them the right to practise law in England and Wales or in another jurisdiction.

If you think you may be eligible for an exemption, you must apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) before booking any assessments. The SRA is responsible for deciding whether a candidate is exempt, and which part of the SQE (if any) that exemption applies to.

For details about exemptions, visit the SRA’s website.

Important notes

  • You cannot apply for an exemption from a part of the SQE that you’ve already failed. You must retake and pass that assessment to qualify.
  • Do not book an assessment while applying for an exemption from that same assessment. If your exemption is approved after booking, standard cancellation rules will apply.

How to apply for exemptions

If you're a qualified lawyer, you must apply to the SRA for any exemption before booking an SQE assessment.

Learn more: SQE assessment exemptions on the SRA website


Confirming your exemption

To update your account with your exemption:

  1. Log in to your SQE account.
  2. Complete the diversity survey and reasonable adjustments questions.
  3. Fill in the exemptions form when it appears.
  4. Enter your SRA ID number.
  5. Your eligibility will update automatically. You can then book any assessments you need to take.

If your exemption details don’t appear, please contact the SQE Candidate Services team.

For example, if you're exempt from SQE2, you will only see the option to book SQE1.


Using SQE2 as an alternative route

If you’ve passed the LPC

If you’ve passed the LPC (or meet transitional requirements), you can use qualifying work experience plus SQE2 to replace a training contract. You don’t need to take SQE1.

This is not an exemption but a transitional route available under SRA rules.

To use this route:

  1. Inform the SRA by completing the relevant form on their website.
  2. Enter your SRA number in the exemptions section of your SQE account.
  3. You’ll then be able to book SQE2 directly.

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 QLTS OSCE has now passed. The deadline to apply for admission via the QLTS route was 31 March 2024.

For questions about your options or how to be admitted to the roll of solicitors, contact the SRA:

Learn more: Transitional arrangements on the SRA website

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 about Have you passed the SQE?