The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a vital step in the journey to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. For those planning to sit SQE1 in January 2025, it is essential to be well-prepared, particularly when it comes to booking your seat for the exam. This guide outlines the SQE1 January 2025 booking process in a clear and structured manner, ensuring students can find the key information quickly and easily.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- Pre-booking Deadline: 27 September 2024 (5pm UK time)
- Ensure you have completed all necessary pre-booking steps to be eligible for the seat reservation.
- Seat Reservation Form Availability: 1 October 2024 (6pm UK time)
- Candidates will receive an email with a link to a short online form.
- Seat Reservation Form Submission Deadline: 6 October 2024 (until 5pm UK time)
- Completed forms must be submitted by this date to reserve your seat.
- Booking Window Opens: 11 November 2024 (For those who do not require reasonable adjustments)
- You can complete the booking by making payment.
- Final Booking Date: 12 November 2024 (5pm UK time)
- Complete your booking by making payment, or the seat reservation will lapse.
- Booking Window Closes: 14 November 2024 (5pm UK time)
- The final date for rescheduling or self-booking a seat (subject to availability).
Step-by-Step SQE1 Booking Process for January 2025
1. Pre-booking Steps (Deadline: 27 September 2024)
To participate in the January 2025 SQE1 booking, candidates must first ensure that they have completed the necessary pre-booking steps by 5pm UK time on 27 September 2024. Failing to do so means you will not be eligible for seat reservation.
Key actions to complete:
- Verify eligibility to sit the exam.
- Ensure all details in your SQE candidate account are correct.
2. Seat Reservation Form (Available: 1 October 2024)
The next step is to complete the seat reservation form, which will be sent to all eligible candidates at approximately 6pm UK time on 1 October 2024. This is a vital step in the booking process, as without completing this form, you will not secure a seat for the January exam.
Important points:
- The form must be completed by 5pm UK time on 6 October 2024.
- The form is simple and quick to complete, requiring you to confirm whether you wish to sit the SQE1 exam and provide your preferred assessment location.
- There is no queueing system for form submission, but seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the form is submitted.
3. Booking Window Pause (1 October – 10 November 2024)
To manage the booking process efficiently, the booking window will pause from 1 October to 10 November 2024. During this time, candidates can still reserve their seat by completing the seat reservation form, but no further booking actions will be possible until the window reopens.
4. Completing Your Booking (11 November – 12 November 2024)
Once the booking window reopens on 11 November 2024, you will be able to finalise your seat booking. The seat reserved for you will appear in your candidate account.
Important steps:
- Make payment by 5pm UK time on 12 November 2024 to secure your seat.
- If you do not complete the payment, your reservation will lapse.
5. Rescheduling (11 November – 14 November 2024)
If, after securing your seat, you decide you would prefer a different location, you will have the opportunity to reschedule. This must be done by 5pm UK time on 14 November 2024, and is subject to seat availability. Keep in mind that payment must be made to secure your seat before rescheduling.
Booking for Candidates with Reasonable Adjustments
Candidates who require reasonable adjustments must also follow the general pre-booking process. However, once your request for adjustments is approved by the Equality and Quality team, the appropriate seat will be sourced for you, and you will be notified.
Important notes:
- You do not need to manually search for a seat if you are approved for adjustments.
- The team will confirm the seat and request payment from you to complete the booking.
What Happens if You Miss the Seat Reservation Form?
If you do not receive the seat reservation form by email, there will be a link available on the SRA website from 2 October 2024, allowing you to access the form. It is crucial that this is completed by 5pm UK time on 6 October 2024, to ensure you are part of the seat allocation process.
Tips for a Smooth SQE1 Booking Experience
- Plan ahead: Ensure you have completed all your pre-booking steps by 27 September 2024.
- Mark key dates in your calendar to avoid missing important deadlines.
- Check your email regularly, especially between 1 and 6 October, to ensure you receive the seat reservation form.
- Act quickly: Seat allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis, so submit your reservation form as soon as possible.
- Ensure payment is made by the deadline to avoid losing your reserved seat.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know if I’m eligible to sit the SQE1 in January 2025?
You will be eligible if you have completed the necessary pre-booking steps and have received confirmation from the SRA. Ensure your candidate account details are up to date and that you have complied with all requirements by 5pm on 27 September 2024.
Q2: Can I book my seat if I miss the 6 October deadline?
No, you must submit your seat reservation form by 5pm on 6 October 2024 to be allocated a seat. Failing to do so means you won’t have a reserved seat for the January SQE1 exam.
Q3: Can I change my exam location after booking?
Yes, you can reschedule your booking through your candidate account until 5pm on 14 November 2024, subject to seat availability. Payment must be made before you can reschedule.
Q4: What happens if I miss the payment deadline?
If you fail to make the payment by 5pm on 12 November 2024, your seat reservation will lapse. However, you will still have until 14 November to self-book, but this is dependent on seat availability.
Q5: What if I need reasonable adjustments?
Candidates who require reasonable adjustments should complete the pre-booking steps and request adjustments during this process. The SRA’s Equality and Quality team will source an appropriate seat for you. You do not need to manually book a seat once your request is approved.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, candidates can navigate the SQE1 January 2025 booking process with ease. Planning ahead, staying organised, and acting swiftly during key dates will ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam day.
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