Popular Questions to Ask about the Solicitor Qualification Exam
The SQE route to becoming a solicitor involves passing both SQE1 and SQE2 exams, gaining two years of qualifying work experience, and satisfying character and suitability requirements by the SRA.
The SQE exam dates for 2023 and 2024 can be found here: SQE Deadlines. We also update our users regularly about upcoming exam dates.
While we may be a bit biased, we believe FQPS ACADEMY offers one of the best SQE prep courses. Our platform identifies your areas of improvement and tracks your progress with comprehensive reports.
The SQE law essentials are the foundational legal knowledge areas tested in SQE1 (FLK1). This includes Business Law, Dispute Resolution, Contract and Tort, etc. FQPS ACADEMY provides detailed study materials for all these areas.
The SQE is a standardized exam replacing the LPC for those who wish to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It's divided into two stages - SQE1, which tests legal knowledge, and SQE2, which tests practical skills.
Everyone has only three attempts at each assessment, to be passed within six years from the first sitting of an SQE assessment. Wasting an attempt by having a go before you are ready is not only expensive, but could risk being demoralising and slowing down your qualification journey.
Candidates are required to apply relevant core legal principles and rules appropriately and effectively, at the level of a competent newly qualified solicitor in practice, to realistic client-based and ethical problems and situations. Your assessment for the SQE exams will evaluate your legal knowledge at the level expected of a Day One Solicitor.
Fees for assessments (applicable for assessments taken up to August 2024)
All fees are VAT exempt. Fees for assessments taken from September 2024The SRA has agreed an increase in the candidate fee for the SQE assessment (including resits) which will take effect for assessments from September 2024. It will therefore first apply to anyone booking to take the October 2024 SQE2.
All fees are VAT exempt.
This increase is due to inflation. The SRA has a rigorous annual monitoring process in place to review candidate fees with Kaplan. This is to make sure the SQE continues to offer good value for money and any increase in fees is justified.
You can only be admitted to the roll of solicitors once you have:
You will need to apply to the roll of solicitors and undergo screening, as well as pay the SRA fees. Become Solicitor - SQE
Yes, a supervising solicitor can confirm your QWE even if they no longer work for the same organisation as you. However, they must have reviewed your work for the period of work experience they are confirming. If you're claiming for work completed after they left, they should have received feedback from the person now supervising your work.
No, simulated legal services do not count towards Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the SQE. The QWE must involve real-life work as it's designed to give candidates practical experience of how solicitors operate in practice, the challenges they face, and how they serve real clients.
Yes, the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) can be completed at up to four different legal workplaces. This flexibility allows candidates to gain a broad range of experience and develop a comprehensive understanding of different areas of law and practice.
No, your QWE does not need to be at the same standard of work as a qualified solicitor. The purpose of QWE is to give you the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours expected of a solicitor. Therefore, at the start of your QWE, you are likely to be demonstrating skills at a lower standard than at the end. The SQE assessments, particularly SQE2, ensure that all candidates have demonstrated the necessary skills at the right standard. As long as your work experience allows you to develop some or all of the competencies in the Statement of Solicitor Competence, it can count as QWE.
Yes, experience gained at a law clinic can count as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the SQE. However, it must meet certain criteria. Firstly, it should provide you with the opportunity to develop at least two of the competencies listed in the Statement of Solicitor Competence. Secondly, your work must be confirmed by a solicitor within the law clinic or an external solicitor who has direct knowledge of your work. If the confirming solicitor is external, there are additional requirements in the SRA rules.
Prepare for SQE1 January 2025 with our expert guide. Learn effective study tips, a comprehensive plan, and why FQPS Academy is the best choice for your SQE1 prep. Start today!
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Unlock your potential with over 500 free SQE1 sample questions. Access MCQs from FQPS Academy, the SRA, Kaplan, British Law Academy,.. to boost your exam readiness.
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Discover the updated SQE2 legal research answer template on the Pearson VUE test platform. Improve your SQE2 preparation with structured templates and practice using SQE2 past papers for better exam readiness.
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Changing careers to law was a big step, but FQPS Academy's support system made it achievable. Their resources are top-notch!
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The smart study plans and AI-driven support at FQPS Academy made my SQE prep efficient and stress-free. Highly recommend!
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FQPS Academy's flexible study plans were perfect for balancing my studies with part-time work. The support was top-notch!
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Switching careers was daunting, but FQPS made my transition to law smooth and manageable. Excellent resources and guidance!
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FQPS Academy's comprehensive resources and supportive mentors were key to my success in passing the SQE1. Truly excellent.
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Returning to study law after years in another field was challenging, but FQPS Academy made it achievable. Great experience!
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