SQE Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ page is your comprehensive guide to all things SQE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular Questions to Ask about the Solicitor Qualification Exam
You can only be admitted to the roll of solicitors once you have:
- passed all SQE assessments
- have a degree (in law or another subject) or equivalent qualification or experience (such as a solicitor apprenticeship)
- completed a minimum period of two years of Qualifying Work Experience (qualified lawyers are exempt)
- meet the SRA character and suitability requirements
You will need to apply to the roll of solicitors and undergo screening, as well as pay the SRA fees. Become Solicitor - SQE
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.
Fees for assessments (applicable for assessments taken up to September 2026)
- SQE1 - £1,934 (£967 for FLK1 and £967 for FLK2)
- SQE2 - £2,974
All fees are VAT exempt.
Fees for assessments taken from September 2026
The SRA has agreed an increase in the candidate fee for the SQE assessment (including resits) which will take effect for assessments from September 2026. It will therefore apply to any candidate that books to take the SQE from October 2026 onwards.
- SQE1 - £2,006 (£1,003 for FLK1 and £1,003 for FLK2)
- SQE2 - £3,086
All fees are VAT exempt.
This increase reflects inflation and a small annual additional uplift towards the costs of translating the assessments into Welsh.
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.
To become a solicitor, you must:
-Pass all SQE assessments.
-Hold a degree (in law or another subject) or have equivalent qualification or experience (such as a solicitor apprenticeship).
-Complete a minimum of two years of Qualifying Work Experience (qualified lawyers are exempt).
-Meet the SRA character and suitability requirements.
You can complete these steps in any order you prefer. If you need advice on the best sequence, feel free to contact us.
For administrative tasks, you'll need to apply to the roll of solicitors, undergo screening, appoint a solicitor to verify your ID, pay the SRA fees, and obtain a practice certificate once all steps are completed. If you need assistance with any administrative step, please contact our Admission Admin Office.
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.
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.
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.
All upcoming SQE exam dates, booking deadlines and fees are kept up to date here: SQE Exam Dates, Locations & Fees. SQE1 is assessed twice a year, in January and July; SQE2 is assessed four times a year, in January, April, July and October. We also update our users regularly about upcoming exam dates and booking deadlines.


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.
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, 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.
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.
Every SQE question we answer
8 week program
- Are there any specific study materials for difficult SQE1 subjects like Trust Law or Criminal Practice?
- Can I receive personalised support during the SQE1 prep course?
- How do the interactive tutoring sessions work in the SQE1 exam prep?
- How does the FQPS SQE1 prep program help with last-minute studies?
- How does the program prepare students for the practical aspects of the SQE1 exam?
- What is included in your 8-week SQE1 exam preparation program?
- What kind of mock exams are provided in the SQE1 revision course?
- What strategies are taught for effective time management in the SQE1 exam?
ambassador
- Can I see how many people have used my referral link?
- How do I sign up for the Ambassador Program?
- How much commission can I earn?
- Is there a limit to how much I can earn?
- What do I need to do after signing up?
- What is the FQPS Academy Ambassador Program?
- When and how will I receive my commission?
- Who can join the Ambassador Program?
best sqe prep
guarantees
LPC vs SQE
Mentor
- Can I change my mentor if I feel it’s not a good fit?
- How are mentors matched with students?
- How does the mentor program work?
- How often can I communicate with my mentor?
- What happens if I miss a scheduled check-in with my mentor?
- What kind of support can I expect from my mentor?
- What qualifications do the mentors have?
payment success
QWE
- Can I count my experience gained at a law clinic as qualifying work experience?
- Can I gain qualifying work experience through simulated legal services?
- Can a supervising solicitor confirm your QWE if you and/or they no longer work for the organisation?
- Can the Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) be completed at multiple workplaces?
- Does my qualifying work experience need to be the same standard of work as a qualified solicitor?
qwe validation
- Can international work experience be validated through your service?
- How does the FQPS Academy QWE Validation service work?
- How long does the QWE Validation process take at FQPS Academy?
- What documentation do I need to provide for QWE Validation?
- What is QWE Validation, and why is it important for solicitors?
sqe exam date
SQE Explained
- How to pursue admission to the roll of solicitors?
- Is there an SQE time limit?
- What are the fees imposed by the SRA for the SQE exams?
- What is the SQE law essentials?
- What is the SQE route explained?
- What is the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?
- What is the best SQE prep course?
- What is the required level of legal knowledge to successfully pass the SQE exams?
- Where can I find the SQE exam dates?
SQE Register
sqe1 preparation
SQE2 exemption
sqe2 preparation
- How do we prepare students for the SQE2 Case and Matter Analysis?
- How does our SQE2 preparation course help with Advocacy skills?
- What resources are available for legal drafting in our SQE2 course?
- What support is available for the SQE2 Legal Research component?
- What training do we provide for the SQE2 Client Interview?
What is the pass rate for the SQE exam?
Keep reading
1,000+ free SQE1 sample questions for 2026, every source checked — SRA official MCQs, two full free FQPS mocks and daily practice, plus 23 new questions with full answers.
Read the article
People are talking
The mentor support at FQPS Academy was incredible. I felt guided and encouraged throughout my entire SQE1 preparation.
SQE1 Prep Course
The smart study plans and AI-driven support at FQPS Academy made my SQE prep efficient and stress-free. Highly recommend!
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy's flexible study plans were perfect for balancing my studies with part-time work. The support was top-notch!
SQE1 Prep Course
Switching careers was daunting, but FQPS made my transition to law smooth and manageable. Excellent resources and guidance!
QWE Confirmation
Preparing for the SQE1 was a breeze with FQPS Academy. Their tailored support and clear guidance were invaluable.
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy's approach to learning was perfect for me. The personalised feedback helped me focus on what really mattered.
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy's comprehensive resources and supportive mentors were key to my success in passing the SQE1. Truly excellent.
SQE1 Prep Course
Returning to study law after years in another field was challenging, but FQPS Academy made it achievable. Great experience!
QWE Confirmation
I loved the blended learning approach at FQPS Academy. It kept me engaged and helped me retain the material effectively.
SQE1 Prep Course
The detailed feedback and continuous support at FQPS Academy were outstanding. I felt prepared and confident for my exams.
SQE2 Mocks
FQPS Academy's resources and support helped me navigate the SQE1 as an international lawyer. Couldn't have done it without them!
SQE1 Prep Course
The proactive support and clear guidance from FQPS Academy's mentors made all the difference in my SQE1 prep. Highly recommend!
SQE1 Prep Course
Changing careers to law was a big step, but FQPS Academy's support system made it achievable. Their resources are top-notch!
QWE Confirmation
FQPS Academy's revision cards were incredibly helpful for quick reviews. The structured approach really worked for me.
SQE1 Prep Course
The 24/7 mentor support was a lifesaver! FQPS Academy truly understands the needs of their students. Highly recommend!
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy's intensive MCQ sessions and mock exams were game-changers. I felt ready and confident on exam day!
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy's personalised study plans were a huge help. The AI detection and prevention of burnout feature was particularly beneficial.
SQE1 Prep Course
FQPS Academy made my career change to law seamless. Their support and resources are second to none. Fantastic experience!
QWE Confirmation

