SQE: a breakdown

Jan 19, 2025

Written By Becky Kells

For wannabe solicitors, students would have heard about the introduction of Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as the new route to qualification. Here is a complete breakdown of what the SQE consists of so far:

The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (or SQE) is a new method of qualification for solicitors. Designed to bring a standardised route into the legal profession, it will function in place of the GDL and LPC.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has implemented and has been fine-tuning the SQE behind the scenes for a while now. So without further ado…

The starting point

Before we get into the modules and structure of the SQE, here’s a word on what stage you need to be at to take it. Unlike in previous methods of qualification, you do not need to have a qualifying law degree to embark on the SQE—a degree in any subject will do. It goes even broader than this, as anyone who has an equivalent qualification to a degree or relevant work experience is eligible to start.

How will I be assessed?

Important distinction klaxon! The SQE is not a course in the same way that the LPC and GDL are. It is, pure and simple, an exam. There will be a variety of courses that you can take to get the grounding you need to sit the SQE assessments, but there’s no definitive SQE course—only a variety of courses approved by the SRA to deliver the most appropriate content. You can find a list of those courses and providers here.

Everyone hoping to qualify will fulfil the learning components on their chosen course providers, completing the same exams—SQE1 for the first stage, and SQE2 for the second stage—at the end of the academic year.

What’s on SQE1?

The first part of the SQE is called SQE1, and focuses on functional legal knowledge.

SQE1 is divided into two assessments, each testing you on a different part of the functional skill set. The split looks like this:

1. Business Law and Practice; Dispute Resolution; Contract; Tort; Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services.

2. Property Practice; Wills and the Administration of Estates; Solicitors Accounts; Land Law; Trusts; Criminal Law and Practice.

Both SQE1 assessments consists of computer-based multiple-choice questions. You can have a read of the detailed specification of SQE1 here.

What’s on SQE2?

The second part of the exam, SQE2, focuses purely on legal skills assessments—so all of the practical elements of being a solicitor. These include:

client interviewing;

advocacy;

case and matter analysis;

legal research and written advice;

legal drafting.

The format of the assessment for SQE2 consists of the written and oral assessments spread over the course of 5 days (2 half-days for oral exams and 3 half-days for written exams). For the oral assessments, candidates will be tested on their interview and advocacy skills through role play exercises. For the written assessments, candidates will be tested on case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing and legal drafting.

The specifics

You need to complete and pass SQE1 before moving on to SQE2, and before you get signed off as a solicitor, you will also need to have completed your qualifying work experience. However, you can do this before, during or after sitting SQE1 and SQE2.

SQE