What has the SRA said about the SQE?

Jan 14, 2025

Written By Becky Kells

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has created a dedicated section to provide updates about the SQE. Here, we outline some of the main points and latest developments.

SQE so far: a summary

In September 2021, the Solicitors Regulation Authority introduced a new exam—the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is a centralised method of qualification for all solicitors. It is intended to replace the current postgraduate diplomas on offer for aspiring solicitors—the GDL and the LPC. It is currently in its lengthy transition period until 2032 in which both the SQE and the old method will be viable routes to qualification.

The SQE consists of two exams, SQE1 and SQE2. In addition to passing both exams, you’ll need two years of SQE Qualifying Work Experience, a degree in any subject (with exemptions for relevant qualifications or work experience), and to meet the SQE character and suitability requirements as determined by the SRA.

SQE: latest updates

Here is a summary of the latest updates on the SQE.

The SRA has recently increased the SQE examination cost by 5%. From September 2024, the SQE1 will cost £1,888 to complete, while the SQE2 costs £2,902 to complete. In total, the SQE costs £4,790 to complete. This excludes any additional training.

The 2025 dates for SQE sittings in January, April and July 2025 have been released on the SQE website here.

The SRA has released a series of free webinars on their events page on topics such as cross qualifying as a qualified lawyer and more.

The SQE is currently delivered by Pearson VUE in conjunction with Kaplan. Educational materials and courses to prepare candidates for the SQE will be delivered by a variety of providers.

As the SRA releases more information in its monthly bulletins about the SQE, we will outline the updates on our SQE Courses website.

SQE