When Can You Book SQE1?

Apr 02, 2023

Written By Panashe Nyadundu

Completing SQE1 is an important first step of becoming a solicitor. Here’s everything you need to know about the booking process:

Booking Formalities

Candidates looking to book the SQE1 assessment must first create an SQE account, which can be done on the SRA’s website. Once this is complete, logging into your account will provide you with the option to see what assessments are available to you. If you don’t see any assessment options, you will need to wait for the booking window to open. This is typically about three months before the assessment date.

Whilst logged into your SQE account, you will be given access to PearsonVue to book your assessment. After doing so, to complete booking you must return to your SQE account to purchase your chosen assessment date.

Once you have completed these steps, you will receive a confirmation email via the email you created your account with.

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Important Things to Note

It is strongly advised that you book on to the assessment as early as possible when the booking window opens, to avoid potential disappointment.

Assessments are filled up on a first-come first-served basis. Before booking, candidates are placed in a queuing system, to create fair access to the booking stage.

The booking page automatically shows you a list of test centres closest to you, however, you can use the search field to book tests in different areas and cities to align with your preference. When booking the SQE1, you must book each test (FLK1 and FLK2) individually, however all assessments are paid for at once when you checkout.

Booking When You Are Ready

The SRA states that a candidate’s education and QWE is enough to provide them with the necessary capabilities to pass the required assessments, so technically once you have all these aspects, you can book the SQE 1. However, depending on your individual academic background and qualifying work experience, booking when you are ready will look different to every candidate.

For example, a candidate who has not yet completed their QWE but wishes to carry out the SQE assessments first may find that they will benefit from taking on a preparation course. Non-law students who have completed the GDL may also find themselves deciding to follow the same preparation course.

Ultimately, this will not always be the case as candidates have the option of self-study or feel as though they have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to pass exams from their QWE. Given this, it is recommended that you carry out your own research as to what will work best for them.

Reasonable Adjustments

To ensure everyone has the same opportunity to pass the SQE, the SRA allows reasonable adjustments for anyone who needs additional support during the exam. Examples include: extra time, breaks, enlarged/coloured assessments and a reader.

You’ll need to apply for reasonable adjustments before you book your assessment, and should aim to do this as early as possible before the exam date you’d like. You’ll also need to complete and submit a reasonable adjustment request form via your mySRA account, and will also need to include supporting evidence.

Exemptions from doing SQE1

Qualified lawyers (those who can practise law in another jurisdiction) can apply to the SRA for exemptions. You can be exempt from: FLK1, FLK2, SQE1 in full or SQE2 in full. Details for specific jurisdictions can be found here.

Also, if you have started or passed the LPC, you do not need to take SQE1, just SQE2.

Dates and Locations

The following dates specify upcoming SQE 1 assessment days and can all be completed in Pearson VUE locations in the UK and internationally:

Summer 2023

- FLK1: July 20, 2023

- FLK2: July 24, 2023

- Booking opened 10am March 22, closes 5pm May 30

January 2024

- FLK1: January 15 & 16, 2023

- FLK2: January 22 & 23, 2023

- Booking dates are still to be confirmed

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