Why You Shouldn't Ignore the SQE1 Exam

Oct 19, 2023

Written By Lewis Ogg

The SRA recently introduced a new method - the SQE - for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, which will soon overturn the existing Legal Practising Course (LPC). While some questions have been asked about the SQE’s academic rigour, the recent pass rates, which are notably lower than the LPC pass rates, show that if you have a choice between the two, the SQE should not be seen as the easy option.

Understanding the SQE Exam

The SQE route divides the assessment process into two centralised exams, the SQE1 and SQE2. SQE1 assessments are focused on testing a student’s ‘Functioning Legal Knowledge’ (FLK) needed to become a solicitor in England and Wales. This knowledge is tested through multiple choice questions.

One of the main aims of creating the SQE qualification route was to ensure a level playing field for all aspiring solicitors regardless of finances or educational background. By having a standardised exam cheaper than the LPC, the SQE gives students far more flexibility in terms of finances, studying, and work experience.

The Content and Structure of SQE1

As would be expected, the SQE exams are rather intense, taking place over multiple days. A student sitting SQE1 would expect to sit four exam sittings over the course of two days. Each section is assessed through 90 multiple-choice questions, with FLK1 evaluated on day one and FLK2 on the second.

FLK1 will assess the subjects of Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Legal System of England and Wales, Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law and Legal Services. FLK2, by contrast, will assess Property Practice, Wills and Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts, Land Law, Criminal Law and Practice.

Why the SQE1 Shouldn’t be Ignored

When preparing for the SQE1 exam, it is essential to remember that it is a highly challenging exam. Pass rates have been noticeably lower than that of the LPC, with that of January 2023 being only 51%. There have also been enduring racial and educational variations in pass rates, with 63% of white candidates passing compared with 47% of Asian candidates and just 29% of Black candidates.

If an individual fails SQE1 or a component of the exam, then it is not possible to progress to SQE2, and the student will need to pay to resit. The cost of resitting is £899 for each FLK component. There is also a defined limit for the number of times you can sit the exams. If you fail three times, then you must wait six years from the date of your first try to start again.

Preparing for the SQE1 Exam

While individuals can technically sit the SQE1 exam at any point, even if they have not completed a law degree, the overwhelming guidance from the SRA and law firms is that students should aim to complete a qualifying law degree and an SQE preparation course of some sort.

Preparation courses can vary significantly in both duration and intensity, with many, if not most, being more costly than the actual exam itself. Some Master’s courses have even integrated SQE preparation into the tuition, making you eligible for a postgraduate loan.

In addition to preparation courses, there are also a large, and ever-increasing number of online resources to help you study for these exams. These include textbooks, mock exams, and online courses. Before engaging with these, think about what study resources have been effective so far in your educational journey and where the knowledge/skills gap may be in your prep course.

Students studying for the SQE may find that they do this in conjunction with qualifying work experience or other commitments that detract from study time. It is vital that students use their time effectively throughout the revision process; the best way to do this is to create sustainable revision schedules that you hold yourself accountable to.

Overcoming SQE1 Challenges

Like all high-pressure and rigorous centralised exams, it is almost inevitable that you will go through a period of exam stress. The best way to deal with this is having a well-organised revision schedule that leaves you time to review material again closer to the exam. Equally, keeping a network of peers and having an effective study space will help to keep you motivated and productive throughout the process.

If you are having trouble with stress, motivation, or any other mental health issue, remember that there will be help available to you, whether through your course provider, study groups, or online wellbeing resources.

After the SQE

Passing the SQE1 exam is a vital step towards becoming a solicitor. Along with the SQE1 exam, students will need to complete the SQE2 and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) if they wish to become a solicitor. One benefit of the new SQE route is that the two-year QWE no longer needs to be completed after post-degree examinations; it can be completed before, during, or after your SQE revision period.

There have been several unfounded rumours circulating university campuses that law firms prefer candidates who follow the LPC route, and that is why firms seem reluctant to move away from the old ‘Training Contract’ model for QWE.

The reality is that firms will consider both routes equally, with the SQE path soon to become the overwhelming majority of trainees within the next five years. Firms are trying to adapt to the SQE route; however, because both exist simultaneously for the time being, and the LPC does not have the flexibility of the new route, keeping the existing structure is simply easier for many firms for now.

Conclusion: Embrace the SQE1 Opportunity

The SQE route represents a transformative opportunity for aspiring solicitors with greater financial and work experience opportunities. While there have been some questions about its academic rigour, recent pass rates would suggest that these are unfounded.

Despite the SQE being a set of highly challenging exams, you should have the confidence that with the proper time and financial investment into your preparation, you too, can become a qualified solicitor.

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