Wondering about how to become a solicitor? If you’re looking into this fantastic and rewarding career, you are likely to have come across the SQE, or Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination. As the new method for qualifying as a lawyer in the UK and Wales, the SQE is a big part of your career path. In this article, we’ll answer the 5 most frequently asked questions about the SQE.
Are the SQE exams online?
All SRA exams are centralised, and are organised externally by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). This means everyone sits the same exams, and they are not run by your training provider.
SQE1 and the written component of SQE2 are both conducted in person at Pearson VUE Test Centres across the UK and globally, so you have to travel to get to the test centre. But, when you get there, they are taken are on a computer in the centres, much like your driving theory test, so you will be answering questions online.
You can read more about the set locations of current SQE test centres here on the SRA’s website. Please note that while the written SQE2 exams can be taken in any Pearson VUE test centre internationally, currently the oral component of the SQE2 can only be conducted in the UK.
However, when it comes to your SQE preparation courses, those can be taken fully online, depending on your provider and course of choice. At The College of Legal Practice, both our LLM and our SQE preparation courses are fully online, with access 24-7 to your learning materials.
Can you take the SQE exam without a law degree?
Yes, with the newly introduced SQE route to qualifying, you do not need a law degree to take this route to qualify. That being said you do need a degree (in any subject) or equivalent, more details on what counts as equivalent can be found here.
Though it is not necessary to have a law degree, it is highly recommended to have a good background in the law of England and Wales, from either a law degree or conversion course, before starting your SQE journey as the exams are very difficult with the latest SQE1 assessment having a pass rate of just 56%.
Why? It can be difficult to get right into the topics of SQE1 which features 13 different practice areas, without understanding the foundations areas of law, meaning you’ll have to do a lot more background studying to keep up with everyone else. For this reason, we highly recommend taking a law foundation course like our Graduate Diploma in Law to develop a good grasp of the six foundations areas of law commonly studied in a law degree. For more information on the GDL, our myth-busting webinar will give you a good idea of what to expect on a law conversion course.
How long is the SQE?
This question has two prongs: firstly, how long does SQE preparation take, and secondly, how long does it take to complete the examinations themselves.
For SQE preparation, the answer to this really depends on you, your ability, lifestyle and commitments. Different SQE prep course providers offer different course lengths designed to fit around your commitments. At The College of Legal Practice we offer a full time SQE1 prep course (13 weeks) as well as two part-time options (20 weeks and 40 weeks) and similar for SQE2. Everyone is different in terms of the amount of time they have per week to study, so our course options reflect that. Read more about how to choose the right course here (embed link to new page on the website).
Get more details on how long each of our courses run on our Course Calendar.
The SQE1 and SQE2 assessments themselves have a set time frame. The SQE1 lasts two days (FLK1 on one day and FLK2 on the next) spanning two weeks, with 10 hours of exams in total. While the SQE2 lasts roughly around five days with 14 hours of assessments, over a three week period.
Lastly, you have six years in which to complete both SQE1 and SQE2 once you’ve started your SQE journey, this period starts from the first day you sit your first SQE assessment. You have up to three attempts at SQE1 and SQE2 within this time.
Are the SQE exams hard?
Yes! As with any academic examination that allows entrance into a well-esteemed profession, the SQE is rigorous and will challenge you. The SQE prepares you to practice as a solicitor from day one, meaning you’ll be able to practice as a qualified solicitor after completing the assessments and your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The exams are harder than undergraduate and LPC exams, because they are at a higher standard.
Currently the SQE1 pass rate sits around 50-56%, so it’s not to be underestimated! This is why we emphasise to our students to plan ahead and ensure they make enough time to prepare and study, whether that’s asking for flexible arrangements with work, letting their friends and family know the intensity of the exams and their need to take time to prepare or alternatively, taking a part-time course that gives you more time to study and prepare. That being said, with the right personal support from your supervisors, strong legal knowledge, preparation and plenty of planning ahead the exam is most definitely achievable!
Can I take the SQE while working?
Absolutely, with the right organisation and support it’s definitely possible. Many of our students take our SQE prep courses alongside their other life commitments, be that a job, family or caring responsibilities and pass. Our flexible weekly timetable helps you work out your study schedule across the week, and we recommend that you look for up to a day a week of time when you can study in the working day to allow for virtual live sessions with your supervisors and fellow students.
Conducting your studies alongside other commitments requires planning and dedication. We have a great selection of resources and case studies from our previous and current students in which they share how they have managed their studies around their lives. Here is a great example.
If you do choose to work while preparing for the SQE be prepared to take days off to travel to your chosen venue and sit the SQE exams, so be sure to let your employer know! Speaking with your employer before you start your study, and sharing with them your timetable will help manage expectations and work deadlines alongside your study.
Please note all information in this article is accurate at the time of writing (June 2024), but is subject to change.
What next?
Interested in learning more? We have plenty more resources to help you on your journey to qualification.
Discover more about the SQE with the College of Legal Practice here, and look through our FAQs here. To learn more about qualifying work experience (QWE), head to our dedicated QWE page. Finally, if you’re ready to begin your journey, explore our SQE1 prep course now.