SQE explained: exams, costs and qualifying work experience

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is part of the route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. SQE1 tests the application of legal knowledge; SQE2 tests practical legal skills. Passing the assessments is one part of qualification, alongside the other requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

This guide explains the usual SQE route for aspiring solicitors. Different provisions can apply to people already qualified as lawyers and to candidates eligible for transitional routes.

What do you need to qualify?

Under the standard SQE route, you need:

1. A degree in any subject, or an equivalent qualification or experience accepted by the SRA.
2. To pass SQE1 and SQE2.
3. Two years of full-time qualifying work experience, or its part-time equivalent.
4. To meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements.

These are requirements for admission, not all prerequisites for sitting SQE1. Check the SRA's SQE questions and answers when planning your route.

What is the difference between SQE1 and SQE2?

SQE1 has two Functioning Legal Knowledge assessments, FLK1 and FLK2, each containing 180 single-best-answer questions. It assesses the application of law through realistic problems. The assessments are closed book. The SQE1 specification explains the required knowledge; the official sample questions illustrate the format.

SQE2 assesses skills including interviewing, advocacy, legal research, legal writing, drafting, and case and matter analysis. There are 16 assessments: 12 written and four oral. The skills are tested through legal practice scenarios, rather than in isolation. See the SQE2 specification and sample assessments.

That difference should shape preparation. SQE1 requires repeated practice applying knowledge to options; SQE2 also requires practice producing the relevant work and communicating it effectively.

What counts as qualifying work experience?

Qualifying work experience, usually shortened to QWE, involves providing real legal services with the opportunity to develop at least two of the SRA's solicitor competences. It can be gained in up to four organisations, before, during or after the assessments, including through suitable paid or voluntary roles.

The title of a job is not decisive. Work as a paralegal or in a law clinic may qualify if it meets the criteria; simply working for a law firm does not make every role QWE.

Experience must be confirmed by an eligible solicitor of England and Wales or a Compliance Officer for Legal Practice. The confirming solicitor does not have to hold a practising certificate. Check the SRA's QWE guidance for the evidence and confirmation process.

Discuss confirmation early, retain records of your work and keep track of the competences you have had the opportunity to develop.

How much do the SQE assessments cost?

The SRA lists these fees for assessments from September 2026 onwards:

Assessment	Fee
SQE1, covering FLK1 and FLK2	£2,006
SQE2	£3,086
Total for both stages	£5,092

These are assessment fees, not the total cost of qualifying. Budget separately for preparation, study materials, travel, accommodation and any resits. Fees were checked on 7 September 2026; use the official fees page before making a booking.

There is no single course price that applies to every candidate. Compare what a course includes, the support available and the legal knowledge you need to build.

Do you need a law degree or a PGDL?

A law degree is not required for the standard SQE route: the degree requirement can be met in another subject. Nor does the SRA prescribe one particular preparation course. That does not mean a candidate without legal study can safely skip learning the underlying law. See the SRA's explanation of the route and preparation options.

A conversion course such as the PGDL can be one way to develop that foundation. Choose preparation by comparing your starting knowledge with the assessment requirements, and check any separate expectations set by a prospective employer.

If you already have the LPC or are an existing qualified lawyer, use the SRA's qualification pathways before paying for an assessment. Eligibility for a transitional route or an exemption depends on your circumstances.

Where do you find dates and the law you will be tested on?

Use the official assessment dates and booking windows. Check the timetable for your chosen sitting, booking eligibility and arrangements for any reasonable adjustments before committing to travel.

The specifications are reviewed periodically. The SRA published changes applying from September 2026, so use the version for your assessment. Also check its law cut-off date; studying a current development does not necessarily mean it will be examined at your sitting.

Plan your next step

Write down your intended route, the assessment window you are considering, your knowledge gaps, your QWE position and a realistic budget. Then choose study resources that address those needs.

For the technique of answering single-best-answer questions, start with our law MCQ guide.

Choose support for your SQE1 preparation

Join MCQ Master for SQE-style single-best-answer practice, written explanations and progress tracking. Use it to target topics you need to revisit alongside the official assessment specification and sample questions.

If you also want digital SQE1 study guides, join Law Answered+. It includes the guide library and MCQ Master in one membership. You can also browse our SQE study guides to compare course coverage. Plan SQE2 skills preparation separately from your SQE1 knowledge and MCQ practice.