What is the Solicitor Qualifying Exam (SQE)?

Emily Jones

If you’re considering a legal career in England or Wales, chances are you’ve heard the term “SQE” mentioned quite a bit. But what exactly is it? How does it work? What do you need to do? And how is it different from how things used to be?

Emily Jones

Well, in this course, we’re going to break it all down — in clear, straightforward terms. Whether you're coming straight from school, university, or making a career change, this guide will help you understand the new standardised route to becoming a solicitor — and how to start that journey with confidence.

Emily Jones

So let’s begin with the basics.The SQE — or Solicitor Qualifying Examination — is a new, centralised set of exams introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, or SRA. The idea behind it is to make the process of qualifying as a solicitor more consistent, more flexible, and ultimately, more accessible to a wider range of people.It replaces the old system — which involved the Legal Practice Course, or LPC, and a traditional training contract — and it’s now the main route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Emily Jones

Now, what do you actually need to do to qualify through the SQE route? There are four key steps you’ll need to complete. First, you need a degree, an equivalent qualification, or an apprenticeship route qualification. Second, you have to pass the SQE exams, which are made up of two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. Third, you need to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience, or QWE. And finally, you’ll have to meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.

Emily Jones

Let’s take a closer look at each of these, starting with SQE1.SQE1 is focused on testing your legal knowledge. It’s assessed through two multiple-choice exams. The first part is called Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 — this includes areas like contract law, tort, criminal law, and dispute resolution. The second is Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 — which covers property law, business law, wills and probate, and solicitors’ accounts.Each paper has 180 questions where you pick the single best answer. It’s definitely a tough test, but there are prep courses and plenty of practice materials available to help you get ready.

Emily Jones

Once you pass SQE1, you move on to SQE2 — and this one’s all about practical legal skills. It’s made up of both written and oral assessments designed to reflect real-life legal work.You’ll be tested on things like client interviewing, advocacy, legal drafting, research, and writing — as well as case and matter analysis. These assessments are based on realistic scenarios, so you’re not just being tested on theory — it’s about how you apply it in practice, just like you would in the job.

Emily Jones

Alongside passing these exams, you also need to complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience. This is one of the biggest changes with the SQE — it’s far more flexible than the old training contract model.You can gain this experience in up to four different settings — for example, in a law firm, with an in-house legal team, or even through volunteering at a legal clinic or charity. It’s designed to reflect the real-world variety of legal work and to make training more accessible.

Emily Jones

Now, you might be wondering — who can actually take the SQE, and when?The answer is — almost anyone with a degree or equivalent qualification. That includes law graduates, non-law graduates who complete a legal conversion course or SQE prep, current paralegals, career changers, and even apprentices.And if you’re taking the Solicitor Apprenticeship or the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship route, you’ll actually complete the SQE as part of your training — and better yet, it’s usually fully funded by your employer.

Emily Jones

Speaking of funding — how much does the SQE cost?As of now, the fees are one thousand, seven hundred and ninety eight pounds for SQE1 and two thousand, seven hundred and sixty six pounds for SQE2. That’s just for the exams themselves — most people also invest in a prep course, which varies in cost depending on the provider. But if you're on an apprenticeship route, your employer typically covers both the exam and course fees — which makes a huge difference.

Emily Jones

So, where does that leave you?The SQE is now the main route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. And while it’s rigorous, it’s also designed to be more accessible and more adaptable to your needs — whether you’re studying full-time, training on the job, or coming into law later in life.You’ve got options. You’ve got flexibility. And you’ve got a clear path to becoming a solicitor.Thanks so much for listening. If you’d like more information or support as you plan your legal career, head over to lawapprenticeships.co.uk — we’ve got plenty of resources to help you take your next step with confidence.