Overview
The Final Examination - First Part, known as the FE-1, is the entrance examination run by the Law Society of Ireland for people who want to train as solicitors in Ireland. It tests eight core law subjects. Passing it is a step on the route towards a training contract.
Who can apply
You can apply if you meet one of these conditions.
You hold a degree at Level 7 or above from Ireland, another EEA state or the UK.
You are a current undergraduate working towards a Level 7 degree at a recognised institution. Your results stay provisional until the degree is awarded.
You hold a Law Society or King's Inns Diploma in Law.
You are a qualified accountant with current membership of one of the bodies the Law Society lists.
You are a graduate or legal professional from outside the EEA and UK who has an exemption from the Preliminary Examination.
You are not a graduate and have a results letter from the Preliminary Examination.
Exam pattern
The FE-1 has eight separate papers, and you can attempt each subject on its own.
| Subject |
|---|
| Company Law |
| Constitutional Law |
| Contract Law |
| Criminal Law |
| Equity |
| European Union Law |
| Property Law |
| Torts |
Each paper starts at 10.00am. In-person papers end at 1.00pm, so they last three hours. Candidates who sit online get an extra 30 minutes.
Important dates
For the October 2026 sitting, applications closed on Thursday 20 August 2026. The papers ran from 30 September to 12 October 2026.
| Date (2026) | Subject |
|---|---|
| 30 September | Criminal Law |
| 1 October | Company Law |
| 2 October | Property Law |
| 6 October | Contract Law |
| 7 October | Equity |
| 8 October | Torts |
| 9 October | Constitutional Law |
| 12 October | European Union Law |
The exam is held twice a year, normally in spring and autumn.
Fees
For the October 2026 sitting, the exam fee is 128 euro per subject. A recheck costs 154 euro per paper, and it is refunded if you pass after the recheck. Exam fees cannot be moved to a different FE-1 sitting.
How to apply
Create or log in to your online account on the Law Society website.
Complete the online application and choose whether to sit in person or online.
Upload official photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Provide proof that you meet an eligibility condition.
Pay the exam fee before the closing date.
After the exam
You get an email shortly before results are released, telling you how to see them through the Law Society website. To ask for a recheck, apply within 14 days of the results being released. After passing, you move on towards the training contract stage.
Preparation tips
Plan your subjects around the exam timetable, since each paper is a separate three-hour sitting.
The Law Society lists preparatory courses on its site, and offers disability accommodations on request.
For questions, call the Law Society FE-1 helpline on 01 672 4802.
FAQs
Do I need a law degree to sit the FE-1?
No. A Level 7 degree in any subject from Ireland, the EEA or the UK qualifies, as do the other routes listed in the eligibility section.
Can I sit the papers in more than one sitting?
Yes. Each subject can be attempted on its own, and you pay per subject.
Can I sit the exam online?
Yes. You indicate on your application whether you want to sit online or in person. Online candidates get 30 extra minutes.