Overview
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the central assessment for becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced it in September 2021. It tests the standard expected of a newly qualified solicitor, rather than the trainee-level standard used by the older Legal Practice Course route.
The SQE has two stages. SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge, and SQE2 tests practical legal skills. To qualify through this route you also need a degree or an equivalent level 6 qualification, two years of full-time equivalent qualifying work experience, and to pass the SRA's character and suitability checks.
Who can apply
You need a degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification, to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route.
You must pass the SRA's background checks and meet its suitability requirements.
You can only sit SQE2 after passing both parts of SQE1.
Qualified lawyers from other jurisdictions may be eligible for exemptions from parts of the SQE, depending on their background. Check the SRA's guidance on this.
Levels or stages
SQE1
SQE1 has two assessments, FLK1 and FLK2. Each is a closed-book test of 180 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions.
Each assessment is split into two sessions of 90 questions.
You must pass both FLK1 and FLK2 to pass SQE1.
SQE2
SQE2 has 16 stations: 12 written and four oral.
The stations assess six skills: advocacy, case and matter analysis, interview and attendance note or legal analysis, legal drafting, legal research, and legal writing. They are set across five practice areas.
Marking and results
You have up to three attempts at each assessment, and you must complete the assessments within six years of your first attempt.
Pass rates give a sense of difficulty. For the January 2026 SQE1, the SRA reported that 58% of first-time candidates passed, and 53% overall including resit candidates. For the October 2025 SQE2, 79% of first-time candidates passed and 78% overall.
Fees
For 2025/26, SQE1 costs £1,934 and SQE2 costs £2,974.
For 2026/27, SQE1 costs £2,006 and SQE2 costs £3,086. The new fees apply to bookings made from October 2026.
How to apply
You register and book through the SQE portal linked from the SRA's SQE site. Check the SRA's SQE site for current sitting dates and booking windows.
After the exam
After passing both stages, you still need to complete your qualifying work experience and meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements before you can be admitted as a solicitor.
FAQs
Do I need a law degree to take the SQE?
No. A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification, is enough for the SQE route.
Can I take SQE2 before SQE1?
No. You may only sit SQE2 once you have passed both FLK1 and FLK2 of SQE1.
How many times can I resit?
You get three attempts at each assessment, within a six-year window.