The SQE — Everything You Need to Know
From trainee to qualified solicitor — understand the full journey and where your preparation starts.
What is the SQE?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the single, centralised route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales. Introduced in 2021, it replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and standardised the assessment for the entire profession.
The SQE is set and administered by Kaplan on behalf of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Every aspiring solicitor — regardless of degree background, law school, or training provider — must pass the SQE to be admitted to the roll.
The examination has two stages. SQE1 tests legal knowledge through multiple choice questions. SQE2 tests practical legal skills through written and oral assessments. You must pass SQE1 before sitting SQE2.
The Qualification Journey
Every step from degree to the roll — and exactly where Sqewise fits in.
Qualifying Law Degree or SQE-prep Course
A qualifying law degree, or a degree in any subject combined with an SQE preparation course from a provider such as BARBRI, QLTS School, or a university. The SQE does not require a law degree — any graduate can sit it.
SQE1 — Functioning Legal Knowledge
Two multiple choice papers — FLK1 and FLK2 — covering 13 legal subjects. 180 questions per paper, 360 in total. Sat under exam conditions and marked by Kaplan. You must pass SQE1 before you can sit SQE2.
Qualifying Work Experience — 2 Years
Two years of qualifying work experience (QWE), which can be accumulated before, during, or after the SQE assessments. It does not need to be a traditional training contract — placements, internships, and paralegal work can all count.
SQE2 — Practical Legal Skills
Six practical skills assessments — client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research and written advice, legal drafting, and attendance notes. SQE2 tests what you can do, not what you know. Different preparation from SQE1 is needed.
Character and Suitability
The SRA assesses that you meet its character and suitability requirements before admission to the roll. You will need to disclose any relevant criminal or financial history.
Admitted to the Roll
You are admitted as a solicitor of England and Wales and can practise law. Congratulations.
SQE1 vs SQE2 — The Key Differences
Two very different assessments requiring two very different types of preparation.
Functioning Legal Knowledge
- Format Multiple choice questions (MCQ)
- Papers FLK1 and FLK2
- Subjects 13 legal knowledge areas
- Questions 180 per paper · 360 total
- Tests Legal knowledge and application
- Sqewise Fully covered
Practical Legal Skills
- Format Written and oral assessments
- Assessments 6 skills areas
- Subjects Practical legal skills
- Duration Multiple assessment days
- Tests Client interviews, advocacy, research, drafting, case analysis
- Sqewise Not applicable — different preparation needed
How Sqewise Accelerates SQE1
Built specifically for the MCQ format — every feature targets SQE1 knowledge and recall.
Smart Practice
Our Smart Selector serves questions weighted to your weakest topics — so every question you answer moves the needle. No time wasted on topics you already know.
See how it works →Full Topic Coverage
All 13 SQE1 subjects across FLK1 and FLK2 — hundreds of questions updated each exam cycle. Every topic, every sub-area, ready to practice.
Browse all topics →Mock Exams and Study Planning
Timed 90-question mocks that mirror the real SQE1 format, plus a personalised Study Planner built around your exam date and current mastery scores.
Start your SQE1 preparation today
Join thousands of candidates using Sqewise to build knowledge, identify weak spots, and pass SQE1.