Understanding the SQE

Now you know what the SQE is, it's important to explore the finer details of the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination: what it entails, how much it will cost and what will be assessed.

Contents

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent
• SQE 1
• SQE 2
• Qualifying work experience
• Character & suitability
• I started studying before September 2021
• I started studying after September 2021

Undergraduate degree or equivalent

• Do I need to study a law degree?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

SQE 1

• What will SQE1 assess?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 1 min read

• When can I sit the SQE1?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• How long is the SQE1 exam?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• How much does SQE1 cost?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Can I resit SQE1?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Is SQE1 included in my undergraduate law degree?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 1 min read

SQE 2

• What will SQE2 assess?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 1 min read

• When can I sit SQE2?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• How long is the SQE2 exam?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• How much will SQE2 cost?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Can I resit SQE2?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Do I need to do a training contract before I do SQE2?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

Qualifying work experience

• What counts as Qualifying Work Experience for the SQE?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Do I need to have done SQE1 before starting Qualifying Work Experience?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• What's the difference between Qualifying Work Experience and the Period of Recognised Training?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Does pro bono work count as Qualifying Work Experience?

  • Thomas Cserep
  • 3 min read

Character & suitability

• When will my character and suitability be assessed?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• What are the SRA rules on character and suitability assessments?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 3 min read

• How long will it take the SRA to decide on my character & suitability?

  • Thomas Cserep
  • 3 min read

I started studying before September 2021

• I’m already studying a law degree: your options

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 3 min read

• I’ve finished my law degree: your options

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 3 min read

• Is the SQE cheaper than the LPC?

  • Thomas Cserep
  • 3 min read

• Is it necessary to do a GDL now after my non-law degree?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• I’ve finished my non-law degree: what are my options?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 3 min read

• I’m already studying a GDL: what are my options?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• I’m already studying for a non-law degree: what are my options?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 3 min read

I started studying after September 2021

• Is the SQE included in my solicitor apprenticeship?

  • Raphael Jucobin
  • 2 min read

• Will I need to do a GDL after my non-law degree before I do the SQE?

  • Thomas Cserep
  • 3 min read