What is the SQE? Complete Guide to the Solicitor Qualifying Examination 2026
Everything you need to know about solicitor qualification in 2026
- 1.What it is: The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) replaced the LPC as the route to becoming a solicitor in England and Wales.
- 2.Two exams: SQE1 is 360 multiple-choice questions across 16 legal topics. SQE2 tests 6 practical skills assessed by solicitor examiners.
- 3.Pass rates: SQE1: 53% national average (Jan 2026). SQE2: 78% (Oct 2025). Harder than many expect.
- 4.Cost: SRA exam fees are £4,908 total (SQE1: £1,934 + SQE2: £2,974). Add a prep course (£0–£15,000) for total costs of £4,908–£19,908+.
- 5.No law degree needed: Any degree qualifies. You also need 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), which can run alongside study.
What Does SQE Stand For?
SQE stands for Solicitor Qualifying Examination (also written as Solicitors Qualifying Examination). It is the centralised assessment introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in September 2021. The SQE replaced the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the mandatory route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales.
The name reflects its purpose: it is the examination you must pass to qualify (qualifying) as a solicitor (solicitor). Before the SQE, there was no single national exam - different universities set different assessments for the LPC, meaning standards varied widely. The SQE standardised the process so every candidate, regardless of which prep provider they used, is tested against the same benchmark.
Looking for SQE exam dates and results days?
View the full 2026 SQE1 and SQE2 schedule including registration deadlines and results dates.
How Does the SQE Work? SQE1 and SQE2 Explained
Right, so the SQE-Solicitors Qualifying Examination-is basically the test you have to pass to become a solicitor in England and Wales. Think of it as the legal profession's version of medical licensing exams or the bar exam (if you're familiar with the American system).
The SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority-they're the ones who regulate solicitors) introduced it in September 2021 to replace the old LPC (Legal Practice Course) route. Why? Because the old system was a bit of a mess. Different universities taught different things, costs varied wildly (£9k to £18k just for the LPC), and there was no consistent standard.
Now everyone takes the exact same exams. Same questions. Same standard. Whether you studied at Oxford or learned law through an apprenticeship, you're all tested on the same knowledge and skills. Fair, right?
There are two parts: SQE1 (tests your legal knowledge) and SQE2 (tests your practical skills). Pass both, get 2 years of work experience (QWE), and boom-you're a qualified solicitor.
LPC vs SQE: A Full Comparison
The SQE replaced the LPC (Legal Practice Course) in September 2021. If you're deciding between routes-or just want to understand how the new system stacks up-here's everything you need to know.
| Factor | Old RouteLPC | New RouteSQE |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Required | Law degree (or GDL conversion) | Any degree in any subject |
| Exam Fees | Course fees only (no separate exam) | £4,908 total (SQE1: £1,934 + SQE2: £2,974) |
| Course Costs | £9,000–£18,000+ | £0–£15,000 (or self-study) |
| Pass Rates | ~80–90% (LPC was much easier) | 53% (SQE1, Jan 2026), 78% (SQE2) |
| Work Experience | Training contract (2 years, hard to get) | QWE - flexible, multiple employers OK |
| Assessment Style | Coursework + exams, varies by provider | Centralised exams - same for everyone |
| Open to Career Changers? | Hard - needed law degree or GDL (extra year) | Yes - any degree accepted |
| Open to International Lawyers? | Limited pathways | Yes - open to all qualified lawyers |
| Still Available? | No - closed to new entrants since 2021 | Yes - the only route from 2021 |
Why Did the LPC Get Scrapped?
The old route to becoming a solicitor-law degree → LPC → training contract-had some serious problems that the SRA wanted to fix:
Inconsistent Standards
Different universities taught different things. A distinction from one LPC provider meant something different to a distinction from another.
Huge Cost Variations
LPC fees ranged from £9k to £18k+ depending on the provider - with no correlation to outcomes. The SQE standardised exam fees at £4,908 total.
Training Contract Bottleneck
You needed a training contract to qualify - and firms only offered a limited number. Thousands of LPC graduates couldn't find training contracts and couldn't qualify.
Closed Off to Career Changers
Without a law degree, you had to do a GDL first (an extra year and £8k–£12k). The SQE accepts any degree - no conversion course needed.
Is the SQE Harder than the LPC?
In terms of pass rates, yes - significantly. The LPC had pass rates of 80–90%. SQE1 is 53% (January 2026) - and dropped to 41% in July 2025. That's a significant drop either way. But the comparison isn't entirely fair:
- →The LPC had lower barriers: only law graduates took it, and continuous assessment meant you had multiple chances to pull your grade up.
- →The SQE is open to everyone - including career changers with no legal background - which naturally brings the average pass rate down.
- →The SQE uses blind marking on a single set of standardised exams. There's no coursework, no module marks - you either know it on the day or you don't.
The honest answer: the SQE is harder for most people, but it's also fairer, cheaper overall, and more accessible. If you're a law graduate from a strong course, you have roughly a 50–55% chance of passing SQE1 first time. For career changers, it's closer to 30–35%.
Can I Still Do the LPC?
No. The LPC closed to new entrants in September 2021. If you started the LPC before that date, you may be able to complete it and qualify under the old route - but new candidates must take the SQE. There's no alternative.
SQE1 vs SQE2: The Complete Breakdown
SQE1: Functioning Legal Knowledge
Format
Two 180-question multiple choice exams (FLK1 and FLK2). 5 hours per paper.
Topics Covered (16 total)
FLK1:
- • Business Law & Practice (15%)
- • Dispute Resolution (15%)
- • Contract Law (11%)
- • Tort Law (11%)
- • Legal System of England & Wales (5%)
- • Constitutional & Administrative Law & EU Law (5%)
- • Legal Services (5%)
- • Ethics & Professional Conduct (~8%)
FLK2:
- • Property Practice (15%)
- • Wills & Administration of Estates (7%)
- • Solicitors Accounts (5%)
- • Land Law (11%)
- • Trusts (7%)
- • Criminal Law & Practice (15%)
- • Ethics & Professional Conduct (~8%)
Pass Mark & Success Rate
Typically 55-60% correct (varies to maintain consistent difficulty). Pass rate: 53% (Jan 2026).
Cost & Dates
£1,934 per sitting. Offered twice a year: January and July only.
SQE2: Practical Legal Skills
Format
16 assessments over 4.5 days: 12 written assessments + 4 oral assessments. Must pass SQE1 first.
Skills Tested (6 total)
- • Client Interviewing & Attendance
- • Advocacy (2 assessments)
- • Case & Matter Analysis
- • Legal Research
- • Legal Writing
- • Legal Drafting
Practice Areas (5 total)
- • Criminal Practice
- • Dispute Resolution
- • Property Practice
- • Wills & Probate
- • Business Organizations
Pass Mark & Success Rate
Competency-based marking. Pass rate: 78% overall.
Cost & Dates
£2,974 per sitting. Offered four times a year: January, April, July, and October.
How are real SQE students actually doing?
Official pass rates only tell part of the story. Our anonymous student survey tracks real results by provider, background, and study method.
Do I Need a Law Degree?
Nope. This is one of the best things about the SQE-it opened up the profession to career changers, international lawyers, and people from non-traditional backgrounds.
All you need is:
- Any undergraduate degree (can be in anything-History, Engineering, Business, doesn't matter)
- OR equivalent qualifications/experience that the SRA accepts
- Character and suitability (basically, you're fit to be a solicitor-no serious criminal record, financial issues, etc.)
So you studied Biology but now want to be a solicitor? Absolutely fine. You're a qualified lawyer from another country? No problem. You left school at 18 and worked your way up? Also works.
The Catch (There's Always a Catch)
If you don't have a law degree, you're learning all 16 areas of law from scratch for SQE1. That's hard-your pass rates will be lower than law grads (around 30-35% vs 50-55%). But it's definitely doable with the right preparation course.
Most career changers take a full SQE1 course from providers like BPP, University of Law, or BARBRI (if you're disciplined and want to save money). Give yourself 9-12 months minimum for prep, practice thousands of MCQs, and don't underestimate how much material there is.
Ready to Start Your SQE Journey?
Everything you need to plan, prepare, and succeed.
Information is for guidance only. Always check the official SRA website for the most current requirements and fees.
How Much Does the SQE Cost?
Let's be honest about money. The SQE isn't cheap, but it's more transparent than the old LPC system. See our SQE funding guide for loans, scholarships, and employer sponsorship options.
SRA Exam Fees
These are non-refundable. SQE1 resit: £1,934. SQE2 resit: £2,974.
Course Fees (Optional)
Total Cost Estimates
Compare that to the old LPC (£9k-£18k just for the course, before living expenses), and the SQE is actually cheaper-especially if you go with a budget provider like BARBRI (£5,899) or City University (£9,500).
Need help figuring out costs? Use our SQE Cost Calculator to estimate your total spend, or check out funding options like payment plans, loans, and scholarships.
Free Printable SQE Study Planner
Download our comprehensive 10-page study planner with checkboxes for all FLK topics, SQE2 skills, practice question trackers, and progress milestones. Print and stay organized throughout your preparation.
- All SQE1 & SQE2 topics
- Weekly schedule template
- Progress milestones
- No email required
Your SQE Journey
Prepare for SQE1
Study the functioning legal knowledge through a prep course or self-study. Most candidates spend 6-9 months preparing.
Pass SQE1
Take both FLK1 and FLK2 assessments. You can take them together or separately. Exams are offered multiple times per year - check the SRA website for current dates.
Complete QWE
Gain 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience. This can be done before, during, or after your SQE assessments. Use our free QWE tracker to log and evidence your hours against SRA competencies.
Pass SQE2
Complete the practical legal skills assessments. Offered multiple times per year - check the SRA website for current dates.
Qualify as a Solicitor
Once you've passed both SQE1 and SQE2 and completed your QWE, apply to be admitted to the roll of solicitors.
Doing QWE?
Qualifying Work Experience is a crucial part of becoming a solicitor. Learn everything you need to know about the 2-year requirement, what counts as QWE, and how to find placements.
Learn About QWEFrequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a law degree to take the SQE?
No. Any degree or equivalent qualifications work. Career changers are welcome, but you'll be learning law from scratch, which means lower pass rates (30-35% vs 50-55% for law grads).
2. How much does the SQE cost?
Exam fees: £4,908 (SQE1: £1,934 + SQE2: £2,974). Course fees: £0–£15k depending on provider. Total typical cost: £10k-£23k. Use our cost calculator for personalized estimates.
3. What's the difference between SQE1 and SQE2?
SQE1 tests legal knowledge (360 MCQs across 16 topics). SQE2 tests practical skills (client interviews, drafting, advocacy, etc.). You must pass SQE1 before sitting SQE2.
4. Can I do SQE1 and SQE2 at the same time?
No. You must pass SQE1 first before you can book SQE2. The SRA enforces this requirement.
5. Do I need to do QWE before taking the exams?
No. You can do your 2 years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) before, during, or after your SQE exams. Very flexible timing. Many people do paralegal work to complete QWE while studying.
6. What are the SQE pass rates?
SQE1: 53% (Jan 2026). SQE2: 78% (Oct 2025). Pass rates vary significantly by background - law grads do better (~60-65%) than career changers (~35-40%). Taking a proper course vs self-studying also makes a huge difference.
7. How long does it take to qualify?
Fastest route: 2.5-3 years (6-9 months SQE1 prep + pass + 6 months SQE2 prep + pass + 2 years QWE done concurrently). Typical: 3-5 years, especially if working part-time or needing resits.
8. Can international lawyers take the SQE?
Yes! SQE is open to qualified lawyers from any jurisdiction. Very popular route for requalification. However, English law is different enough that international lawyers still find SQE1 challenging (~35-40% pass rate).
9. Is the SQE harder than the old LPC?
Pass rates suggest yes. LPC had 80-90% pass rates. SQE1 is 53% (Jan 2026) - and dropped to 41% in July 2025. But the SQE is more accessible (open to anyone) and fairer (standardized assessment for all candidates).
10. What happens if I fail the SQE?
You can resit unlimited times. SQE1 resit costs £1,934; SQE2 resit costs £2,974. No limit on attempts, but you'll need to figure out what went wrong and address it-most people take a few months to practice more MCQs before resitting. Check out strategies to pass first time.