Everything You Need to Know About the SQE1 Exam

Introduction to the SQE1 Exam

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new, centralised assessment for anyone aspiring to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), the SQE replaces the traditional Legal Practice Course (LPC) and creates a more accessible, consistent pathway into the legal profession.

SQE1 is the first stage of this two-part assessment and focuses on evaluating a candidate’s ability to apply Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) across a range of practice areas. Whether you're a recent law graduate or someone with non-legal experience, SQE1 is a crucial step in demonstrating your legal competency.

SQE1 Exam Structure Overview

The SQE1 exam is divided into two assessments: Functioning Legal Knowledge 1 (FLK1) and Functioning Legal Knowledge 2 (FLK2). Each part consists of 180 multiple-choice questions and is sat over two days. The assessments test both legal knowledge and its practical application in real-world scenarios.

FLK1 covers: Business Law & Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract Law, Tort Law, Legal Services, and the Legal System of England and Wales.

FLK2 covers: Property Practice, Wills and the Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts, Land Law, Criminal Law and Practice, and Trusts.

Each exam session is time-limited to approximately 5 hours, typically split into two sessions with a break in between.

Key Subjects Covered in SQE1

The SQE1 covers a broad range of legal topics grouped into FLK1 and FLK2. Core areas include:

• Contract and Tort Law
• Property and Land Law
• Criminal Law and Practice
• Wills and Trusts
• Solicitors Accounts and Legal Services
• Business Law and Ethics

Unlike the LPC, which often includes elective modules, the SQE1 ensures a standardised curriculum for all aspiring solicitors, making it more uniform and arguably more rigorous.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements

The SQE is designed to be inclusive. To sit SQE1, you must:

• Be aged 18 or over
• Have a degree (in any subject) or an equivalent qualification or experience

This model opens the door to law graduates, non-law graduates, and those with foreign legal qualifications. While a law degree is not required, thorough preparation via a prep course or reliable study resources is strongly recommended.

Exam Dates and Booking Process

The SQE1 exams are typically offered twice annually — in January and July — though dates may vary. Check the SRA website or your prep provider for the latest schedule.

Booking Process:

1. Register for an SRA account.
2. Create a candidate profile and complete eligibility checks.
3. Book your exam with Kaplan, the official SQE provider.
4. Choose a testing centre and confirm your slot.

Book early, as test centre capacity is limited and spots fill up quickly in major cities.

How to Prepare for SQE1

Preparation for the SQE1 should ideally begin 4–6 months before the exam date. With a large syllabus and unfamiliar question format, it pays to plan ahead. Effective strategies include:

• Creating a study timetable that covers all FLK1 and FLK2 topics
• Practising MCQs to get comfortable with question style and reasoning
• Joining study groups or forums for peer support and accountability
• Using digital flashcards and mock exams to reinforce recall and timing

Many candidates benefit from commercial prep providers offering structured courses, tutor access, and realistic mock assessments tailored for the SQE1 format.