Before someone can sit an SQE assessment, you will need to create your SQE account. Registration is now open, and you’ll need to follow these steps:
For further information here is the link to the SRA page: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking
For bookings here is the link: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking/booking-assessments
If you're an apprentice you must create an SQE account, activate it and log in.
Then you’ll need to fill in your profile - this includes verifying your identity and letting us know about any reasonable adjustments you will need when taking the assessments.
You will need to make sure that your employer or training provider has nominated Kaplan SQE as their End Point Assessment organisation.
If you employ or train an apprentice who plans to take the SQE, you must register your apprentice by emailing the apprenticeship team at [email protected]. You will need to provide them with the name and Unique Learner Number of the apprentice. This will ensure that we record them as an apprentice in their SQE account.
General info about the SQE & QWE: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
SQE Exam Dates: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-dates-of-exams/
SQE Training Providers: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-training-providers/
We have blogged extensively about QWE and invite you to visit some of the blogs. URLs are listed below.
Should you not have a solicitor who can ‘Confirm’ your QWE then WE CAN HELP.
Here’s a link to how: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
Feel free to contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]
Delighted to be able to announce that we've had our 1st client's QWE approved by the SRA - possibly the first anywhere. I've developed a service as an External Confirming Solicitor to help those Aspiring Solicitors who do not have a solicitor in their organisation to confirm the QWE. Here's a link to the service: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
I've been working with a number of Aspiring Solicitors since September 2020, both in the UK & overseas. I've been liaising closely with the SRA as they published forms and clarified their process and procedure. A great relief to learn that what we've done has been approved.
If you have any questions or want more info then get in touch.
+447887 524507
Here are answers to questions raised at a recent webinar Ingemar Hunnings ran for Aspiring Solicitors about the SQE & QWE. These have come from the SRA. We hope they will be helpful.
1. Do you have anything that sets out the format of each exam and the expected plan for the day. For example, SQE 1 is 10 hours – it that over 1 day or two, how will the day run etc
We are planning to launch a website shortly which will have all the information on it. It will also have the booking system on it. I understand that the website will launch soon, but I don’t have a date from IT as to when it will go live. The booking system will go live a few weeks after that.
In the interim, we have published this information to help candidates plan for the assessments. This information will be moved to the new website, and at that point we may have more details and may expand it.
https://www.sra.org.uk/globalassets/documents/sra/sqe1-what-happens-on-the-day.pdf?version=4ae646
2. Does one have to take the exams in sequence SQE1 first & passed before you can take the SQE2?
Yes – SQE1 has to be taken and passed before sitting SQE2.
The other steps to qualification (degree or equivalent, QWE) can be done in any order, and can be done before, during or after taking the SQE assessments
3. QWE - does the Confirming Solicitor have to have a current practicing certificate?
No, they do not need to hold a current practising certificate. That is because, as they are still on the Roll of Solicitors, we can still enforce the principles of professional ethics which apply to solicitors when they confirm QWE, such as honesty and integrity. Our website confirms that they do not need to hold a current practising certificate at https://www.sra.org.uk/trainees/qualifying-work-experience/qualifying-work-experience-candidates/
4. May an aspiring solicitor self-study for the SQE 1 & 2 – if so, can you point me to any materials that would help them
Our list of providers includes publishers of self-study materials. The publishers listed include Bloomsbury, City Law Series, Oxford University Press and Routledge. We don’t keep details of what they are publishing – candidates should contact them direct for details.
5. Is there a url you may point me to where aspiring solicitors may go to register for the exams (with Kaplan I assume). Do they pay through that as well?
That will be on the new website. The best way candidates can get notification is to subscribe to the SQE Update alerts, which will send them notification when booking live. The new website will also handle payment.
6. Overseas exam centres – I believe that Pearson Vue centres will be viewed, but I cannot find any detail on the SRA websites on this or how or where oversees aspiring solicitors can go to check this and book a centre (important as they may have to travel a long way still to get to a centre
Kaplan are still finalising venues with Pearson Vue. Currently, we know that the UK venues are planned to include London, Cardiff and Manchester, but we don’t yet have any details on the overseas venues. As soon as we have the details, we will publish them, and they will be listed on the new website. All the information we currently have is set out at https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/sqe-assessments/#collapse_01fd
This blog has been rewritten because the method for doing this has been changed by the SRA. No longer do you use the pdf form which they used to require.
Here is a link to a podcast if you prefer to listen to what to do: https://anchor.fm/ingemar9/episodes/How-to-register-your-QWE-with-the-SRA-SQE-route-e1dpjk3
Instead log onto your 'MySRA' account on the SRA website. From there you will see something like 'Notify us of your QWE'. You will need to write in the period of QWE you wish to have confirmed, the name of the organisation where you did the QWE, the name of the solicitor who will confirm the QWE to the SRA and their SRA reference number.
This will prompt the SRA to email that solicitor to ask them to confirm your QWE.
They will be asked to confirm:
"I confirm that in accordance with the SRA Authorisation of Individuals Regulations, the applicant has completed a period of qualifying work experience and:
Here is a link to a short podcast with info if you prefer to listen:
Or visit this page on the SRA website: candidate pages.
But there is no definitive definition. It is up to the judgment of the Confirming Solicitor. It is best to ask them.
We can help. Our lead consultant, Ingemar Hunnings, (SRA No. 156976) provides a service as an External QWE Confirmation Solicitor. Find more information here:
If you are an Aspiring Solicitor: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
If you are an employer: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/qwe-external-confirming-solicitor-service-for-employers/
There is quite a lot of resource for Aspiring Solicitors about the SQE & QWE on this website.
For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
Here is information on SQE Training Providers with their current charges for the training: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-training-providers/
Fill in the form below
or by phone to Ingemar Hunnings: 07887 524507
or email: [email protected]
The SRA have published the dates for the SQE exams. You will need to register with Kaplan by the deadline to obtain your candidate number and pay your fee to be able to sit each exam. SQE1 & SQE2 written exam will take place at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and internationally. The SQE2 oral exam will take place in Cardiff, London & Manchester.
See below for the link to the main SRA website to register & book the SQE.
(External QWE Confirmation Service - see below for info)
Bookings will close approximately five weeks before the assessment sitting.
They expect results to be published within 6 - 10 weeks of the exam.
SQE1 involves around ten hours of examinations, while SQE2 is around 14 hours.
SQE1 is sat over two full days and tests you on your legal knowledge.
SQE2 is sat over five half days and tests you on the application of that knowledge and your skills to real life scenarios.
(If you need help getting QWE confirmed click here.)
(Here is a link to our YouTube channel. On there you will find many videos explaining about the SQE, QWE and applying for exemptions from the exams. Also full videos of webinars we have delivered with info about this & the Q&A session that follows the talk. If you think this might be helpful, might we invite you to subscribe so it reaches more people?)
2025
January
FLK1: week commencing 13th January 2025
FLK2: week commencing 20th January 2025
Bookings closed
Results due: 11th March 2025.
July
FLK1: week commencing 14th July 2025
FLK2: week commencing 21st July 2025
Bookings open - TBA (10am)
Bookings close - TBA (5pm)
Results due: 10th September 2025.
General Pattern: It would appear that the SQE1 exams will be sat either in January or July each year. It looks like the exams will be run on 2 occasions a year.
The Candidate Services Team will only be able to help candidates with queries relating to booking if they are logged in to their candidate account. To book a place, candidates must have first completed the registration and pre-booking processes. If they need any reasonable adjustments they should make the request as early as possible as part of their pre-booking steps.
How? Here is a link to the SRA web page for Booking & Paying: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking/booking-assessments
Where? Pearson VUE locations (UK & internationally).
You only need to attend one of the oral assessments, which, subject to availability, you can choose.
2024
October Sitting
Results due: 20th February 2025
2025
January
Bookings dates: Closed
Overall the exams run from 30th January & finishing 13th February 2025.
Written:
The written assessments take place 11th - 13th February 2025 in the Pearson VUE centres.
Oral:
The oral assessments will be in Cardiff, London & Manchester.
First sitting: 30th-31st January, Second sitting: 4th-5th February and Third sitting: 6th-7th February 2025.
Results due: 28th May 2025
April
Bookings dates: opened 28th January 2025 at 10am, close 20th March 2025 @ 5pm.
Overall the exams run from 28th April & finishing 16th May 2025.
Written:
The written assessments take place 6th - 8th May 2025 in the Pearson VUE centres.
Oral:
The oral assessments will be in Cardiff, London & Manchester.
First sitting: 28th-29th April, Second sitting: 30th April -1st May, Third sitting: 13th-14th May and 4th sitting: 16th-16th May 2025.
Results due: 27th August 2025
July
Bookings dates: opening TBA at 10am, close TBA @ 5pm.
Overall the exams run from 28th July & finishing 7th August 2025.
Written:
The written assessments take place 5th - 7th August 2025 in the Pearson VUE centres.
Oral:
The oral assessments will be in Cardiff, London & Manchester.
First sitting: 28th-29th July and Second sitting: 30th-31st July 2025.
Results due: 19th November 2025
October
Bookings dates: opening TBA at 10am, close TBA @ 5pm.
Overall the exams run from 30th October & finishing 14th November 2025.
Written:
The written assessments take place 4th - 6th November 2025 in the Pearson VUE centres.
Oral:
The oral assessments will be in Cardiff, London & Manchester.
First sitting: 30th-31st October, Second sitting: 11th-12th November and Third sitting: 13th-14th November 2025.
Results due: 19th November 2025
The SRA asked candidates to ensure that they followed steps 1 and 2 in their SQE candidate account. Candidates should refer to My SQE overview within their account for full details and explanation. If you need a reasonable adjustment you do not need to wait to contact Kaplan.)
Here is the url to book your assessment via the SRA website: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking#heading_01fd
Oral Assessment Locations:
Cardiff
Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel and Spa
24 26 Newport Rd, Cardiff CF24 0DD
London
Royal College of General Practitioners
30 Euston Square, London NW1 2FB
Manchester
Macdonald Hotel
London Road, Manchester M1 2PG
2 attempts in addition to the original attempt. All the resits have to be taken within 6 years of the initial attempt. You may resit the SQE 1 Functioning Legal Knowledge assessment 1 and/or SQE Functioning Legal Knowledge assessment 2 and/or SQE 2. You’ll have to pay the whole fee for the exam you’re sitting. After 3 attempts you have start again. Our understanding is that is that you will have to sit everything again as if starting from the beginning.
Link to further info: https://sqe.sra.org.uk/exam-arrangements/results-and-resits
The main SRA site for registering & booking the SQE Exams is here:
https://sqe.sra.org.uk/registering-and-booking
Here's a link to further info about how to register for the SQE: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-registration-bookings-now-open/
External QWE Confirmation service
We have blogged extensively about QWE and invite you to visit some of the blogs. URLs are listed below.
Should you not have a solicitor who can 'Confirm' your QWE then WE CAN HELP.
Here’s a link to our External Solicitors Confirmation Service: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
For information about Training Providers: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/?s=sqe+training
SQE2 Exemption Applications
We have also helped many people with this. Here is a link to more info about this (only available to Foreign Qualified Solicitors)
Fill in the form below or
contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]
We offer a free zoom to talk through your questions. As far as we are aware, Ingemar is currently the only solicitor offering a service as an External Confirming Solicitor. He has successfully helped several aspiring solicitors have their QWE accepted by the SRA, including, we are fairly confident, the very first in April 2021
(N.B. Remember there is also a £4,115 cost of taking SQE1 and 2 exams themselves.)
We have been asked by several Aspiring Solicitors where they can find a list of providers of training for the SQE. So, we have done a bit of spade work to bring together in this blog what we can find. Please do not regard this as the definitive source of data – but we hope it will be a helpful resource for you.
We understand that some of the larger law firms will be offering to provide the SQE training internally. We understand that some universities will be offering to cover SQE preparation in their courses. Several will be offering a separate SQE preparation course. As there are so many and they can be found from the SRA List below we have not put details here.
Some firms will avail themselves of the ability to offer Solicitor Apprenticeships, where the government will cover the SQE preparation fees and the exam costs - see here for more info: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/apprenticeships-the-sqe-how-this-can-save-you-money/
SRA List
The SRA has a list of SQE Training Providers who have registered to use the SRA trademark so far. That does not mean that they will actually provide training. The SRA wrote that details of further providers will be added in due course. Here is a link to the list. It is just a list and when we checked many of the links to websites did not work. Very few seem to have published what fees they will charge.
https://www.sra.org.uk/students/sqe/training-provider-list/
Australian. Self-Styled Disrupter
Offering on-line training at low prices. Will not be part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.
As reported in the LS Gazette in Feb 2021: “The college has designed a range of virtual programmes, a SQE1 preparation course costing £1,800 and a SQE2 preparation course costing £2,300. These are two of three core learning areas, the other comprising legal skills modules, which can be taken in isolation or grouped together as part of a Master of Laws (LLM) in Legal Practice. The SQE programmes are available as a 12-week full-time course or a 20-week part-time course.” Pricing for 2025 seems to be £4,500 - £4,900 for SQE1 & 2.
https://www.collegalpractice.com/sqe
A provider from the USA. Plan to be part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.
Were the first to enter the market. They offered the preparation training for both the SQE1 & 2 at a cost of about £6,000.
As their name suggests, they come from a background specialising in helping foreign lawyers from various countries around the world to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales (Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme). As the SQE exam is based to a large extent on the old QLTS scheme, this gives them many years of expertise in preparing candidates for this types of exams. They also offer free Mock Tests: FLK1, FLK2 & SQE2.
They have stated that they will prepare students, paralegals, apprentices and foreign qualified lawyers for SQE1 & 2 with a cost between £4,000 and £6,000, depending upon options chosen.
The traditional provider that for older solicitors was the College of Law. Part of the Apprenticeship Scheme.
The University of Law has developed an LLM Legal Practice course costing between £14,000 and £18,800.
https://www.law.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/sqe/courses/
A Kent based Legal Training company.
Fees for SQE1 & 2: £4,900. The provider is also offering a discount for students who have completed the Legal Practice Course or an undergraduate degree.
Recognised providers of training courses to the legal profession. SQE1 & 2 £13,400 if out of London or on-line or £15,800 if in London.
https://www.bpp.com/courses/law/postgraduate/sqe
Also provide CiLex Training. Only providing SQE1 prep for the moment (summer 2022). Cost: between £2,500 & £3,000. S
https://brightlink.org.uk/sqe/#1646675255913-3dd6e956-90f9
Previously a provider of QLTS OSCE training and now offers preparation for both the SQE1 and SQE2. They offer 1-to-1 SQE2 mock simulations with personalised feedback, priced at £120 each. Additionally, they provide SQE law and skills pre-recorded lectures at a cost of £35 each, along with revision live lectures priced at £25. These law lectures are specially designed for non-native speakers and include concise and structured notes. Option to purchase a discounted package, with the SQE1 and SQE2 package priced at £3,439. Alternatively, services can be purchased standalone.
They say they provide coaching to help candidates prepare for SQE2 in an affordable and flexible way. We cannot see pricing from the website. We were made aware of this by a candidate in Dubai who thought they focus on people in the Middle East, although there is no mention of that on the website. They seem just to focus on prep for the SQE2 exam, not SQE1.
We have blogged extensively about QWE and invite you to visit some of the blogs. URLs are listed below.
Should you not have a solicitor who can 'Confirm' your QWE then WE CAN HELP.
Here’s a link to how: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
Here is a link to our YouTube channel. On there you will find many videos explaining about the SQE, QWE and applying for exemptions from the exams. Also full videos of webinars we have delivered with info about this & the Q&A session that follows the talk. If you think this might be helpful, might we invite you to subscribe so it reaches more people?
Fill in the form below or feel free to contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]
Some interesting bits from the SRA Conference yesterday on the SQE.
SQE 1 exams will be on 8th (FLK 1) & 11th Nov 2021 (FLK 2), 5 hrs exam each day (in 2 halves with an hour’s break between).
SQE 2 exams will be in April 2022
You will be able to see through the portal the SRA will set up:
SQE 1 will be at Pearson Vue Assessment centres in UK & internationally
The Oral for SQE 2 initially in Assessment Venues = London, Manchester & Cardiff
Will be sent to the candidate direct unless they are solicitor apprentices, where they will go to the training provider.
Can apply from Spring 2021 to have them registered with the SRA. More detail to come.
We provide an external QWE Confirming Solicitor service - to help out aspiring solicitors who do not have a solicitor to sign off their QWE, or firms that would rather outsource this. Here's a link: QWE - External Certification Service (hunningsconsultancy.co.uk)
Fee free to contact Ingemar on: 07887 524507 or [email protected]
SQE Implementation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXI_jDqP-4&feature=youtu.be
How Providers & Firms are Preparing for the SQE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCI-1SI0ctQ&feature=youtu.be
Assessment Specifications and Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yreaCuDrd48&feature=youtu.be
SQE Monitoring and Maximising Diversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SXN-ceI9dw&feature=youtu.be
Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLXx0DCHqr0&feature=youtu.be
We have had quite a few aspiring solicitors asking for guidance on this subject - quite understandably. The SRA has published some helpful guidance on this subject. Below are some of the most pertinent points.
However, first of all here is a link to a really useful tool the SRA have put up. It is a decision tree as to whether to take the SQE or LPC route. It's in the form of a series of questions, the answer to which take you to advice.
Our transitional arrangements may already apply to you because you have started or completed a qualifying law degree, the Common Professional Examination / Graduate Diploma in Law or an exempting law degree. . But you can also choose to qualify on the current route or take the SQE, if you have started or completed the LPC, or if you have accepted an offer to start on the LPC, or paid a non-refundable deposit, before 1 September 2021.
Once you have the LPC, to qualify on the current route by 31 December 2032, you'll also need to:
If you have started, or accepted an offer to start, a period of recognised training (also known as a training contract) before 1 September 2021, then you can qualify as a solicitor through the current route.
To qualify this way, by 31 December 2032, you'll also need to:
If you are unable to complete a PRT, you can chose to qualify through the SQE.
It is possible that some non-law students may accept the offer of a PRT before 1 September 2021, and before they have been offered a place on a CPE/GDL.
In this case you may start a CPE/GDL programme up until 31 August 2022, and which meet our requirements for the CPE/GDL.
You will need to keep the evidence of your accepted offer in order to be accepted onto the CPE. For example, this could take the form of the exchange of correspondence between you and your training provider, accepting the offer of a PRT.
This is a route where you are asking the SRA to look at what you've done and agree that it is equivalent to what you need for an alternative way of qualifying. More info here: https://www.sra.org.uk/students/resources/equivalent-means-information-pack/
Learn here how we can help you get the experience that you have acquired Confirmed so that it counts towards your 2 year requirement under the SQE. https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
The Law Society Gazette reports today that the Legal Services Board has approved the SQE - due to start in the autumn of next year.
Uncertainty has been removed. Qualifying as a solicitor will be by this method from the autumn on 2021. Here's a link to the article in the LS Gazette announcing this: https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/its-official-lsb-approves-solicitor-super-exam/5106169.article?
For information about the SQE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
For information on how you can use the Apprenticeship Scheme to pay for the SQE training costs see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/apprenticeships-the-sqe-how-this-can-save-you-money/
For information on how we can help aspiring solicitors with monitoring your QWE see here: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
The Government Apprenticeship Scheme is promoted as an option by the SRA for a way to assist with the funding of training costs.
It is Government Policy to help people into employment to be able to use their skills and become good tax-payers.
So, you should be pushing at an open door. In October 2020 DWF announced that from January 2022 trainees will be on the SQE using the Apprenticeship Scheme. In April 2021 the BBC In-House Legal Department invited applicants for Level 7 Graduate Legal Apprenticeship in 2022 - to qualify as solicitors through the SQE. So the larger organisations are starting to adopt this.
The big benefit is that the trainee can qualify without a £17,000 debt (as currently is the case under the LPC).
* The government is reviewing whether the funding of level 7 apprenticeships such as for the SQE should continue. Here's a link to their press release of 24.9.24
But that might give employers more flexibility over wages perhaps?
We are interested in helping people who have done their degree to progress with their career. There are so many struggling to find a traineeship at the moment and in limbo. Such a waste of potential, effort and money. The assistance here may unlock all the potential places that exist in small law firms.
Here is a summary of information on how a law firm could use the Apprenticehip Scheme for people training to become solicitors:
Funding for the training
The Apprenticeship scheme is run through a portal. You can delegate a lot of the admin should you wish.
Getting rid of an underperforming Apprentice – Apprentices have no more or less employment rights than any other employee. There is no impact on the apprenticeship funding. There is no clawback from the employing firm. The Training Provider would cease to receive any more money as the training would have ceased.
External QWE Confirmation Service
If you know of someone who needs an SRA regulated solicitor to confirm their QWE but have no-one in their organisation to do so - we can help. This service would apply to someone who is NOT qualified as a lawyer. Please see the link below and feel free to signpost them to us:
QWE - External Confirming Solicitor Service - for Aspiring Solicitors
YouTube Videos on SQE, SQE2 Exemptions & QWE
https://www.youtube.com/@hunningsconsultancy999/videos
Information about employing an apprentice and how apprenticeship funding works – step by step guide and a good starting point. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/employing-an-apprentice-technical-guide-for-employers -
Government guidance for employers looking to take on an apprentice on the Gov.uk website: https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice.
These apprenticeship funding rules and guidance apply to employers. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules-for-employers
A link to our article summarising the SQE method for qualifying as a solicitor, which comes into effect in September 2021 and the QWE (Qualifying Work Experience) and how to start gathering that now, in advance): https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/the-new-sqe-exam-and-qualification-method/
If you are an Aspiring Solicitor looking to have your QWE (Qualifying Work Experience) 'Confirmed' so it counts towards your 2 year FTE requirement, then we can help. Here's a link to details: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/external-qwe-certification-service-2/
A link to a page we have put together with the costs of some the SQE training providers - to save you some time in researching: https://hunningsconsultancy.co.uk/sqe-training-providers/
Whilst on this page may we invite you to take a look at our other services (see the drop downs at the top of this page). We provide all round Business Support for Law Firms, everything to allow a busy partner to get on with the client work. We have assisted over 350 law firms, direct access barristers and in house-legal. Everything from Compliance to on your Case Management System (LEAP, Proclaim & Clio), from Mentoring to Setting Up a New Law Firm. Ask about running your firm and we're probably able to help. 07887 524507 or [email protected].
