Learn more about the SQE exam format, content, and style.
The SQE has two stages: SQE1, which tests your legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions, and SQE2, which tests your practical legal skills through written and oral assessments. You must pass SQE1 before sitting SQE2. You are not permitted to bring any materials with you into either exam.
This page explains the format, content, pass mark, and results timeline for both assessments.
SQE1 is made up of two computer-based multiple-choice exams, FLK1 and FLK2, each with 180 questions to be completed in 5 hours and 6 minutes. You choose one answer from five options in response to realistic legal scenarios.
You must sit both FLK1 and FLK2 at your first attempt. If you do not pass one, you can retake that paper individually at a later sitting. The exam is offered in the UK and in various other locations around the world.
The first assessment (FLK1) covers:
The second assessment (FLK2) covers:
Ethics and professional conduct is examined across both FLK1 and FLK2, rather than as a standalone subject.
Your raw score (the number of correct answers out of 180) is converted to a scaled score out of 500. The pass mark is 300. Scaling ensures fair comparison across different sittings where paper difficulty may vary.
SQE2 tests your ability to apply legal knowledge to practical tasks. There are 16 assessments in total, known as stations, spread across oral and written formats. Assessments simulate real solicitor tasks such as client interviews, advocacy, legal research, drafting, and case analysis. You will also be assessed on ethics and professional conduct throughout.
For example, an assessment might evaluate your ability to interview a confused, forgetful, emotional, or unreliable client. It may also test how well you establish credibility with the client.
SQE2 takes place over five half days in total: two for oral assessments and three for written assessments. The order in which you sit individual stations may vary.
SQE2 oral exams will take place over two half days. The following table shows the assessments you will undertake on each of the days.
| Day 1 | Day 2 |
| Advocacy (dispute resolution) | Advocacy (criminal litigation) |
| Interview and attendance note/legal analysis (property practice) | Interview and attendance note/legal analysis (Wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice) |
Different candidates may complete the assessments in different orders. You may therefore begin with either the interview or the advocacy assessments.
SQE2 written exams take place over three half days. You’ll sit 12 assessments in total:
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 |
| Case and matter analysis | Case and matter analysis | Case and matter analysis |
| Legal drafting | Legal drafting | Legal drafting |
| Legal research | Legal research | Legal research |
| Legal writing | Legal writing | Legal writing |
| Two of these exercises will be in the context of dispute resolution and two will be in the context of criminal litigation | Two of these exercises will be in the context of property practice and two will be in the context of wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice | Candidates will sit all assessments in the context of business organisations, rules and procedures |
Different candidates may complete the SQE2 assessments in different orders.
Each assessment is marked on both legal skills and application of the law, generally weighted equally. The standard applied is whether you meet the level expected of a newly qualified solicitor in England and Wales.
SQE1 results are available within 5 to 6 weeks of your assessment date. SQE2 results take 14 to 18 weeks. Both are accessible through your personal SRA account.
The SRA exam fees are:
Fees are paid to Kaplan when you register and are separate from any preparation course costs. Retake fees apply if you need to resit an assessment.
The cost to sit SQE1 is £1,934 (£967 for FLK1 and £967 for FLK2) while sitting SQE2 will cost £2,974.
You have three attempts at each of SQE1 and SQE2, and must pass both within six years of your first SQE1 attempt. At your first sitting you must take both FLK1 and FLK2 together, but if you fail one you can retake it individually. You must pass the whole of SQE1 before you can sit SQE2.
Find out more about retaking the SQE.
Most candidates spend nine to twelve months preparing, though the right timeline depends on your background and how much time you can dedicate to study. The key to passing first time is not just covering the syllabus but developing the exam technique and time management skills the SQE demands.
QLTS has been preparing candidates for the SQE and its predecessor since 2011. Our courses include extensive study resources that suit any learning style and professional background, mock tests built to the Pearson VUE standard, AI-powered feedback, and tutor support throughout.
