SQE exemptions

The SQE assessment is the one route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. Candidates from both the UK and abroad need to complete the SQE exams and meet a set of requirements before qualifying:

• Hold a degree or equivalent
• Complete two years of qualifying work experience (QWE) – foreign qualified lawyers are exempt
• Pass the two stages of the SQE assessment
• Meet the SRA character and suitability requirements and apply for admission

However, there are some exceptions. Depending on your legal background and professional qualifications, you might be entitled to an exemption from one or more of the SQE exams.

You can only apply for an exemption for the whole of SQE1 FLK1 or SQE1 FLK2. To be granted an exemption you must prove that:

• Your qualifications and/or experience cover the areas of law that are assessed in SQE1, FLK1 and/or FLK2; and
• The law you’re qualified in/have practised in isn’t substantially different from the law of England and Wales in these areas

Very few people are given exemptions from SQE1 as there is a high threshold of knowledge and experience needed.

If you’ve got the same practice rights as a solicitor of England and Wales and at least two years of professional legal work experience (gained either as part of your qualification or post-qualification) you could be exempt from the whole of the SQE2 exam.

You’ll need to have one or more of these practising rights:

• Criminal litigation
• Civil litigation (also referred to as dispute resolution)
• Property practice
• Wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice
• Business organisation rules and procedures

Lawyers who are qualified outside of the UK can apply for an exemption for either part of SQE1 (FLK1 or FLK2) or from SQE2 (or a combination). The reason being that their training, experience or qualifications act as an equivalent for SQE.

Generally, aspiring solicitors from the UK (with the exception of Scottish solicitors) cannot apply for any exemptions.

Even if your jurisdiction isn’t listed, you can still apply for an SQE exemption if your qualifications and personal experience could be seen as equivalent. To be granted an exemption, you must prove that your qualification/experience is equivalent to a whole part of the SQE assessment:

• SQE1 FLK1
• SQE1 FLK2
• SQE2

You’ll need to show that you don’t have any gaps in the legal qualification content of England and Wales which would mean you couldn’t practise safely.

The SQE has been designed to gradually phase out the LPC as a route to qualifications. During the transition period, LPC graduates are entitled to special arrangements.

As an alternative to completing the training contract, candidates who have completed the LPC may ask the SRA to recognise experience equivalent to the qualifying work experience (QWE) as a period of recognised training.

The request should be made on the My SRA account. This will then inform Kaplan that you do not need to sit SQE1 and you can book on to SQE2. You will then be exempt from SQE1 and need to successfully pass the SQE2 assessment. You will also be exempt from sitting the Professional Skills Course. You would then need to have proof of your LPC and two years of confirmed QWE when you apply for admission.

If you are not sure whether to complete the traditional LPC route or take SQE2 in combination with QWE, check out our article to help you decide which is right for you.

The SRA is the only body that can grant exemptions.

You need to apply for your exemptions through the SRA website before you book your SQE assessments. Each application is assessed individually and it can take several months to be processed. It’s best to apply for exemptions as soon as you start preparing for your SQE exams.

You’ll need first to open an account with the SRA before you can apply for an exemption, register to sit the exam and book your SQE exam dates with Kaplan.