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The guide explains the rationale for introducing the SQE to ensure consistent, fair evaluation across routes into the profession. It covers the planned introduction timeline, what happens to candidates already on qualifying law degrees, and how non-law degree entrants must adapt after the SQE is introduced in 2020.",{"@graph":69,"@context":123},[70,84,106],{"@type":71,"itemListElement":72},"BreadcrumbList",[73,77,79,82],{"item":74,"name":75,"@type":76,"position":8},"https://docshare.wps.com","Home","ListItem",{"item":78,"name":9,"@type":76,"position":14},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/",{"item":80,"name":20,"@type":76,"position":81},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/exam/",3,{"item":83,"name":65,"@type":76,"position":19},"https://docshare.wps.com/document/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe-overview-and-qualification-routes/339610/",{"url":83,"name":65,"@type":85,"image":86,"author":91,"headline":65,"publisher":94,"fileFormat":97,"inLanguage":63,"description":67,"dateModified":98,"datePublished":99,"encodingFormat":97,"isAccessibleForFree":100,"interactionStatistic":101},"DigitalDocument",{"url":87,"@type":88,"width":89,"height":90},"https://docshare.wps.com/thumbnails/solicitors-qualifying-examination-sqe-overview-and-qualification-routes/339610.png","ImageObject",300,407,{"name":92,"@type":93},"Eden","Person",{"url":74,"name":95,"@type":96},"DocShare","Organization","application/pdf","2026-10-31","2026-09-21",true,{"@type":102,"interactionType":103,"userInteractionCount":105},"InteractionCounter",{"@type":104},"ViewAction",15,{"@type":107,"mainEntity":108},"FAQPage",[109,115,119],{"name":110,"@type":111,"acceptedAnswer":112},"What is the SQE and what is it used for?","Question",{"text":113,"@type":114},"The SQE is a centralized assessment for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is designed to provide a fair and consistent evaluation for all candidates.","Answer",{"name":116,"@type":111,"acceptedAnswer":117},"When is the SQE expected to be introduced, and can it change?",{"text":118,"@type":114},"The plan is to introduce the SQE in 2020 and the document states this target is currently on track. It also notes the introduction could be postponed and that an announcement would follow.",{"name":120,"@type":111,"acceptedAnswer":121},"If I started with a non-law degree, what changes after the SQE is introduced?",{"text":122,"@type":114},"Non-law degree entrants who start their undergraduate degree in or after 2017-18 must take the SQE under the new system, assuming it is introduced in 2020. 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It will provide a fair and consistent assessment for all candidates regardless of whether they have taken a law degree or qualified through new routes like the solicitor apprenticeship.  \nWhy are we introducing the SQE?  \nWe are introducing the new system so there will be a consistent assessment for all. This will be fairer for students and give the public confidence that their solicitor is competent.  \nThe SQE will offer new opportunities- it should help law firms get access to the best talent; help the best education providers excel; and help the best candidates, from all backgrounds, succeed.  \nWhen will the SQE be introduced?  \nWe are working towards an introduction date of 2020 and are currently on target to meet it. But it is possible that it might take us longer than we expect to develop and test the SQE. If we need to postpone the introduction of the SQE, we will announce this.  \nWhat if I have already started/have a qualifying law degree?  \nIf you have already started (or completed) your law degree, or will do so before the SQE is introduced, you will be able to finish and qualify under the current system or qualify under the new SQE system. We are currently consulting on proposals that say you will have until 2031 to qualify this way. We will make an announcement next year to confirm a date.  \nWhat if I have started/have a non-law degree?  \nIf you start a non-law undergraduate degree in or after academic year 2017-18 , and then decide to qualify as a solicitor, you will need to take the SQE and qualify under the new system, assuming it is introduced in 2020. This is because the Common Professional Assessment (CPE), also known as the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) , will no longer count towards qualification in the new system once the SQE has been introduced.  \nIf you have already graduated with a non-law degree and are looking to start a CPE/GDL , you will need to do this in autumn 2018 or 2019. Then you can qualify under the current system , for example, by:  \n• taking the CPE/GDL in academic year 2018-19 or 2019-20  \n• completing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) in academic year 2019-20 or 2020-21  \n• doing a two-year period of recognised training , often called a training contract. It would also be open to you, if you wished, to qualify by taking the SQE.  \nWhat will I need to qualify after the SQE is introduced in 2020?  \nYou will need to:  \n• Have a degree or equivalent qualification (for example, a solicitor apprenticeship) .  \n• Pass the two stages of the SQE.  \n• Have at least two years of qualifying work experience in the delivery of legal services.  \n• Meet our character and suitability requirements to become a solicitor.  \nHow much will the new system cost?  \nThere will be the cost for sitting the SQE assessments and the cost of any training courses for the SQE.  \nInformation about the cost of the SQE assessments is not yet available because we have not decided exactly what the final examinations will look like.  \nIf SQE training is included as part of a degree, then there will be no additional charge for that training. But there is likely to be an additional charge for the SQE assessments.  \nSQE training courses which are not part of a degree will be available by the time the SQE is introduced. But because they have not yet been launched, we do not yet know how much this type of SQE training will cost.  \nShould I do an LPC now or wait for the SQE?  \nHere are some factors for you to consider when deciding what route works for you:  \n1. Current system of qualification-QLD/CPE, followed by a LPC and training contract:  \n• If you get the offer of a training contract, particularly if the LPC is funded by your law firm, you should probably take it because you would know that you could qualify through this system.  \n• If ","cbCailS230y9Ckqk","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCailS230y9Ckqk","pdf",346091,"English","# What is the SQE?\n# Why are we introducing the SQE?\n# When will the SQE be introduced?\n# What if I have already started or completed a qualifying law degree?\n# What if I have started or completed a non-law degree?\n# What will I need to qualify after the SQE is introduced in 2020?\n# How much will the new system cost?\n# Should I do an LPC now or wait for the SQE?\n# Where can I get more information?","[{\"question\":\"What is the SQE and what is it used for?\",\"answer\":\"The SQE is a centralized assessment for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It is designed to provide a fair and consistent evaluation for all candidates.\"},{\"question\":\"When is the SQE expected to be introduced, and can it change?\",\"answer\":\"The plan is to introduce the SQE in 2020 and the document states this target is currently on track. It also notes the introduction could be postponed and that an announcement would follow.\"},{\"question\":\"If I started with a non-law degree, what changes after the SQE is introduced?\",\"answer\":\"Non-law degree entrants who start their undergraduate degree in or after 2017-18 must take the SQE under the new system, assuming it is introduced in 2020. The CPE/GDL will no longer count towards qualification once the SQE begins.\"}]","Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) - Overview and Qualification Routes | PDF",1790031252]