SQE Insight Webinar Slides

Sep 21, 2026

SQE has been live since September 2021, replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the route to qualify as an English solicitor internationally. The process requires passing SQE1 and SQE2 (run by Kaplan), meeting degree-equivalent eligibility, completing qualifying work experience (QWE) for the required duration, and satisfying character and suitability rules. The document compares SQE1/SQE2 formats, testing conditions, timing options, fee levels, and both oral and written assessment structures. It also explains QWE expectations, supervision confirmation, placement flexibility, voluntary work counting, and links QWE with SQE preparation strategies, including frontloading and integrated study.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

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Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

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SQE Qualification Overview

Exams and eligibility requirements

SQE test structure and fees

Qualifying work experience (QWE)

Firm and Training Programme Implications

What is missing in current LPC provision

Firm case studies and delivery model

Frontloading and integrated SQE study with QWE

2 The SQE became live in September 2021 and is replacing the Legal Practice Course (LPC) as the route to qualifying as an English solicitor for anyone anywhere internationally There are four things you will need to qualify as a solicitor: pass both exams (SQE1 and SQE2), run by Kaplan have a degree in any subject or a qualification or experience that is equivalent to a degree complete two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE) pass character and suitability requirements set by the regulator 3 SQE1 and SQE2 are completely separate from each other You have up to six years to take both SQE1 and SQE2 You must pass SQE1 before you take SQE2 Qualifying work experience (QWE) can be done at anytime 4 Tests Functioning Legal Knowledge 360 multiple choice questions in two examinations 10 hours, split into four sessions over two days Held at Pearson Vue Test Centres Assessments currently twice a year Exam Fees: £1,558 Tests oral (advocacy and client interviewing) and written legal skills 14 hours of assessments over 5 half days, over 2 weeks Written assessments held at Pearson Vue Test Centres Current locations for oral assessment: Cardiff, Manchester, London Assessments currently twice a year, three times a year from 2024 Exam Fees: £2,422 5 A period of practical work experience required as part of the SQE route to qualification. (Essentially, replacing the Training Contract) . Work must develop some of the SRA’s solicitor competencies It can be undertaken anywhere in the world, but must be confirmed by an SRA regulated solicitor or compliance officer. It must be for a period of at least 24 months. Experience can be gained in up to four different organisations No minimum or maximum length for placements Take the SQE assessments alongside QWE ‘Bank’ previous QWE Count voluntary work as QWE, eg volunteering in Law Centres. 6 Current LPC provision? What is missing? How the SQE changes entry level knowledge/skills for QWE? Firm culture? Accreditation? Fit with wider firm training programmes? Internal resource/appetite for change/collaboration? 8 Firm case studies Online video production & content development Co-design of bespoke courses Mini-case study with new clients All learning delivered by the College Learning designed and delivered in-house Direct engagement with practitioner experts With Higher Education (HE) & DAPs accreditation, College’s modules offered by Universities as part of their LLB or LLM 9 Frontloading the SQE so future trainees pass both exams before starting QWE Studying electives that align to the future trainee’s practice pre-QWE or once in the QWE Integrating SQE study with the QWE (‘earn while you learn’) Preferred timing for SQE trainees to start Multiple exam dates each year offer flexibility for future trainees 10

FAQs

What are the main requirements to qualify as an English solicitor under the SQE route?

You must pass both SQE1 and SQE2, meet degree-equivalent entry requirements, complete the required qualifying work experience (QWE), and satisfy the character and suitability requirements set by the regulator.

How are SQE1 and SQE2 structured in terms of assessments and timing?

SQE1 and SQE2 are separate exams. Candidates can take both within up to six years, must pass SQE1 before SQE2, and assessments are delivered using multiple-choice and other legal skills formats with specified total durations and session breakdowns.

What rules govern qualifying work experience (QWE) under the SQE route?

QWE must develop SRA solicitor competencies, can be undertaken anywhere globally but must be confirmed by an SRA-regulated solicitor or compliance officer, and must be for at least 24 months. Experience may be gained across up to four organisations and voluntary legal-related work can count as QWE.

Sep 21, 2026

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