We use essential cookies to keep you signed in and the Platform working. We also use analytics cookies to understand how you use LexIQ Law Tutor so we can improve it. You can accept all cookies or decline non-essential ones. Read our Cookie Policy for full details.
Everything about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, qualifying work experience, and the path to becoming a solicitor.
SQE1 is the first of two centralised assessments required to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. It consists of two papers of 180 MCQs testing Functioning Legal Knowledge.
SQE1 tests legal knowledge through 360 MCQs. SQE2 tests practical legal skills through written and oral assessments including client interviewing, advocacy, and legal writing.
QWE is two years of full-time legal work experience at up to four different organisations, including law firms, in-house teams, law centres, and some non-traditional legal settings.
Most candidates need 4-8 months of dedicated preparation, depending on their legal background.
The SQE is now the standard route to qualification. It is generally cheaper, more flexible, and standardised, while the LPC offered more in-depth practical training.
Yes. The SQE route is open to all graduates regardless of discipline. You do not need a law degree or a GDL/PGDL conversion course.
The total cost ranges from approximately £6,000 to £20,000 depending on your preparation method.
Yes, you can resit with no limit on attempts. You only need to resit the paper(s) you failed.
SQE2 tests practical legal skills through written and oral assessments across five areas: client interviewing, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, and legal writing and drafting. Preparation requires practising these skills in realistic scenarios.
The main SQE course providers are BPP, ULaw, QLTS School, Barbri, and Kaplan. Your choice should depend on budget, learning style (online vs in-person), pass rate data, and whether you need qualifying work experience support.
QWE can be completed at any legal workplace — law firms, in-house teams, legal charities, government departments, or even pro bono clinics. You need 2 years of full-time equivalent experience confirmed by a solicitor.
The total cost of qualifying via the SQE ranges from approximately £5,000 (self-study) to £20,000+ (with a preparation course). This includes SQE1 exam fees (~£1,622), SQE2 exam fees (~£2,493), preparation course fees (£1,500–£7,000), and character and suitability assessment (£100).
Most candidates need 3–6 months of dedicated preparation for SQE1, depending on their legal background. GDL/LLB graduates with recent knowledge may need 3–4 months; career changers or those with gaps since studying may need 5–6 months.