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What happens if I fail the SQE1 or SQE2? Can I resit?

Yes, you can resit with no limit on attempts. You only need to resit the paper(s) you failed.

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Failing the SQE is not the end. The SRA allows unlimited resit attempts.

Resit Rules

  • SQE1: If you fail one paper, you only resit that paper. The other pass is retained.
  • SQE2: You only resit failed assessments.
  • No limit: There is no maximum number of attempts.
  • Passes are retained indefinitely.

What to Do If You Fail

  1. Analyse your results breakdown by subject area.
  2. Adjust your preparation strategy.
  3. Consider a different preparation course or study group.
  4. Be kind to yourself — many excellent lawyers failed professional exams on their first attempt.

Resit Costs

ResitCost
SQE1 — one paper~£899
SQE1 — both papers~£1,798

Key Takeaway

Yes, you can resit with no limit on attempts. You only need to resit the paper(s) you failed.

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