The Complete Guide to the SQE in 2026
Everything you need to know about the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, from eligibility and costs to exam dates and preparation strategies.
What is the SQE?
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the centralized assessment for anyone who wants to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. Introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in September 2021, it replaced the old Legal Practice Course (LPC) and Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) routes.
The goal of the SQE is to ensure that all newly qualified solicitors meet the same high standards, regardless of their background or how they trained. Whether you have a law degree, a non-law degree, or are qualifying through an apprenticeship, everyone must pass the same two-part assessment.
Key Takeaway
Who Needs to Take the SQE?
If you started your legal training after September 1, 2021, you will almost certainly need to take the SQE. The old LPC route is being phased out, and only those who had already started, accepted an offer, or paid a deposit for a qualifying law degree, GDL, or LPC before that date can choose the transitional arrangements.
This means the SQE applies to:
- Law graduates
- Non-law graduates (see our guide on taking the SQE without a law degree)
- Solicitor apprentices
- Foreign qualified lawyers looking to dual-qualify in England and Wales
The Four Requirements to Qualify
To become a solicitor under the SQE route, you must meet four specific requirements set by the SRA:
- A Degree: You must hold a degree in any subject (or equivalent qualification/experience).
- Pass SQE1 and SQE2: You must pass both stages of the assessment.
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): You must complete two years of full-time (or equivalent) QWE.
- Character and Suitability: You must pass the SRA's character and suitability requirements.
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Understanding the Two-Part Structure
SQE1: Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK)
SQE1 tests your Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK). It is a multiple-choice exam designed to assess whether you can apply legal principles to realistic client scenarios. It is split into two separate exams, taken on different days:
- FLK1: Covers Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Legal System of England and Wales, Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law, and Legal Services.
- FLK2: Covers Property Practice, Wills and the Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts, Land Law, Trusts, Criminal Law and Practice.
Each FLK exam consists of 180 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions (360 questions in total). The exams are notoriously challenging, with recent pass rates hovering around 41-46% for first-time sitters. For more tips, check out our guide on how to pass SQE1.
SQE2: Practical Legal Skills
Once you pass SQE1, you can move on to SQE2, which tests practical legal skills through both written and oral assessments. You will be assessed on:
- Client interviewing and attendance note/legal analysis
- Advocacy
- Case and matter analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
These skills are assessed across five practice areas: Criminal Litigation, Dispute Resolution, Property Practice, Wills and Intestacy, and Business Organizations. The pass rate for SQE2 is generally higher than SQE1, often sitting around 71-77%.
SQE Costs and Fees for 2026
The cost of qualifying has been a major talking point since the SQE was introduced. While the exam fees themselves are fixed by the SRA, your total cost will depend heavily on the preparation courses you choose.
As of the latest updates for 2026, the SRA exam fees are:
| Assessment | Cost |
|---|---|
| SQE1 (FLK1 and FLK2) | £1,934 |
| SQE2 (Written and Oral) | £2,974 |
| Total SRA Exam Fees | £4,908 |
Remember, these fees only cover the exams. Most candidates spend an additional £3,000 to £6,000+ on preparation courses. For a detailed look at budgeting, read our full SQE cost breakdown.
Test your FLK knowledge for free
Try our realistic SQE1 practice exam to see the style and difficulty of the actual SRA questions.
Key SQE Exam Dates for 2026
Planning your timeline is crucial. The SRA typically runs SQE1 twice a year and SQE2 four times a year. Here are the key dates for the 2026 sittings:
SQE1 2026 Dates
| Sitting | FLK1 Dates | FLK2 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | 12-16 January 2026 | 19-23 January 2026 |
| July 2026 | 13-17 July 2026 | 20-24 July 2026 |
SQE2 2026 Dates
SQE2 is offered in January, April, July, and October. For example, the January 2026 sitting features written exams from 27-29 January, with oral sittings in early February. Always check the official SRA website for exact booking windows, as they close months in advance. You can find more details in our comprehensive guide to SQE exam dates.
Typical Timeline to Qualification
How long does it take to qualify under the SQE? For most candidates, the journey takes about 2 to 3 years from the start of their SQE preparation.
- Preparation for SQE1: 6-9 months (part-time) or 3-4 months (full-time).
- Waiting for Results: ~6 weeks.
- Preparation for SQE2: 3-5 months.
- Waiting for Results: ~14 weeks.
- Qualifying Work Experience (QWE): 24 months (can be completed before, during, or after the exams).
Key Takeaway
How LexIQ Helps You Prepare
The SQE is a marathon, not a sprint. The sheer volume of law you need to memorize for SQE1, combined with the practical skills required for SQE2, means you need smart, efficient study tools.
At LexIQ, we provide AI-driven tools specifically designed for the modern law student:
- Smart Flashcards: Master the black-letter law with spaced repetition flashcards tailored to the SRA syllabus.
- Quiz Generator: Create custom multiple-choice quizzes to test your weak areas.
- Essay Marker: Get instant, actionable feedback on your written legal analysis and drafting with our AI Essay Marker.