Wondering about how to become a solicitor? If you’re looking into this fantastic and rewarding career, you are likely to have come across the SQE, or Solicitor’s Qualifying Examination. As the new method for qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, the SQE is a big part of your career path. In this article, we’ll answer the 5 most frequently asked questions about the SQE.
Are the SQE exams online?
Yes and no! All SRA exams are organised externally by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and everyone sits the same exams in the same week.
SQE1 and the written component of SQE2 are both conducted in person at Pearson VUE Test Centres across the UK and globally, so you have to travel to get to the test centre. But, when you get there, they are taken are on a computer in the centres, much like your driving theory test, so you will be answering questions online. However, the oral component of the SQE2 can only be conducted in England and Wales.
Lastly, when it comes to your SQE preparation courses, those can be taken fully online, depending on your provider and course of choice. At The College of Legal Practice, both our LLM and our SQE preparation courses are fully online, with access 24-7 to your learning materials.
Can you take the SQE exam without a law degree?
Yes, with the SQE route to qualifying, you do not need a law degree to take this route to qualify. That being said you do need a degree (in any subject) or equivalent, more details on what counts as equivalent can be found here.
Though it is not necessary to have a law degree, it is highly recommended to have a good background in the law of England and Wales, from either a law degree or conversion course, before starting your SQE journey as the exams are very difficult with the SQE1 exam pass rates ranging from 44% to 56%.
Why? You have to learn the law in 13 practice areas for the SQE exams, and if you don't have a foundation in law then it is a lot to learn and retain for these closed book exams. For this reason, if you don't have a UK law degree, we highly recommend taking a law foundation course like our Graduate Diploma in Law to develop a strong grasp of the six foundations areas of law commonly studied in a law degree. For more information on the GDL, our myth-busting webinar will give you a good idea of what to expect on a law conversion course.
How long is the SQE?
This question has two prongs: firstly, how long does SQE preparation take, and secondly, how long does it take to complete the examinations themselves.
For SQE preparation, the answer to this really depends on you, your ability, lifestyle and commitments. Different SQE prep course providers offer different course lengths designed to fit around your commitments. At The College of Legal Practice we offer a full time SQE1 prep course (13 weeks) as well as two part-time options (20 weeks and 40 weeks) and similar for SQE2. Everyone is different in terms of the amount of time they have per week to study, so our course options reflect that. Read more about how to choose the right course here (embed link to new page on the website).
Our Course Calendar gives you all the start and end dates and the SQE exam that each course will prepare you for.
The SQE1 and SQE2 assessments themselves have a set time frame. The SQE1 lasts two days (FLK1 on one day and FLK2 on the next) spanning two weeks, with 10 hours of exams in total. While the SQE2 lasts roughly around five days with 14 hours of assessments, over a three week period.
Lastly, you have six years in which to complete both SQE1 and SQE2 once you’ve started your SQE journey, this period starts from the first day you sit your first SQE assessment. You have up to three attempts at SQE1 and SQE2 within this time.
Are the SQE exams hard?
Yes! As with any academic examination that allows entrance into a well-esteemed profession, the SQE is rigorous and will challenge you. The SQE prepares you to practice as a solicitor from day one, meaning you’ll be able to practice as a qualified solicitor after completing the assessments and your two years Qualifying Work Experience (QWE). The exams are harder than undergraduate and LPC exams, because they are at a higher standard - the standard of a day one solicitor.
Currently the SQE1 pass rate sits around 44-56%, so it’s not to be underestimated! This is why we emphasise to our students to plan ahead and ensure they make enough time to prepare and study, whether that’s asking for flexible arrangements with work, letting their friends and family know the intensity of the exams and their need to take time to prepare or alternatively, taking a part-time course that gives you more time to study and prepare. That being said, with the right personal support from your supervisors, strong legal knowledge, preparation and plenty of planning ahead the exam is most definitely achievable!
Can I take the SQE while working?
Absolutely, with the right organisation and support it’s definitely possible. Many of our students take our SQE prep courses alongside their other life commitments, be that a job, family or caring responsibilities and pass. Our flexible weekly timetable helps you work out your study schedule across the week, and we recommend that you look for at least a day a week of time when you can study in the working day to allow for virtual live sessions with your supervisors and fellow students.
Conducting your studies alongside other commitments requires planning and dedication. We have a great selection of resources and case studies from our previous and current students in which they share how they have managed their studies around their lives. Here is a great example.
If you do choose to work while preparing for the SQE be prepared to take days off to travel to your chosen venue and sit the SQE exams, so be sure to let your employer know! Speaking with your employer before you start your study, and sharing with them your course timetable will help manage expectations and work deadlines alongside your study.
Updated: Correct as of 13 May 2025.
What next?
Interested in learning more? We have plenty more resources to help you on your journey to qualification.
Discover more about the SQE with the College of Legal Practice here, and look through our FAQs here. To learn more about qualifying work experience (QWE), head to our dedicated QWE page. Finally, if you’re ready to begin your journey, explore our SQE1 prep course now.