The SQE v the LPC: How do I choose?
Guest written by Law with Sophie
If both routes to qualification are available to you, deciding whether you should qualify through the LPC or SQE route isn’t a black and white decision, and ultimately it comes down to your personal circumstances, lifestyle and your own preferences when it comes to timing, cost, and career goals.
Below I've set out some of the key considerations of both options – but these factors are super subjective and you could argue each in the reverse! So it's well worth having a good think about your own views before you decide.
| The SQE & QWE | The LPC & training contract |
|---|---|
|
Type of exams
The SQE itself is not an actual course or programme, it's just two separate sets of exams. But the SQE exams are closed book (i.e., you have no books or resources available to you in the exams) and they are quite intense. Multiple choice questions don’t suit everyone! If you fail one of the SQE exams, you will need to take half of them (SQE1) all of them (SQE2) again. |
Type of exams
The LPC is comprised of written and practical assignments, and you will also have a series of exams (like you will probably be used to from university), over a 9 month period. The exams are typically open book, so you will have your notes available when sitting them. If you fail a module of the LPC, you will need to take that module again. |
|
Type of study There are many choices of study for the SQE including: -part-time/full-time -online/campus -part of an LLM or just a prep course -individual supervision /classroom teaching /materials only You can choose your mode of study to fit your circumstances. |
Type of study The LPC takes 9-12 months full-time and 2 years part-time and you'll spend 9 months with your cohort. Various LPC providers are also offering either online or on-campus study. |
| Degree requirements Any degree is acceptable – which makes the SQE (technically) open to non-law students (although you will realistically need legal knowledge to pass the assessments!) |
Degree requirements The LPC is more prescriptive, as a law degree or GDL is required. |
| Specialisation
If you absolutely know that you want to specialise in a particular area early on, you can get your QWE (see below) just in one practice area. You could even undertake just the one placement for two years in a department you're super interested in. There is no contentious requirement. SQE based training contracts are also being introduced, with four seats - some replicating the traditional training contract, but some are very different. |
Specialisation A training contract is a tried and tested two year opportunity to learn within an organisation. It can offer greater breadth, as you typically rotate around four quite different areas, specified by the firm – plus you must also fulfil the SRA's contentious requirement. |
| Timing of work experience
You have lots of flexibility in terms of gaining QWE – for example past voluntary or paid work can be banked, or you can choose to work whilst you are studying. |
Timing of work experience The timing is rigid – a law degree is required to complete the LPC and the LPC is required to complete a training contract, and you must gain two years’ experience in the same organisation (although secondments are included). |
| Costs
Employers are starting to offer funded SQE “training contracts”, this will become more normal in the next couple of years. The SQE was introduced to be cheaper, but there is debate on this – the SQE could be cheaper for those looking to self-fund their studies alongside work, and prep courses are slightly more competitively priced compared to the LPC. But candidates should remember that they'll also need to pay a fee to the SRA to sit the exams and there are accommodation and travel costs to take the SQE assessments. You can however spread the cost out over a longer period of time for the SQE. The cost of an LLM (inclusive of some of the SQE) can be covered by a Masters Loan for students in England. |
Costs
Employer funded training contracts, plus maintenance grants, can give you significant support to take your LPC. But you may have commuting or rental costs to consider if your firm requires you to study in a certain location. Most LPC courses are slightly more expensive than the SQE, but not all. The majority of LPCs can be taken as Masters programmes, which are eligible for Masters loan funding too. |
| Who you would like to work for
A small number of firms have already moved to the SQE route to qualification so far, which is worth bearing in mind if there's a specific firm you want to work for. Some organisations are also using the SQE route to develop their paralegals. If you're currently a paralegal, it’s worth asking your employer if it is possible for you to get any support with the SQE! |
Who you would like to work for
Some more traditional and corporate firms are specifying that they are looking for trainees who are studying or have completed an LPC, so it's worth doing your research on the kind of firm you would like to work for and what they expect from you. |
More resources to help you decide
Chrissie Wolfe & Dr Giles Proctor’s IG live on LPC v SQE
The College’s article on the LPC v SQE
This blog is guest written by Law with Sophie, it is part of a six-part series on Becoming a Solicitor, helping you consider whether it is the right career move for you.
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Last updated July 2022
Law with Sophie
Sophie is a Restructuring & Insolvency solicitor based in London, who provides guidance to aspiring solicitors through her blog and Instagram (@lawwithsophie). She is a mentor, has had several pieces of writing published, and regularly features as a panellist at industry events.Find out more online about Law With Sophie: