If you're aiming to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales, the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 1 (SQE1) is your first major milestone. SQE1 is a rigorous assessment of your legal knowledge application, and passing it brings you a step closer to becoming a solicitor. This guide will explain exactly what SQE1 is, what subjects it covers, and outline the best preparation strategies to help you tackle it with confidence.

What is SQE1?

SQE1 is the first of two exams in the solicitor qualification process introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). It tests your "Functioning Legal Knowledge" — your ability to apply legal knowledge to practical scenarios, rather than just memorising laws.

SQE1 is a computer-based exam composed entirely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in a single-best-answer format. Each question presents a scenario with five possible answers, and you must choose the best one.

Assessment Method: All questions are scenario-based, presenting realistic client situations and asking what advice or outcome is legally correct. The exam is closed-book and administered on computers at secure test centres. Ethics and professional conduct considerations are woven throughout the questions rather than tested as a separate section.

Passing SQE1: This is a challenging exam — in recent sittings, only around 50–60% of candidates have passed on their first attempt. To pass, you must meet or exceed the pass mark on both FLK1 and FLK2 assessments. Every subject area is compulsory with no optional topics.

Subjects Covered in SQE1

SQE1 encompasses a broad range of legal subjects, grouped into two sets corresponding to the two exam parts:

Note: Ethics and Professional Conduct issues are examined pervasively across both FLK1 and FLK2. Any question in any subject might include an ethical dimension.

Best SQE1 Preparation Strategies

Success in SQE1 comes down to diligent study and smart strategy. Here are the most effective approaches to ensure you're fully prepared:

1. Create a Structured Study Plan

   Start planning well in advance — many candidates begin 6 to 12 months before the exam. Break down subjects into a weekly timetable with clear goals. Aim for around 15–20 hours of study per week for working candidates, increasing as the exam approaches. A clear plan ensures you cover every subject and leave room for review.

2. Practice with Questions Regularly

   Use an extensive question bank and incorporate practice into your daily routine. Complete questions on each subject after studying it, then mix topics to simulate exam conditions. Top performers often attempt at least 2,000 practice questions before exam day. Most importantly, learn from each question — review every answer and understand why the correct option is right.

3. Take Full-Length Mock Exams

   Simulate the real exam by attempting 180 questions in one sitting. This builds the stamina and time-management skills needed for the long exam days. Treat mocks seriously: find a quiet environment, set a timer, and adhere to the time limits. Analyse your performance to identify weak areas for focused revision.

4. Reinforce Concepts Actively

   Don't rely on passive reading alone. Reinforce understanding through flashcards, mind maps, or summary notes. Regularly review earlier topics to retain information. Focus on application — ask yourself how principles would apply in real scenarios. Address confusion immediately by discussing with study groups or using AI tutor support.

antlaw.ai — Your SQE1 Study Companion

Among the many SQE1 study resources available, antlaw.ai stands out as an all-in-one preparation platform designed to give you an edge: