The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) represents a fundamental shift in how solicitors qualify in England and Wales. For many candidates, the biggest challenge is not the difficulty of the law itself, but understanding how the SQE is structured, what the examiners are really testing, and how to perform effectively under exam conditions.
This guide provides a clear, practical breakdown of both parts of the SQE — SQE1 and SQE2 — explaining how each assessment is structured, what to expect on exam day, and how you can maximise your performance with the right preparation strategy.
The SQE at a Glance
The SQE consists of two separate assessments:
- SQE1: Tests Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) through multiple-choice questions.
- SQE2: Tests practical legal skills through written and oral exercises.
Both parts must be passed in order to qualify as a solicitor, alongside the work experience and character requirements set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
SQE1 Assessment Structure: What to Expect
SQE1 is a computer-based examination designed to assess whether candidates can apply core legal knowledge to realistic scenarios. It is not a memory test, but an application-based exam.
Format and Duration
- SQE1 is divided into two papers: FLK1 and FLK2.
- Each paper contains 180 single best answer multiple-choice questions.
- The exam is taken over two days, with one paper per day.
- Each paper is split into two sessions of 90 questions.
- Each session lasts approximately 2 hours and 33 minutes.
Subjects Tested
SQE1 covers a broad range of compulsory subjects, including business law, dispute resolution, contract, tort, public law, criminal law, property practice, trusts, wills, and solicitors’ accounts. Ethics and professional conduct are assessed throughout all questions.
What Examiners Are Looking For
Examiners assess your ability to:
- Identify legally relevant facts.
- Apply legal principles accurately.
- Select the best answer among plausible options.
- Demonstrate sound professional judgment.
Many candidates underestimate the importance of exam technique. Success in SQE1 comes from extensive practice with high-quality questions rather than passive reading alone.
SQE2 Assessment Structure: What to Expect
SQE2 assesses whether you can function as a day-one solicitor. It focuses on practical legal skills rather than academic knowledge.
Skills Assessed
SQE2 assesses six core legal skills:
- Client interviewing
- Advocacy
- Case and matter analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
Exam Structure
- SQE2 consists of 16 practical assessments.
- There are four oral assessments (client interview and advocacy).
- There are twelve written assessments.
- The exam is taken over five days.
Oral assessments are conducted in person or remotely under strict exam conditions. Written assessments are completed on a computer using materials provided in the exam.
What Examiners Are Looking For
SQE2 examiners assess whether you can:
- Communicate clearly and professionally.
- Apply the law to a client’s specific situation.
- Structure advice logically and practically.
- Demonstrate ethical awareness and judgment.
Importantly, SQE2 is not about perfection. It is about demonstrating competence, clarity, and professionalism.
What to Expect on Exam Day
On exam day, candidates should expect:
- Strict identity and security checks.
- Highly controlled exam environments.
- Time pressure, especially in SQE1.
- Limited preparation time in SQE2 oral tasks.
Familiarity with the exam format significantly reduces anxiety. Candidates who have practised under exam-like conditions tend to perform more consistently.
How to Maximise Your Performance in the SQE
Regardless of whether you are preparing for SQE1 or SQE2, the following principles apply:
- Practise regularly with exam-style questions and scenarios.
- Focus on application, not memorisation.
- Develop time-management strategies early.
- Review mistakes systematically and adjust your approach.
Many candidates benefit from using platforms such as antlaw.ai, which offer extensive SQE1 and SQE2 question banks alongside AI-powered instant Q&A support. This allows you to clarify difficult points immediately and refine your exam technique efficiently — an especially valuable advantage for working professionals.
Conclusion
Understanding the SQE assessment structure is a critical first step towards success. Once you know how SQE1 and SQE2 are designed, what examiners are testing, and what to expect on exam day, your preparation becomes far more focused and effective.
With a clear strategy, consistent practice, and the right tools, the SQE becomes a manageable — and achievable — qualification pathway.