SQE1 and SQE2 at a glance

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the assessment route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It has two stages, and they test very different things. Knowing the difference early makes it much easier to plan your preparation.

SQE1: functioning legal knowledge

SQE1 consists of two single-best-answer multiple-choice assessments, usually called FLK1 and FLK2. Each assessment has 180 questions, so 360 questions in total across the two.

• FLK1 covers areas such as business law and practice, dispute resolution, contract, tort, legal system of England and Wales, constitutional and administrative law, and legal services.
• FLK2 covers areas such as property practice, wills and the administration of estates, solicitors' accounts, land law, trusts, criminal law and practice.
• Ethics and professional conduct can be tested in any part of SQE1, so treat it as something to revise throughout rather than as a separate topic.

Questions present a short scenario and ask for the best answer from five options. They reward careful reading and accurate rule application more than memorising long lists.

SQE2: practical legal skills

SQE2 tests practical skills in realistic client-based scenarios. It is made up of oral and written assessments, and skills such as client interviewing and attendance notes, advocacy, case and matter analysis, legal research, legal writing and legal drafting are assessed across the practice areas.

Preparation here looks different. You will need to practise the skills themselves, reflect on feedback, and build the habit of working to time.

Planning around both stages

1. Check the official source. Dates, fees and eligibility rules change. Always confirm current details on the SRA website before you book anything.
2. Work backwards from your sitting. Choose the sitting you are aiming for, then divide the time before it between learning, practice and review.
3. Mix learning and retrieval. Reading is useful, but answering questions and revisiting mistakes is what shows you where the gaps really are.
4. Look after your routine. Steady, regular sessions are easier to sustain than occasional marathons.

Where to go next

Our free sample questions let you see what single-best-answer practice feels like without creating a paid account, and the SQE1 and SQE2 overviews show how our tools fit each stage.

This article is general educational information. It is not legal advice and it does not predict any exam result.