Before registering for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), there are several essential steps to follow. The process of SQE registration involves creating an account, verifying your email address, and completing identity verification. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through each step of the process.
Whether you’re preparing for SQE1 or SQE2, our specialised resources are here to guide you every step of the way:
Step 1: Create and Activate Your SQE Account
The first step in the registration process is to create your account through the SQE registration portal. You can do this by registering using your email address. The system will check whether an account has already been created with the same email. During account creation, you will need to enter your full name, which must match the name on the identification document you will present on the exam day.
Once you have created your account, you will receive an email with a link to activate it. Simply follow the link and log in to your account to complete the activation.
Step 2: Identity Verification
The next step is identity verification.
Without identity verification, you will not be able to proceed with booking. According to the information on the website, the verification process takes 2 minutes, although there is a warning that, in some cases, it may take up to 10 days. In my case, the verification took 12 hours. Therefore, it is better to complete account creation and identity verification in advance, to avoid missing the registration deadlines for the SQE1 exam.
To proceed, you will need to upload a photo of an official ID document, such as:
- Passports
- Biometric residence permits
- Driving licences
- Identity cards
The specific documents required will depend on your country of origin. You’ll be prompted to select your country when uploading the document, after which a list of eligible documents will appear.
It is important to ensure that the name and photo on your identification document match exactly with the name you entered during registration, as this will be checked at the test centre on exam day. Any discrepancies in your name will result in you being denied entry to the exam.
Documents must meet certain requirements, including preserving colour, format, and displaying all four corners of the document clearly. The file must be in JPG or PNG format, with a maximum file size of 10MB.
Step 3: Pre-Booking Steps
Once your account is activated and identity verified, there are additional pre-booking steps to complete before you can register for the SQE exam.
1. Complete the Diversity Survey
The survey is a mandatory step in the process and does not involve any difficulties. The survey will address a variety of topics, including questions about your education, background, and ethnicity. Also, you will be asked to specify the month and year when you plan to take your SQE exams, but you can still book another exam date after.
2. Confirm a SRA Exemption (if applicable)
After completing the survey, you’ll need to determine whether you are eligible for any exemptions based on your previous legal qualifications. If you have grounds for exemption, you must apply for it at this stage. If not, you can simply skip this step.
Exemptions from certain exams are only available to qualified lawyers based on their prior legal qualifications and experience that meet the SQE1 and SQE2 standards. The criteria for SQE1 exemption are extremely high, and it’s important to note that, since the introduction of the SQE system, there has only been one case of an exemption being granted for SQE1.
To check whether you qualify for an exemption, you can visit the SQE exemptions section on the SRA website, where you can select your country’s jurisdiction and review the available exemptions.
It’s crucial to note that if you attempt to take the exam before applying for an exemption (receiving a negative result or waiting for a result), you will not be able to apply for an exemption in the future. Therefore, the decision to apply for an exemption must be made before registering for the exam.
3. Request Reasonable Adjustments (if applicable)
Candidates with disabilities or specific health needs may request reasonable adjustments for their exam conditions. To do so, you’ll need to fill out a form explaining what adjustments are required and why. The SRA will then review your request and, if approved, adjust the exam environment and assessment methods accordingly.
It is recommended to submit this request well in advance of the booking window opening, as some adjustments may take time to implement. If you do not require any adjustments, make sure to indicate this in the form so you can proceed with the next steps.
Step 4: Register for the SQE1 Exam
Exams are held twice a year, in January and July, and registration for each exam opens on specific dates. SQE1 can be taken at designated test centres across the UK or at internationally certified centres. The list of centres will be confirmed once the registration window opens, be aware that some centres may not be available due to national holidays, military conflicts, etc.
You can find a list of possible exam centres on the Pearson VUE website, which allows you to search for centres in the UK or abroad. However, note that SQE exam registration can only be completed through your SQE account on the SRA website.
Booking Process
The registration window for the exam opens on a specific date, as announced by the SRA. You must complete all pre-booking steps before this date to ensure you can book your exam. For example, the registration window for January 2025 exams opened on 1 October 2024, and all pre-booking steps must be completed by 27 September 2024.
The registration window opens in two stages. For the first ten days, bookings are made exclusively by submitting a short online seat reservation form.
Once the registration window opens, an email will be sent to all eligible candidates with a short online seat reservation form. This form must be completed within 5 days. The first come, first served principle applies, so if you have a preferred test centre, it’s important to submit your form as early as possible.
If you don’t receive the form on the day the registration opens, you can download it directly from the SRA website the following day.
During the first 10-day booking window, candidates will receive emails confirming their seat reservation and requesting payment within 48 hours. If payment is not made, your reservation will be canceled, allowing another candidate to book that spot.
Booking Process for Candidates with Reasonable Adjustments
For candidates with reasonable adjustments, the process for payment may differ slightly. These candidates will receive a confirmation email after the booking window reopens, and they must complete payment within 48 hours by contacting the SRA’s candidate services department.
Self-Service Booking System
During the second period of the registration window, there is also the option to register independently through the self-service booking system. In this case, you will need to choose a test centre based on availability. Payments for self-service bookings must be made between 10:00 AM on the day the booking window reopens and 5:00 PM (UK time) on the following day.
Payment must be made via the SQE candidate account. If payment is not received by the specified deadline, your seat will be released, allowing other candidates to book it.
Cancelling or Rescheduling Your Exam
If you need to cancel your booking after payment, you can do so within 14 days without incurring any cancellation fees. If you need to make any changes to your booked exam centre, this can be done before the registration window closes, provided there are available spaces.
For more detailed information on the cancellation and rescheduling policies, you can review the SQE Assessment Terms and Conditions on the SRA website.
