The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has transformed the route to a solicitor’s qualification in England and Wales. This is a two-component standardised assessment comprising SQE1 which tests legal knowledge and SQE2 which evaluates practical legal skills. Depending on aspiring solicitors’ background, i.e. qualifications and work experience, some candidates might be eligible for exemptions from some SQE assessments which could be granted partially or in full. This is known as SQE exemptions. To qualify for SQE exemptions, individuals must evidence that their qualifications are equivalent to certain SQE assessments.
SQE language requirements
In this post, we will have a closer look at the language requirements to qualify for the exemptions from the second part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE2 exemptions).
The practical part of the examination (SQE2) is designed to evaluate candidates’ competence in real-world scenarios typical of legal practice in England and Wales. This includes tasks on both oral and written skills across such areas as:
- Client interviewing
- Advocacy and oral presentation
- Case and matter analysis
- Legal research, drafting and writing.
(Please visit the SRA website for further details about each assessment)
Therefore, a strong command of English is vital for success, as solicitors must communicate clearly and effectively with various stakeholders.
On 13 June 2024, the Solicitors Regulations Authority introduced a new policy on when and how they assess the language proficiency of qualified lawyers granted an SQE2 exemption to ensure they meet the standards required to practise as solicitors.
While the majority of prospective solicitors demonstrate their English or Welsh language competency through completion of SQE2, those who are granted an SQE2 exemption must provide alternative evidence of their language proficiency prior to submitting their application for admission as a solicitor of England and Wales.
Candidates must evidence that either:
- their professional legal qualification (on which their SQE2 exemption is based) was assessed in English or Welsh. The SRA has set out pre-agreed exemptions from certain jurisdictions, recognising their legal education and practices as equivalent or close to those of England and Wales. It is worth noting that degrees unrelated to a professional legal qualification cannot be accepted as valid evidence.
- Or they have obtained English language proficiency at an appropriate level passing a language test. If a candidate wants to provide evidence using an alternative language test in Welsh, they should seek individual advice from SRA.
This is aimed at ensuring that all candidates possess language proficiency at SQE standard necessary to provide legal services in England and Wales. This must be verified before a candidate applies for admission to the roll.
SQE language test providers
Those who have obtained their qualification/degree not in English or Welsh, will have to sit a language proficiency test. Please note that not all language proficiency tests will suffice to qualify for SQE2 exemptions. For these purposes SRA recognises only Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificates from UK Home Office approved providers:
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- Pearson
- LANGUAGECERT
- Trinity College London
Exams can be taken either online (currently offered only by Pearson and IELTS) or at dedicated test centres across the United Kingdom (as well as worldwide). Exam duration may slightly differ but total test time is around 2 hours and a half on average. Secure English Language Test evaluates learners’ abilities in all four language competencies: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. In the UK the price range for SELT varies from £175 to £220 with different providers. Check their websites for more detailed information.
To be granted an SQE2 exemption, your certificate must show a minimum grade of IELTS 7.5 (or equivalent score from an alternative SELT provider) and be issued within the past three years at the time of submission for admission. The score correspondence among different SELT providers is as follows:
| Test | Required Score |
| IELTS (Academic) UKVI | 7.5 overall |
| Pearson PTE (Academic) UKVI | 78 overall |
| LanguageCert (Academic SELT) | 80 overall |
| LanguageCert SELT C1 International ESOL | High Pass overall |
| Trinity College London – SELT ISE III | Level III (Reading – Distinction; Listening – Distinction;Writing – Distinction; Speaking – Merit) |
Please refer to the providers’ websites to get more information on their scoring methodology. Also we advise you to always check the SRA website for the most recent requirements updates before applying for your English proficiency test.
Overall, the above-given grades correspond to level C1 of international standard for describing language ability (in accordance with Common European Framework of Reference (CERF). This level represents high language proficiency and ability to navigate complex linguistic demands with consistent precision and fluency.
Language proficiency for SQE
To be able to obtain such high language proficiency you should develop following skills and abilities, which are also assessed in the SQE2 exam:
- SQE2 Listening Skills
Understanding Complex and Abstract Content: Advanced learners can comprehend and process sophisticated content across different domains.
Recognising Nuances and Implicit Meaning: They are able to identify subtle meanings, underlying implications, and complex argumentative structures.
Absorbing Detailed Information: Learners at this level process detailed information quickly, grasping both explicit and implicit meanings without losing sight of broader context.
- SQE2 Reading Skills
Engaging with Complex Texts: Learners at this level can comfortably read extensive, dense, and challenging texts. They can easily navigate abstract concepts and follow intricate arguments, regardless of the text’s subject matter.
Critical Evaluation: Advanced readers are able to critically analyse texts, discern biases, recognise underlying arguments, and evaluate the credibility and purpose of the content.
Strategic Reading: They can adapt reading strategies effectively based on purpose, switching between detailed study and general comprehension as needed.
- SQE2 Speaking Skills
Fluent, Effortless Communication: Speakers with advanced command of English communicate fluently and naturally across various topics, maintaining smooth conversation flow without noticeable pauses for word searching.
Expressing and Defending Complex Ideas: They can present well-structured arguments with supportive evidence articulating abstract concepts and handling sensitive topics with appropriate nuance.
Adaptability in Different Contexts: Advanced speakers adjust communication style seamlessly across varied settings.
- SQE2 Writing Skills
Organised and Persuasive Writing: they are able to produce well-organised, coherent texts across various formats.
Sophisticated Argumentation: Learners with developed argumentation skills can present complex ideas with strong reasoning and evidence.
Creative and Critical Expression: Advanced writers are able to produce original, insightful content across different styles, combining creative and analytical thinking.
Grammar and Vocabulary
Advanced Grammatical Control: Advanced language learners demonstrate strong command of a wide range of grammatical structures.
It is worth noting that SRA specifies that candidates should not lose marks for grammatical and spelling mistakes that do not impact on the legal accuracy, clarity and/or certainty of the legal text.
Rich, Varied Vocabulary: Learners at the C1 level have a rich vocabulary that allows them to communicate precisely in both general and specialised contexts. They can effortlessly incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs, using them appropriately.
Language Flexibility: They can skilfully adapt language usage across diverse settings and modify communication style according to context and audience needs.
This comprehensive framework ensures that candidates possess linguistic capabilities necessary for effective communication in demanding professional contexts. The criteria reflect the sophisticated language control and communicative competence expected at the advanced level of proficiency.
In conclusion, we would advise you to carefully weigh your decision between completing SQE2 and pursuing an exemption from it as each option offers unique benefits and challenges.
The SQE2 assessment pathway provides comprehensive exposure to the practical legal skills, ensuring candidates develop competencies directly aligned with their future practice in England and Wales. Furthermore, successful SQE2 completion automatically satisfies the language proficiency requirements, eliminating the need for additional language testing. The examination also offers valuable experiential learning that can enhance professional readiness and confidence in legal practice.
Obtaining an SQE2 exemption can be beneficial for qualified lawyers with substantial relevant experience. This route reduces time, efforts and costs associated with taking the examination. However careful consideration remains essential, as candidates should separately establish language proficiency.
Also, it is worth bearing in mind that opting out of SQE2 may potentially affect employability for those who lack experience in the UK legal professional market. Though experienced practitioners with strong professional credentials may find the exemption route equally viable for establishing their practice capabilities.
The optimal choice will depend on the individual circumstances of each candidate such as professional background, existing qualifications, time constraints, and career objectives. Aspiring solicitors should consider not only resource implications but also long-term career impact and professional development opportunities.
