Understanding the New Scaled Scoring System for SQE2: What It Means for Candidates

Starting January 2025, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) will implement a scaled scoring system for the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Stage 2 (SQE2). Already used for SQE1, this approach aims to improve fairness and consistency in evaluating candidates. Here’s a breakdown of the new system and its implications for aspiring solicitors.

What you will read in this post

    What’s Inside:

    1. What Is Scaled Scoring?
    2. Why the SRA Adopted Scaled Scoring for SQE
    3. How Scaled Scoring Works for SQE1
    4. What to Expect for SQE2

    Whether you’re preparing for SQE1 or SQE2, our specialised resources are here to guide you every step of the way:
    SQE1 Course
    SQE2 Training
    SQE2 Mocks


    What Is Scaled Scoring?

    Scaled scoring translates the number of correct answers a candidate achieves (raw scores) into a standardised scale. This approach ensures fairness by accounting for differences in difficulty across various exam versions, enabling equitable assessment for all candidates.

    Using statistical analysis, scaled scoring aligns results so that performance across different test forms or sittings can be compared fairly. For instance, if one version of a test is more challenging than another, scaling ensures that scores reflect this variation without advantaging or disadvantaging any group of candidates.

    Many professional exams use scales such as 0 – 100 or 100 – 200, with a predetermined pass mark, such as 70 or 130. This ensures that all candidates are evaluated against the same standard, regardless of which version of the test they take or when they take it.

    Scaled scoring is vital in high-stakes exams, as it provides a transparent and reliable system to measure performance, promoting fairness and consistency across all candidates.

    Benefits of Scaled Scoring:

    AdvantageDescription
    Fair AssessmentsEnsures results are comparable across different test sittings and versions.
    ConsistencyMaintains a fixed pass mark, making the required standard clear and transparent.
    CredibilityAligns the SQE with international best practices in professional qualifications.
    AdaptabilityAllows for adjustments in scoring to ensure fairness when test content or formats are revised over time.
    TransparencyOffers a clear explanation of how scores are standardized, enhancing candidates’ trust in the system.

    Why the SRA Adopted Scaled Scoring for SQE

    The SRA introduced scaled scoring to ensure fairness and uniformity for all candidates, regardless of the exam version they take. Raw scores alone may not fully reflect a candidate’s ability if one version of the test is slightly harder than another. By converting raw marks into a standardised scale, scaled scoring ensures every candidate’s performance is assessed equitably.

    How Scaled Scoring Works for SQE1

    In SQE1, each Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessment comprises 180 multiple-choice questions. Candidates’ raw scores are adjusted to a scale of 0 to 500, with the pass mark consistently set at 300. This ensures fairness regardless of variations in exam difficulty.

    Scaled Scoring in SQE2

    The principles of scaled scoring will be applied to SQE2, which also focuses on practical skills and functioning legal knowledge. This system guarantees consistent evaluation of candidates’ abilities in these critical areas, even if exam stations vary in complexity.

    Scaled scoring reinforces the integrity of the SQE2 by creating a reliable framework for assessing candidates. Without this system, discrepancies in test difficulty could unfairly affect results. 


    What to Expect for SQE2

    From 2025, SQE2 results will include three key components:

    1. Station-Level Feedback: Scores from individual assessment stations will be detailed, with marks ranging from 0 to 5 for each criterion.
    2. Overall Percentage Mark: A percentage score reflecting overall performance will still be provided.
    3. Scaled Score: A standardised score out of 500 will be introduced, with the pass mark fixed at 300 for all candidates.

    These changes reaffirm the SRA’s commitment to a fair and transparent qualification process.


    Looking Ahead

    The introduction of scaled scoring for SQE2 represents a significant improvement to the examination process. It not only ensures fairness but also aligns the SQE with international standards, enhancing its credibility.

    The SRA plans to share further details about this change, including:

    • Examples of results formatted with scaled scores.
    • Clear explanations of how the scaled scoring system works.

    Staying updated on these developments will be crucial for candidates preparing for the SQE. Familiarising yourself with the new scoring system will help you understand your results and plan your next steps with confidence.

    Stay tuned for updates on our website, where we’ll share the latest news about scaled scoring and other important changes. 

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