Qualifying as a solicitor via the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route involves careful planning and understanding of its timelines, costs, and booking procedures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
SQE Costs
The fees for SQE assessments vary depending on when you take them.
Until August 2024:
- SQE1: £1,798
- SQE2: £2,766
From September 2024 onwards:
- SQE1: £1,888
- SQE2: £2,902
SQE1 resit fees:
- Failing FLK1 or FLK2: £944 per exam.
- Failing both FLK1 and FLK2: Full SQE1 fee of £1,888.
SQE2 resit fees:
- Failing SQE2: Full amount of £2,902.
All fees are VAT exempt.
Booking Procedures
For SQE1, FLK1 and FLK2 must be booked separately but paid for together at the time of booking. Similarly, for SQE2, both the written and oral assessments must be booked and paid for simultaneously.
Locations
SQE1 and SQE2 written assessments can be taken at Pearson VUE test centers in the UK and internationally. However, exact locations may vary depending on factors such as capacity planning and local holidays. SQE2 oral assessments are available in:
- Cardiff
- London
- Manchester, and
- Birmingham
SQE Assessment Dates 2024-2025
Here is the schedule of anticipated assessment dates for the years 2024 to 2025. All times mentioned are in the UK time zone.
SQE1 Exam
| Exam | Dates | Booking opening | Booking close | Results |
| January 2025 | FLK1: 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 January 2025 FLK2: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 January 2025 | 10am, 1 October 2024 | 5pm, 14 November 2024 | 11 March 2025 |
| July 2025 | FLK1: 14-18 July FLK2: 21-25 July | TBC | TBC | 10 September 2025 |
SQE2 Exam
| Exam | Dates | Booking opening | Booking close | Results |
| October 2024 | Oral: First sitting: 23-24 October 2024 Oral: Second sitting: 29-30 October 2024 Oral: Third sitting: 31 October – 1 November 2024 Written: 5-7 November 2024 | 10am, 3 July 2024 | 5pm, 20 September 2024 | 20 February 2025 |
| January 2025 | Oral: First sitting: 30-31 January 2025 Oral: Second sitting: 4-5 February 2025 Oral: Third sitting: 6-7 February 2025 Written: 11-13 February 2025 | 10am, 16 October 2024 | 5pm, 12 December 2024 | 28 May 2025 |
| April 2025 | Oral: First sitting: 28-29 April Oral: Second sitting: 30 April – 1 May Oral: Third sitting: 3-14 May Oral: Fourth sitting: 5-16 May Written: 6-8 May | 28 January 2025 | 20 March 2025 | 27 August 2025 |
SQE1 sittings typically occur in January and July, while SQE2 sittings are scheduled for January, April, July, and October. The start dates for assessments are typically aimed for the third week of the month for SQE1 and the final week for SQE2.
SQE Time Limit
Candidates have six years from their first SQE assessment to complete both SQE1 and SQE2. Within this time frame, they have up to three attempts at each assessment.
Additional Considerations
When planning your SQE journey, it’s important to consider the timing of assessments, especially if you intend to sit them outside the UK. Be mindful of the varied start times for international assessments and make necessary arrangements accordingly. Furthermore, candidates should be aware of the results release dates and booking closing dates to ensure they meet deadlines and can plan their next steps accordingly. SQE1 results are typically published 5-6 weeks after the assessment, whereas SQE2 results take longer, usually between 14-18 weeks.
Understanding the timelines, costs, and booking procedures for the SQE is essential for a smooth journey through the qualification process. By familiarising yourself with these details and planning ahead, you can effectively steer your way to becoming a qualified solicitor.
How the Academy of Smart Lawyers Can Help You with the SQE
Join our dynamic community, where expert tutors, foreign-qualified lawyers, and individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate. We specialise in SQE2 preparation through mock simulations, emphasising ‘active teaching’ and ‘mistakes driven learning’ to ensure you receive the best SQE prep course available.
- Expert tutors who have successfully passed the SQE.
- Specialised support for foreign-qualified individuals and those without a legal background.
- Comprehensive SQE2 training, including SQE2 mock exams.
- Valuable tips and tricks for mastering both SQE1 and SQE2, with access to essential SQE1 materials, SQE MCQs, and targeted SQE lectures.
- Ongoing support for your professional growth.
Enrol Now
Register on the SQE SUPERexam e-learning and training platform today to open full access to a wealth of valuable SQE resources.
