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Your SQE path.
Your qualification.
Your future.

Everything you need to pass the SQE and launch your legal career — in one place.

Days until SQE 1

146

Jan 2027 sitting

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Days until SQE 2

63

Oct 2026 sitting

Start here →

Your journey. Mapped out.

A clear path from where you are
to where you want to be.

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1. Plan

Build your personalised timeline and set your exam dates.

2. Prepare

Follow your adaptive revision timetable and master the law.

3. Practice

Test yourself with MCQs, mocks and scenario questions.

4. Pass

Sit and pass SQE1 and SQE2 with confidence.

5. Qualify

Complete your QWE and apply for admission as a solicitor.

6. Progress

Secure your first role and build the career you want.

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SQE?

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) replaced the LPC in 2021 as the route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales. It has two parts: SQE1 (180 MCQs on functional legal knowledge across 12 subjects) and SQE2 (16 practical skills assessments over 3–5 days). You also need two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) before you can be admitted to the roll.

How much does the SQE cost in 2026?

Exam fees are £1,934 for SQE1 and £2,974 for SQE2 — £4,908 combined for a first attempt. From September 2026 these rise to £2,006 and £3,086 (£5,092 total). Add preparation courses and total cost ranges from around £6,500 self-studying to over £20,000 with a full classroom course. Use our free cost calculator to model your specific route.

Open cost calculator

What is the SQE1 pass rate?

The SQE1 pass rate was 53% in January 2026 and 41% in July 2025, based on SRA published data. January sittings have consistently outperformed July. The SQE2 pass rate was 80% in January 2026. Pass rates vary by provider: BPP self-reports 68%, BARBRI around 62%.

See all pass rates

When are the SQE exam dates in 2026 and 2027?

SQE1 January 2027 runs 11–22 January, with registration opening 8 September 2026. SQE2 October 2026 runs 27–29 October, with registration closing 28 August 2026. SQE1 sits twice a year; SQE2 sits four times a year.

Full exam dates and deadlines

Do I need a law degree to sit the SQE?

No — the SQE has no academic entry requirements. Anyone can sit the exam. However, you must complete two years of QWE and meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements before admission. A law degree or GDL is not required, but most candidates have one because the substantive knowledge tested is degree-level.

Which SQE prep course is best?

It depends on budget and study style. BPP and University of Law have the highest reported pass rates and most comprehensive support (from £7,000). BARBRI offers the best value for self-disciplined candidates (from £5,899 combined). For pure self-study, budget £1,000–£2,000 for question banks and materials.

Compare all providers

How long does SQE preparation take?

Most candidates need 9–12 months for SQE1 if studying part-time with a law background, or 12–18 months without. SQE2 preparation takes 3–6 months after passing SQE1. Total time from starting preparation to admission — including QWE — is typically 2–4 years.

Build your revision timetable

What happens if you fail the SQE?

For SQE1 you can resit each paper individually: £967 for FLK1 or £967 for FLK2. For SQE2 you must resit the entire exam at the full fee — there are no partial SQE2 resits. There is no cap on the number of attempts for either exam.

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