SQE Format Unveiled: Understanding Exam Structure and Content
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new assessment that all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales will need to pass in order to qualify. With the introduction of the SQE, the traditional route to qualifying as a solicitor through the LPC and training contract will no longer exist. Instead, candidates will need to successfully complete the SQE in order to demonstrate their competence in the knowledge and skills required for practice.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the format of the SQE, including its structure and content. We will provide you with all the essential information you need to understand how the exam is structured and what topics are covered.
Structure of the SQE
The SQE consists of two stages: SQE1 and SQE2.
SQE1
SQE1 is an assessment of your functional legal knowledge. It tests your understanding of the law and how it applies in various legal contexts. This stage is composed of two written exams, each lasting 180 minutes:
- Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK1)
- Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK2)
The FLK1 exam covers topics such as business law and practice, contract law, tort law, constitutional and administrative law, and property law. On the other hand, the FLK2 exam focuses on criminal law and practice, wills and probate, and solicitors’ accounts.
It is important to note that the FLK exams are multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based. This means that you will need to carefully analyze each question and select the most appropriate answer from the given options. To prepare for the FLK exams, you can take advantage of SQE 1 practice exam questions and SQE 1 practice mocks available on our website.
SQE 1 Practice Exam Questions
SQE 1 Practice Mocks FLK1 FLK2
SQE2
SQE2 is an assessment of your practical legal skills. It is designed to test your ability to apply legal knowledge in a simulated practical context. This stage consists of practical assessments in the following areas:
- Client interview and attendance note/legal analysis
- Advocacy and oral presentation
- Legal research and writing
- Legal drafting
- Case and matter analysis
Unlike the FLK exams, SQE2 requires candidates to demonstrate their practical skills rather than their theoretical knowledge. To prepare for SQE2, it is advisable to enroll in SQE 2 preparation courses, which provide comprehensive training and guidance in each of the assessed areas.
Content of the SQE
The content of the SQE is based on the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Threshold Outcomes. These outcomes outline the professional skills, knowledge, and attributes that a solicitor must possess in order to practice effectively and ethically.
The SQE aims to assess the following subjects/topics:
- Business law and practice
- Contract law
- Tort law
- Constitutional and administrative law
- Property law
- Criminal law and practice
- Wills and probate
- Solicitors’ accounts
It is essential to have a deep understanding of these subjects and their practical applications to succeed in the SQE. Therefore, it is highly recommended to undertake thorough preparation by enrolling in SQE 1 and SQE 2 preparation courses.
Conclusion
The SQE format is designed to assess both functional legal knowledge and practical legal skills, ensuring that candidates are equipped with the necessary competencies to practice as solicitors. By understanding the structure and content of the SQE, you can better prepare yourself for success in this new qualification.
If you are considering taking the SQE, we encourage you to explore our website for more information on SQE 1 practice exam questions, SQE 1 practice mocks, SQE 2 preparation courses, and SRA SQE exam dates.