> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# What is the SQE?
- URL: https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/what-is-the-sqe-exam/
- Published: 2024-11-17T00:12:18.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-25T22:00:18.000Z
- Author: Pradip Khakhar
- Tags: SQE Journey, #Migrated-1779746347848, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-05-25 21:59

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination, also known as SQE is a rigorous single best answer multiple-choice assessment aspiring solicitors need to pass for qualification.

Also, the SQE is administered by Kaplan SQE Ltd.

## Qualifying as a Solicitor in England & Wales

- **Degree or Degree equivalent**. Hold a degree in any subject or a qualification that is equivalent to a degree, for example, solicitor apprenticeship.
- **Pass the SQE**. Pass both parts of the Solicitor's Qualifying Exam (SQE 1 and SQE 2)
- **Two Years QWE or Equivalent**. Complete two years' full time or equivalent Qualifying Work Experience.
- **Character & Suitability**. Meet the SRA's (Solicitors Regulation Authority) character and suitability requirements.

## The SQE Explained

The SQE is broken into two parts SQE 1 & SQE 2.

## SQE 1

SQE 1 is broken down into FLK 1 and FLK 2.

### Topics tested on SQE 1

Remember: Tax and Ethics/ Professional conduct can be tested in both FLK 1 and FLK 2.

- **FLK 1**
- Legal System of England & Wales
- Constitution & Administrative Law & EU Law
- Legal Services
- Contract Law
- TORT
- Dispute Resolution
- Business Law & Practice
- **FLK 2**
- Land Law
- Property Practice
- Solicitor's Accounts
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Trusts
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Practice

### SQE 1 structure

SQE 1 is administered over two days. Day 1 is FLK 1 and day 2 is FLK 2.

Each day you will take 180 multiple choice questions (FLK 1 is 180 questions and FLK 2 is 180 questions). Therefore, combined you will be asked 360 questions for SQE 1.

In general, first, each day candidate's are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for 90 multiple choice questions.

Secondly, candidate's take a 60 minute break.

Finally, upon returning from the break candidate's are given 2 hours and 33 minutes for the next 90 multiple choice questions.

### In Summary

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/tempimagemqjq6c.jpg)

## SQE 2

SQE 2 is broken down into Oral and Written parts.

### Topics tested on SQE 2

The following skills and practice areas are tested on SQE 2.

- **Candidate's will be assessed in the following skills:**
- Client interview & attendance note/ legal analysis
- Advocacy
- Case & matter analysis
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Legal drafting
- **Across the following five practice areas:**
- Criminal Litigation
- Dispute Resolution
- Property Practice
- Wills & Intestacy, Probate Administration, and Practice
- Business Organizations Rules and Procedures

### SQE 2 structure

### SQE 2 Oral

Candidate's will undertake a total of four oral legal skills assessments over two half-days. While, each assessment is 60 minutes.

SQE 2 Oral

### Day 1

- **Advocacy (Dispute Resolution):** 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
- **Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Property Practice):** 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note

SQE 2 Oral

### Day 2

- **Advocacy (Criminal Litigation):** 45 minute prep time and 15 min submission
- **Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis (Wills and Intestacy, Probate Administration and Practice):** 10 mins prep time, 25 minutes to interview, and 25 minutes to handwrite the attendance note

### SQE 2 Written

Specifically, candidate's will undertake a total of 12 written legal skills assessments over three half-days.

SQE Written

- **Case and matter analysis:** *60 mins* to review electronic files and produce a written report for a partner based on your legal analysis of a matter.
- **Legal drafting:** *45 mins* to draft part or full legal document (for example, amending a document, or drafting from precedent)
- **Legal research:** *60 mins* to conduct legal research based on client issue from a partner email. Candidate's to write a note covering the issues and any advice partner can provide to the client. Candidate's response should include; 1) legal reasoning and 2) key sources.
- **Legal writing:** *30 mins* to write a recipient facing letter or email

### In Summary

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/tempimagerctyib.jpg)

## In Closing

It's a long and rigorous process. However, once you pass the SQE you are one step closer to earning the right to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/73/f9/73f9a8fe-2977-49ca-8ba1-c8f35957e3ca/content/images/2026/05/law_society.jpg)

## The be an adult section

The information provided in this issue of [SQE journey](https://www.pradipkhakhar.com/content/files/2026/05/sqe-journey-4.html) is my understanding at the time of writing. Check the [SRA SQE website](https://sqe.sra.org.uk/?ref=pradipkhakhar.com) for updates.