Legal or regulatory requirement
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1 and SQE2)
SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination), run for the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority)
To be admitted as a solicitor in England and Wales under the SQE route you must pass SQE1 and SQE2. Passing does not guarantee qualifying work experience, a job or admission.
- Awarding body
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
- Level
- Assessment for admission as a solicitor
- Where it applies
- England & Wales only
- Exams
- Two stages: SQE1 and SQE2
- Entry
- A degree in any subject, or an equivalent level 6 qualification (for example through an apprenticeship), is needed for admission
- SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge; SQE2 tests practical legal skills
- Also required
- Two years' full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience, with up to four organisations, confirmed by a solicitor or a compliance officer for legal practice (COLP)
- Meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements
- Continuing development
- Practising solicitors must keep their skills up to date under SRA rules.
- Outside this area
- Qualifies you in England and Wales only. Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate legal professions and rules.
Changes to know about
- If you started a qualifying law degree, GDL or LPC before 2021, you may be able to qualify through the older route until 2032.
Assessment and registration fees
| Fee | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| SQE1 (from September 2026, for bookings from October 2026) | £2,006 | Solicitors Regulation Authority (opens in a new tab)checked 12 Oct 2026 |
| SQE2 (from September 2026, for bookings from October 2026) | £3,086 | Solicitors Regulation Authority (opens in a new tab)checked 12 Oct 2026 |
- Previous fees were £1,934 (SQE1) and £2,974 (SQE2).
- Preparation courses are sold by private providers and are optional. Their prices vary and are not included.
Official page: Solicitors Regulation Authority (opens in a new tab)Checked 12 Oct 2026