SQE at a glance

(For people qualifying via the SQE after 1^st September, 2021)

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is a single, rigorous assessment for all aspiring solicitors. From 1 September 2021 to qualify you will need to:

• * have a degree in any subject or a qualification or experience that is equivalent to a degree, such as a solicitor apprenticeshipwhich combines on the job experience and training
• * pass both stages of the SQE assessment – SQE1 focuses on legal knowledge and SQE2 on practical legal skills and knowledge
• * two years’ full-time (or equivalent) qualifying work experience‘
• * pass SRA’s character and suitability

We want to encourage people from all backgrounds to become solicitors. Some people will have a degree, but even if you haven’t you are still able to qualify through the SQE if you have a qualification or work experience which is equivalent to a UK undergraduate degree. For instance, a solicitor apprenticeship.

By the time a candidate applies to qualify as a solicitor, they would need to:

• Hold a UK degree, awarded at level 6 (or above) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, by a recognised degree-awarding body.

or

• Hold an equivalent UK qualification. A UK qualification can be considered equivalent if it is:
  • An accredited qualification at level 6 (or above) of the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications, awarded by recognised degree-awarding body or
  • A regulated qualification at level 6 (or above) of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or
  • An apprenticeship at level 6 or above, approved by the government departments of England, Wales or Northern Ireland or
  • A qualification or apprenticeship at level 9 or above of the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework, accredited by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

or

• Hold an equivalent non-UK qualification. A non-UK qualification can be considered equivalent if it is:
  • Shown to be equivalent to either a UK degree or equivalent UK qualification through a UK NARIC Statement of Comparability or
  • An accredited qualification at level 6 (or above) of the European Qualifications Framework.

or

• Can demonstrate work experience, equivalent to a UK degree or equivalent UK qualification (each equivalent application will be considered on a case by case basis).
• This would be a sufficient standard of general education and learning (Level 3 equivalent of the Regulated Qualifications Framework) and considerable work-based learning.