| SQE 1 exam dates - 2027 | ||||
| Exam sitting | Booking opens | Booking closes | Exam dates | First day of assessment window |
| January | TBC | TBC | FLK1 FLK2 | 11th Jan 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July | TBC | TBC | FLK1 FLK2 | 12th Jul 2027 |
SQE Exam Dates 2027
Preparing to take your SQE exams or maybe just trying to understand the process better?
The SQE, or the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, is a two-part assessment that prospective lawyers must complete if they want to be solicitors; known as SQE1 and SQE2. Read this guide to learn when the SQE exam dates are, what to expect, and additional preparation tips.
When are the SQE exams?
The SQE exam dates take place multiple times throughout the year. SQE1 happens twice a year in January and July, and SQE2 happens four times a year, in January, April, July, and October. You have five weeks before the assessment date to complete your booking for the exam.
Take a look at the upcoming SQE 2027 exam and registration dates to help you plan your studies.
| SQE 2 exam dates - 2026/2027 | ||||
| Exam sitting | Booking opens | Booking closes | Exam dates | First day of assessment |
October 2026 | TBC | TBC | Oral Second sitting: 5th - 6th Nov Third sitting: 10th - 11th Nov Written | 27th Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January 2027 | TBC | TBC | Oral First sitting: 26th - 27th Jan Second sitting: 28th - 29th Jan Written 2nd - 4th Feb | 26th Jan 2027 |
April 2027 | TBC | TBC | Oral First sitting: 26th - 27th Apr Second sitting: 28th - 29th Apr Third sitting: 11th - 12th May Fourth sitting: Written First sitting: 20th - 22nd Apr Second sitting: 4th - 6th May | 20th Apr 2027 |
July 2027 | TBC | TBC | Oral First sitting: 27th - 28th Jul Second sitting: 29th - 30th Jul Written First sitting: 3rd - 5th Aug | 27th Jul 2027 |
October 2027 | TBC | TBC | Oral First sitting: 28th - 29th October Second sitting: 9th - 10th Nov Third sitting: 11th - 12 Nov Written 2nd - 4th Nov
| 28th Oct 2027 |
SQE exam costs
It is also important to know that there is a candidate fee to sit the SQE exams.
How to book the SQE exam
First, you will need to register for an SQE candidate account with the Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA). You can do this at any time; it does not need to be in line with exam dates.
When you are confident that you are ready to take the SQE exams, you can book your exams. The SRA recommends candidates book as soon as possible, as places are filled on a first come first served basis.
You may have an exemption from some parts of the SQE. For example, you may not need to sit the SQE1 exams if you have completed the LPC. You can find out if you qualify for any exemptions here.
You have six years to complete both stages of the SQE, starting from the day you start your first SQE exam. During this time, you are given a maximum of three attempts to pass each exam, which is why it is important to sit your exam only when you feel absolutely ready.
What to expect in the SQE
SQE1 is a multiple-choice exam split into two parts, FLK1 and FLK2. Each part consists of 180 questions and assesses your ability to apply legal and ethical concepts in law situations.
SQE2 comprises 16 assessments that examine your legal skills through written and oral tasks. These assessments include simulations of client-solicitor interactions.
When can you sit the SQE exams?
You can begin preparing to take the SQE exam after you have completed any undergraduate degree. However, if your degree is not in law, it is recommended that you complete a law conversion course before you attempt to take it. Whilst not a mandatory requirement, a detailed granular legal knowledge is vital to pass.
You can only take your SQE2 exam after you have passed both sections in the SQE1. However, you may choose to complete your Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), before sitting the SQE 2 to give yourself greater practical knowledge and experience that the assessment requires.
When are the SQE exam results published?
For candidates who have completed the SQE1, the results will be available 5-6 weeks after the exam. Usually, these results are released before the booking window for the SQE2 has closed, and additional spaces for SQE2 are released allowing passing candidates to book if they wish.
For SQE2, the results are released 14-18 weeks after the exam. Results will be emailed to candidates directly from the exam provider, Kaplan. The resits for SQE2 are available around 6 months apart.
Training for the SQE assessments
When searching for a trusted SQE training provider, it is important to remember that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not accredit or regulate training providers or organisations. You can however find advice on choosing an SQE training provider on the SRA website.
Why we prepare you better for the SQE
SQE1 pass rates*
National pass rate58%
80%
SQE2 pass rates*
National pass rate79%
89%
A number you can trust:
You’re 20% more likely to pass the SQE1 with BPP
Looking to learn with a leading SQE training provider?
At BPP, we offer a full range of SQE exam preparation courses, from flexible online courses to comprehensive preparation courses for law and non-law graduates. And with pass rates consistently at least 20% above the national average, you can trust us to prepare you for your SQE exams.
FAQs
SQE exams occur regularly throughout the year. SQE1 happens twice a year in January and July, and SQE2 occurs four times a year in January, April, July and October.