How hard is SQE?

May 26, 2023

Written By Annika De Lathauwer

Since SQE is a relatively new exam, there is a lot of uncertainty around what exactly will be expected from those who sit the assessments and how difficult it will be. It is important not to worry about how difficult others have found the exam, but to instead apply yourself to your studies and make sure that you are preparing as best you can, so that you receive a grade that accurately represents your abilities and knowledge.

What does SQE consist of?

SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is split into two sections: SQE1 and SQE2. The first consists of two computer-based exams, which are made up of 180 multiple-choice questions, while the second is one exam consisting of 15 to 18 practical exercises.

How hard is SQE?

Similar to previous qualifying law exams, SQE is not to be taken lightly. Being a lawyer can be tiring and a lot will be expected of you. Therefore, becoming a lawyer is not the easiest path. This process will prepare you for what it takes to be a lawyer and make sure that you have the necessary knowledge and are proficient in the required skills.

So, be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into preparing for and passing SQE. SQE is not designed to be any easier or more difficult than the LPC, but rather makes the route to becoming a lawyer more flexible, and therefore more accessible.

Tips to help you pass SQE

Naturally, it is impossible to say exactly how difficult any one person will find SQE, as it will vary from person to person and depends strongly on how well you generally perform in exams, how you are feeling on that particular day, and where your strengths lie (e.g. how strong are your critical thinking capabilities). That being said, here are some tips to help you feel more prepared for SQE and increase your chance for success.

Study consistently – You do need to have that essential foundation understanding of the law to pass SQE. By practising everyday (or most days), you will be able to grasp material better and be able to recall facts more easily, even in topic areas that you feel weaker in.

Find the revision method that works best for you – For some this may be creating flash cards, doing practice questions, having a study buddy, or a combination of different techniques. Find the method that works best for you, regardless of what anyone else is doing.

Use a breadth of resources when preparing – By utilising different textbooks and providers, you will have broadened your horizons and will have a larger basis of knowledge, as well as having experienced different ways of thinking and viewing the law. This will prove extremely helpful in the exams when faced with a range of concepts.

Targeted study – It may be tempting to focus on areas that you are confident in, but only by practising the areas that you feel less sure about, will you be able to make a large impact on improving your score.

Be prepared for a less structured approach – In your undergraduate degree or at sixth form, you may have had more contact hours and guidance from your tutors on how to study. However, many SQE courses are designed to force you to motivate yourself through self-study, allowing for deeper exploration of different concepts.

Do not think of SQE1 as a basic multiple choice exam – It can be tempting to think that since SQE is multiple choice it will be relatively ‘easy’. However, this is untrue, as you will often be presented with scenarios with multiple right answers, and it will be up to you to decide which is the most correct in that particular instance. The further you progress in the exam, the easier it will be to make mistakes as you get more tired, so be sure to have the right mental attitude when approaching the exam to avoid this as best you can.

Develop your critical analysis skills – This will be extremely helpful in the exams, as it will not simply be a case of knowing the law, but also knowing how and when to apply it correctly.

Don’t spend too much time on one question – Since you only have about a minute per question, it is better to skip those that you find particularly challenging, so that you do not unnecessarily miss out on marks that you could have easily received. You will have the opportunity to return to any questions you wish if you have enough time at the end. When in doubt, just go with your gut instinct.

Practice under timed conditions – This will ensure that you are not in for a nasty shock on the day of the exam and will know how much time roughly you can allocate to each question. This will also improve your ability to skip past questions you do not immediately understand, as mentioned above.

Do not be discouraged by a lower mark – It's important to remember that the pass mark for the first sitting of the SQE exam was around 57%, so even passing the exam is a good indicator that you are doing well in your preparation. Do not let your inner perfectionist discourage you. Remember that the more effective revision and practice you do, the more your mark will improve.

Look after yourself – Overworking yourself can be just as bad as being under-prepared in some instances. Make sure to look after yourself and take necessary breaks. Do not be afraid to rely on others if the pressure starts to get to you. Additionally, if you are working alongside your preparation for SQE, make sure to allocate time to both, as well as time for yourself.

SQE