How long is the SQE1 exam?

Jan 05, 2024

Written By Helena Kudiabor

If you are taking SQE1 soon, knowing the time constraints can make it easier for you to prepare when going through sample questions, to ensure that you are working quickly but accurately.

How long does SQE1 take?

SQE1 is divided into two exams, FLK1 and FLK2. Each exam is taken on separate, non-consecutive days.

Each test consists of 180 multiple choice questions and the entire exam is taken on a computer. Each one is divided into two sessions, each session lasting around 2 hours 30 minutes. In this time, you must complete 90 questions, meaning you have just under two minutes to complete each question. Between the two sessions, you will be given an hour’s break. To help you answer the questions, you will have a calculator on the computer and will receive a whiteboard and marker pen.

Which topics will FLK1 assess?

- Tort: Negligence, product liability and the rule in Rylands vs Fletcher.

- Constitutional and Administrative Law, and EU Law and Legal Services

- Business Law and practice: This includes aspects like starting a business, financing a business and corporate insolvency.

- Contract: Formation of a contract, contents of a contract and issues relating to discharge of contract.

- Dispute Resolution: Analysis of the merits of a claim or defence, progressing a claim and preparing a case for trial.

- The Legal System of England and Wales

What will FLK2 assess?

- Solicitors Accounts: Breaches of the SRA’s account rules, operation of ledgers and bank accounts and transactions involving client money.

- Land Law: registered and unregistered land, landlord and tenant relationship and co-ownership.

- Property Practice: Taxation of property transactions, key elements of a freehold or leasehold property transactions and security of tenure under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954.

- Trusts: Expressed and implied trusts, the fiduciary relationship and equitable remedies.

- Criminal Law and Practice: Core principles such as mens rea, advising a client at the police station and processes involved in magistrates’ and Crown Court trials.

- Wills and the Administration of Estates: Validity of a will and interpretation of its contents, law and practice of Inheritance tax and progression of the administration of an estate.

The subcategories included are not exhaustive. Further information can be found on the SQE1 assessment specification. Ethics and Professional conduct is also assessed throughout.

Are there accommodations available for my disability?

If you think you will struggle to take the exam under these time constraints, you must register for an SQE account and complete a reasonable adjustments form. The form must be completed as soon as possible before the exam, and you must apply separately for the SQE1 and SQE2. You must also include documentation that details the nature of the disability, how it will affect your ability to perform, and how the adjustments you are requesting will help.

Examples of potential adjustments include: extra time (normally 25%, but more if evidence provided allows) and more or longer breaks for those who are easily fatigued.

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