Understanding the SQE exam structure and SQE exam format is crucial for effective SQE1 preparation. This section explains the key SQE exam components.
The Assessment Day Experience
You will be seated at a computer terminal, working through carefully constructed scenarios that test not only your legal knowledge but also your ability to think like a legal professional.
Day 1 – FLK1 (170 questions)
- Morning session: 85 questions in 2 hours 33 minutes
- Break
- Afternoon session: 85 questions in 2 hours 33 minutes
Day 2 – FLK2 (170 questions)
- Same structure as Day 1
SQE1 Session Groupings (with effect from January 2027)
FLK1, Session 1: Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution, Legal Services
FLK1, Session 2: Tort, Contract Law, Legal Systems (Legal System of England and Wales; Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law)
FLK2, Session 1: Wills and the Administration of Estates, Solicitors’ Accounts (in the context of Wills), Trusts Law, Land Law
FLK2, Session 2: Property Law and Practice, Solicitors’ Accounts (in the context of Property), Criminal Liability, Criminal Law and Practice
Ethics and Professional Conduct continue to be tested across all subject areas and can therefore be tested in each session.
Question Structure
Each question presents five options, and you need to select the single best answer. Sometimes multiple options could be correct, but only one is the best fit for the specific scenario.
Assessment Day Strategies
These essential legal practice exam tips will help you perform effectively on assessment day:
- Target 10 questions every 15 minutes
- Maintain composure if you don’t know an answer – comprehensive knowledge is not expected
- Utilise the flagging system for questions you want to revisit
- Trust your initial instincts – first answers are often correct