What will it cost me to prepare for the SQE?
The cost of taking the SQE1 assessment is £1,934 (from September 2025). The cost of taking the SQE2 assessment is £2,974 (from September 2025). If you wish to enrol on a training course or any other form of preparation, you will have additional prep course costs which will vary depending on your choices.
What sort of Preparation Courses are available?
You are not required to take an SQE preparation course, but most people choose to do so. There are many options, and the following will give you an idea of what might suit your needs:
Premium Providers (£3,000–£6,000)
- Full-Service Courses: Complete SQE1 and SQE2 preparation with tutor support
- What You Get: Live sessions, extensive materials, mock assessments, personal tutoring
- Best For: Those who learn well with structure and want comprehensive support
Mid-Range Options (£1,500–£3,000)
- Online Course Packages: Self-paced with some tutor support
- What You Get: Video lectures, practice questions, basic feedback
- Best For: Self-motivated learners who need guidance but can work independently
Budget-Friendly Routes (£500–£1,500)
- Materials-Only Packages: Books, question banks, basic online resources
- What You Get: Study materials and practice questions without tutoring
- Best For: Experienced legal practice professionals or strong self-learners
Free and Low-Cost Resources
- SRA Official Materials: Sample questions and specifications
- University Law Libraries: Often accessible to alumni or local residents
- Study Groups: Peer support costs nothing but time
Some Considerations to help you decide on a course provider
- Pass Rate Comparisons: Find out what you can about each provider’s pass rates in previous assessment sittings
- Student Discounts: Some providers offer reductions for recent graduates
- Payment Plans: Will you be able to spread the costs over your study period rather than paying the full cost upfront?
Remember what’s at stake
Quality preparation represents an investment in your professional future. When considering how to prepare for the SQE, remember that failing and needing to re-sit could prove more expensive than investing in good preparation from the start.
Re-sit Fees
If you do not pass on your first attempt, you must pay the relevant fee for the examination again. If you fail FLK1 or FLK2, you will pay £967 to re-take the exam you failed. If you fail both FLK1 and FLK2, you will pay the full SQE1 fee to re-take both exams. If you fail SQE2, you will pay the full amount to re-take the exam. The latest fee information is available on the SRA’s website.