SQE2 FAQs

You are not required to take an SQE2 preparation course in order to sit the SQE2 examination.

• There are twelve written assessments, which take place over three days.
• You will sit four assessments per day.
• There will be two assessments in the first session, lasting a total of 1 hour 30 minutes.
• There will then be a break of 15 minutes.
• This is followed by two more assessments in the second session, lasting a total of 1 hour 45 minutes.

There are four SQE2 oral assessments: two for client interview and attendance note/legal analysis and two for advocacy.  They will take place over two half days, and on each half day you will take one interview assessment and one advocacy assessment.

For the interview and attendance note/legal analysis assessment:

• You will be given some documentation and have 10 minutes to prepare for the interview.
• The interview will last 25 minutes.
• After the interview, you will have a further 25 minutes to write up the attendance note and legal analysis by hand.

For the advocacy assessment:

• You will be provided with documentation and have 45 minutes to prepare for the assessment.
• The advocacy assessment will last for 15 minutes.

Yes. You cannot sit SQE2 until you have passed SQE1, unless you have an exemption from the SRA.

You have three attempts at SQE2. You have six years from the date of your first sitting of SQE1 (whether or not you pass that sitting) to successfully pass SQE2. If you fail to pass either SQE1 or SQE2 in that time, you have to wait until that six-year time period has elapsed before reapplying.

This is the same as for your SQE1 assessment. You must bring two forms of ID with you to all of your SQE2 assessments – a ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ form of ID:

• The primary form of ID must include a photograph of you (eg, a photocard driving licence or passport).
• The secondary form of ID must contain your full name and signature (eg, a signed debit or credit card).

The SRA warns that if you fail to present the correct forms of identification, you will be denied entry to the examination and forfeit your examination fee. Furthermore, the name on your ID must exactly match the name you provided when you registered with the SQE.

Under the Equality Act 2010, the SRA has an obligation to make reasonable adjustments for any person who has a disability. Whilst all candidates must be assessed against the Statement of Solicitor Competence and the Statement of Legal Knowledge, and must reach the Threshold Standard to qualify, reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure that candidates with disabilities are not disadvantaged.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to identify that they require reasonable adjustments when they register for the SQE2 assessments, and supporting evidence is required. Reasonable adjustments are determined and afforded on a case-by-case basis, but can include additional time and breaks, a separate room, a reader and many more. The SRA has published a guide on reasonable adjustments for SQE on their website (sqe.sra.org.uk).

• Written assessments: There is no dress code for sitting this part of SQE2. Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, but be prepared to remove bulky clothing during security checks.
• Oral assessments: you must wear business clothing.

You will find out your SQE2 assessment results 14–18 weeks after you have sat the assessment. The SRA will send you an email which notifies you that the results are available in your SQE account. Results will only be posted to this account and will not be sent to you.

Yes. If you fail SQE2 you must pay the relevant fee for the exam again. The latest fee information is available on the SRA website.

Yes, there is a process for appealing against the decision of the Assessment Board. You must make the appeal based on one of the authorised grounds listed on the SRA website. This must be done using the Appeals Form which is available in your candidate account. The full appeals policy is available on the SRA website.