SQE Update – October 2022

In this bulletin find out about our SQE evaluation survey, SQE1 bookings for January 2023, changes to the SQE terms and conditions and updated exemption information. You can also find out how to get involved in our two webinars in October and November.

Subscribe to alerts so that you know when we publish the latest SQE Update bulletin.

Tell us what you think about the SQE

As part of our ten year SQE evaluation programme we are asking what you think about the SQE. Share your views on the changes to how solicitors qualify, the SQE assessments and qualifying working experience. The deadline is 31 October and it should only take 5-10 minutes to complete.

Take our short survey now

SQE1 January 2023 bookings now open

Candidates can book for the next SQE1 assessment taking place in January. While there is limited availability in some areas, we have increased capacity since bookings opened.

To book a place, candidates must have first completed the registration and pre-booking processes. If they need any reasonable adjustments they should make the request as early as possible as part of their pre-booking steps.

If someone is looking to sit the SQE1 later in 2023 the next sitting after this will be on 20 and 24 July.

Find out how to book for SQE1

Updated SQE assessment terms and conditions

We have made some changes to the SQE assessment terms and conditions. These will apply to candidates sitting the January 2023 SQE1 and future assessments. The amendments do not alter the SQE assessment and are primarily around cancellation rights and mitigating circumstances.

Find out more about the changes

SQE assessment exemptions for qualified lawyers update

Exemptions from the SQE assessments are only available to qualified lawyers. This is someone who has a legal professional qualification which means they can practise in the UK (eg a Scottish solicitor) or an international jurisdiction.

As new exemption applications are considered we will continue to update our information.

Find out the latest about SQE assessment exemptions

#SQEready - what universities and training providers are doing

We're showcasing how different organisations are incorporating the SQE into their training and recruitment. This month you can find out what Law Training Centre is doing.

Take a look

If you are a training provider - or employer - who is interested in getting involved in #SQEready then get in touch.

Get involved

SQE2 - how the first assessment went (YouTube)

When: Monday 10 October, 10.00 - 11.30

We'll be running a free SQE2 results webinar discussing how the first assessment went earlier this year. This webinar will be open to all stakeholders and topics will include:

• how the first SQE2 assessment went
• details on the results, such as pass marks, how candidates performed and standards setting
• some of the key themes we learnt from the assessment

Who: Benedict Fisher, Director of Communications, SRA (Chair), Geoff Coombe, SQE Independent Reviewer, Zoe Robinson, Director of Qualifications, Kaplan and Julie Swan, Director of Education

Book your place now

We're also keen to hear from universities and training providers about candidate experiences so we are also offering a feedback session for them after the webinar.

SQE: What it means for employers (YouTube)

When: Wednesday 16 November, 14.30 - 15.30

As part of Compliance Officers Virtual Conference week, we will be holding a session on what the SQE means for employers. Find out more about the SQE assessment one year on, as well as essential information on qualifying work experience, including confirming who can do it.

Book your place now