SQE exemptions: questions and answers

Yes, but you would need to provide new evidence and information than in your previous application.

Yes, if you are ready to sit SQE1 you can do this alongside making your exemption application. Any results from this exam will not affect the decision.

And if the exemption is not granted you will need to have passed SQE1 before you are allowed to sit SQE2.

No, there is no time limit. Please see the SQE assessment website for more on the exam dates.

 

No, pre-qualification experience is below the threshold standard of a newly qualified solicitor.

 

Not at this point. If you get an exemption, you will need to confirm this in your SQE account.

No, pre-qualification experience is completed below the threshold standard of a newly qualified solicitor.

 

We accept applications from the following qualified lawyers in England and Wales:

• Barrister with a full practising certificate
• Chartered Accountants with probate practice rights
• Chartered Legal Executive
• CILEX Practitioner
• Cost Lawyer
• Licensed Conveyancer
• Notaries
• Patent Attorney
• Trade Mark Attorney

Being eligible to apply does not mean that an SQE2 exemption will automatically be granted. We will consider each application on an individual basis.

Your application must demonstrate that your legal qualification and/or experience matches the content and standard of the SQE2 assessment.

To do this, you must have at least one of these practice rights:

• Criminal litigation (including advising clients at the police station) 
• Civil litigation - referred to as dispute resolution on the application form
• Property practice 
• Wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice 
• Business organisations, rules and procedures.

These practice rights represent the areas in which the SQE2 assessment tests candidates' practical legal skills. Therefore, you need to have at least one of these to demonstrate that your qualification and/or your post-qualification experience matches the content and the standard of the assessment.

If you have some but not all the practice rights listed above, you will need to fill section 8 of the application form. You will need to provide specific scenario-based examples, supported by one or two samples of your work and references from your supervisor.

We recommend giving one or two examples. You can do this by:

• explaining the scenario
• explaining the steps taken by you and advice given to the client (your involvement) with reference to each legislation/case law and the skills you demonstrated; and
• explaining the outcome.

The above should then be cross-referenced with relevant supporting work samples.

You should provide a reference from a supervisor and or peer corroborating the experience/examples put forward. We may not be able to grant an exemption without a reference. This is an important part in the application process as it confirms the information you have provided and that you have the required level of skills we are assessing.

You should ask your referee(s) to confirm they have:

• read your application
• reviewed any supporting work samples
• confirmed that it is your work, or highlight your involvement in the work sample.

We require proof of your referee(s) professional qualification, eg an admission certificate or a certificate of good standing.

To submit an application, please read and follow this guidance.