SQE Update – August 2022

In this bulletin find out about the first SQE2 assessment results, how to book for the next SQE1 and SQE2 sittings, how the SQE2 is marked and an important deadline for QLTS candidates.

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First SQE2 assessment results announced

The results for the first ever SQE2 assessment are now available for candidates to access, with 77% passing.

The exam took place in April this year and we have published a range of information to help people understand the results including:

• A news release
• Our summary of how it went
• Headline data on the SQE assessment website

For those wanting to book a resit in October 2022, you will be able to do so from 08.00 on 26 August.

SQE2 assessment marking explained

Interested to know how the SQE2 is marked? The exam is made up of 16 assessments that test legal skills and knowledge. There are 12 written and four oral and is marked based on professional judgements rather than across a range of assessment criteria.

Learn more about this and how the final pass marks are calculated

October SQE2 bookings closing soon

Candidates have until 19 September to book a place for the next SQE2 sitting, which takes place in October and November. To sit this exam, a candidate must have passed SQE1. Alternatively, they can have the Legal Practice Course and be using SQE2 (and qualifying work experience) as an equivalent to a period of recognised training or have passed the QLTS multiple choice test.

Bookings are not available on 25 August but will reopen the next day, 26 August, at 08.00.

Find out how to book a place

January SQE1 bookings open 22 September

Candidates can book for the next SQE1 assessment taking place in January from 10.00 on 22 September. To do this, they must have completed all the registration and pre-booking process first.

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

Deadline for the April QLTS OSCE candidates

All QLTS candidates who passed the April 2022 OSCE exam will have until 31 January 2023 to apply for admission. First, they must apply for screening so we can assess their character and suitability. Once completed, they can then apply for admission.

Find out more

Choosing an SQE training provider

If you or someone you know is looking to study for the SQE assessments, we’ve information on our website that could help. This includes the different ways to learn and train, as well as helpful tips on what to consider when choosing a way to study and/or a training provider.

Read more about choosing an SQE training provider

SQE2 results webinar – bookings opens soon

We'll be running an SQE2 results webinar on 10 October (10.00-11.30) discussing how the first assessment went early this year.

This free webinar will be open to all stakeholders and include updates from the SRA, Kaplan and the SQE Independent Reviewer. 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

Booking will open in September, so look out for our next bulletin.

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