SQE Update - June 2024

In this bulletin, find out about the latest research on potential causes of differential outcomes by ethnicity in legal professional assessments, SQE exemption-related changes and sitting the SQE in Welsh. You can also find links to watch our latest qualifying work experience webinar and the annual SQE Virtual Conference.

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Research into potential causes of differential outcomes by ethnicity in legal professional assessments

Research to understand why, overall, minority ethnic students have differential outcomes than White students in legal professional assessments has recently been published. The study, carried out by the University of Exeter on our behalf, found that while there was no single reason, multiple factors combined can help to explain the differences.

We will now bring together education providers, law firms, and the wider legal sector to consider and agree how to address the issues identified.

Read the research summary report

SQE1 January 2024 results issue

In April, the results for the January 2024 SQE1 assessments were reissued by Kaplan, the assessment provider for the SQE, to correct an error.

Further information on the error, the impact on candidates and the steps that have been taken to put it right, is available on the SQE website.

SQE2 exemption language proficiency

If a qualified lawyer is granted an exemption from SQE2, they must now demonstrate their language proficiency before applying for admission as a solicitor of England and Wales. Previously, they did not need to demonstrate this until they applied for their first practising certificate.

Language proficiency can be demonstrated through:

• providing evidence that the professional legal qualification on which their exemption was based was assessed in English or Welsh, or
• passing a language assessment at an appropriate level.

Find out more about the evidence needed.

SQE exemptions rule change

Our recent rule change means that qualified lawyers cannot apply for an exemption from a part of the SQE that they have previously failed. They must retake the assessment and pass to be eligible to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales.

Find out more about exemptions.

Recording and confirming qualifying work experience

Want to know more about how qualifying work experience is confirmed? Take a look at our step-by-step guide and video to find out what information we need from candidates and how a solicitor confirms their experience.

Learn more

Registering to sit the SQE

To sit any of the SQE assessments, a candidate will first need to register, which involves:

• creating an account and activating it
• getting their ID validated
• completing the pre-booking questions, including the diversity survey.

Find out more about registering.

Sitting the SQE assessments in Welsh

Candidates will be able to sit SQE1 in Welsh from January 2025. This is already an option for SQE2. If a candidate intends to take either SQE1 or SQE2 in Welsh, they will need to give advance notice to be able to do so.

Find out the advance notice deadlines.

Qualifying through the Legal Practice Course route

Some aspiring solicitors can still qualify by taking the Legal Practice Course (LPC). For example, this option is available for students graduating this summer with a qualifying law degree, provided they started their course in or before September 2021.

We have updated the information about our transitional requirements for those looking to take this route. This includes a reminder of who can still qualify this way and things to consider if you or someone you know is looking to take the LPC.

Read our latest LPC route information.

Get involved

Qualifying work experience: back to basics

Qualifying work experience (QWE) is the on-the-job training needed to qualify as a solicitor through the SQE route. But what is it?

Aimed at law firms and organisations providing QWE, this on demand webinar gives you get the facts about:

• what counts as QWE
• what we expect of solicitors and law firms
• how QWE is recorded and confirmed.

Watch now

SQE Virtual Conference 2024

Watch this year's virtual SQE Conference, aimed at education and training providers and organisations offering qualifying work experience. Hear about:

• the headlines from the latest SQE annual reports from our assessment provider, Kaplan and our SQE Independent Reviewer
• SQE1 and SQE2 sample questions and resources
• answers to common questions from candidates
• the latest on qualifying work experience, including perspectives and experiences from employer and candidates.

Watch now