SQE Update – January 2023

In this bulletin find out about our functioning legal knowledge annual review, SQE2 in April, future assessment dates and upcoming events. These include our annual conference looking back at the first year of the SQE.

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SQE functioning & legal knowledge annual review

Kaplan's review of the functioning legal knowledge (the FLK) for SQE1 and SQE2 is now underway. It aims to:

• update the FLK to reflect developments in the law and practice and make any other essential changes
• offer clarification in the light of feedback from stakeholders where necessary.

We expect this to be completed by the end of April with the changes coming into effect in September. We will provide updates on any changes well in advance of then.

Find out now you can submit feedback or suggestions

SQE2 April 2023 bookings

Candidates can still book for the next SQE2 assessment taking place in April. To sit this assessment they must have either:

• passed SQE1
• passed the QLTS MCT
• have the Legal Practice Course and be using SQE2 (as well as qualifying work experience) as an equivalent to a period of recognised training.

To secure 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. As with all sittings spaces are subject to availability.

If someone is looking to sit the SQE2 later in 2023 the next sitting will be in July.

Find out how to book for SQE2

SQE assessment dates in 2023

All the exam sitting, booking window and results dates for 2023 are now available on the SQE assessment website. Find out the dates you need to know if you are looking to take the SQE1 in July, or the SQE2 in April, July or October.

Find out the dates

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

Get involved

Becoming a solicitor through the SQE (YouTube)

When: 7 March 2023, 12.30 - 13.30

Looking to take the SQE to become a solicitor? Watch our free webinar to hear from those who have recently qualified or are on their way to becoming a solicitor.

Our speakers will offer insights into the different ways there are to study and train, including apprenticeships and working in-house or in a law firm. If you are looking to start your journey, or it's already underway, join us to get helpful information to decide your path to qualification.

Book now

SQE Virtual Conference 2023 (YouTube)

When: 23 March 2023, 09.30 - 15.15

Since the SQE was introduced five assessments have taken place and more than 700 solicitors have been admitted through the new route.

Join us for our latest virtual SQE Conference. It is aimed at education and training providers, as well as organisations offering qualifying work experience.

At this free event you can hear about:

• the headlines from the first SQE annual reports from our assessment provider, Kaplan and our SQE Independent Reviewer
• findings from our first SQE and qualifying work experience perception survey
• insights from the assessments, including practice areas in which candidates are performing better and worse
• answers to common questions from candidates
• the latest insights on qualifying work experience and the opportunities it can bring for employers.

Book now