News
SQE functioning legal knowledge annual review
28 April 2023
The SRA and Kaplan have now completed the annual review of the functioning legal knowledge that is assessed in SQE1 and SQE2. Following feedback from training providers and candidates, we have made some amendments to the two SQE assessment specifications.
Most of these changes are minor – the only substantial change is to make clearer our expectations around understanding the laws in England and Wales and where they differ. For instance, for property conveyancing candidates need to understand differences in relation to taxation, with Stamp Duty Land Tax in England and Land Transaction Tax in Wales.
The new assessment specifications have been published on the SQE website – SQE1 and SQE2 and comes into effect for assessments taking place from September 2023.
In addition to annual reviews, we are committed to a broader, more detailed review of the assessment specifications after five years.
Julie Swan, Director of Education and Training said:
'It is important that we review the SQE assessment specifications on a yearly basis to make sure they remain accurate and up to date. It’s essential that SQE candidates understand the difference in English and Welsh laws and this update now offers greater clarity on this. We have worked closely with stakeholders in Wales to make these changes and we continue to keep this under review.'