SQE Update – April 2022
In this bulletin find out about booking for SQE1 in July, the first SQE2 sittings, our SQE2 in Welsh pilot, updated information for QLTS candidates and an increase in the cost of the SQE assessment. You can also get involved in our upcoming webinars and face-to-face events, as well as watching our on-demand webinars.
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SQE1 bookings are open
Candidates can now book for the next SQE1 assessment taking place in July. To do this, they must have completed all the registration and pre-booking process first. If they need reasonable adjustments, they should make the request as early as possible as part of their pre-booking steps.
First SQE2 gets underway this month
The first SQE2 assessments will take place this month with more than 770 candidates signed up. The written assessments will happen in 90+ test centres across the UK and internationally, while the oral exams will happen in Cardiff, Manchester and London.
Results for this exam sitting will be available from late August. As with the first SQE1, we will publish a short post-assessment report providing feedback. This will cover overall candidate performance, such as pass mark and pass rate. We will also be publishing a short post-assessment report providing a commentary on the results.
SQE assessment cost increase
We have agreed an increase in the candidate fee for the SQE assessment. Across the two exams this means SQE1 will go up from £1,558 to £1,622 and SQE2 from £2,422 to £2,493. This rise will come into effect for anyone booking to take the SQE2 in October 2022 and subsequent assessments. This is an overall rise of 3.4% for candidates taking both assessments.
This below-inflation increase will pay for SQE assessment developments such as remote proctoring arrangements. This was an additional requirement following the Covid-19 pandemic, which could be deployed if there were widespread test centre closures, or major restrictions on international travel impacting a large number of candidates.
Learn more
SQE in Welsh pilot
A pilot of SQE2 in Welsh ran in September 2021 looking at the practicalities of running the assessments in the medium of Welsh, including the process for translation. Ten candidates took part in the pilot. The pilot found that the systems and processes which were trialled were generally sound and identified some areas where improvements that could be made.
Read the full report in English or in Welsh.
Qualifying through the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS)
As the final QLTS OSCE has now taken place, we wanted to let existing QLTS candidates know some important deadlines for the future.
If they have passed the OSCE, or will do so shortly, they must apply for screening so we can assess their character and suitability to be a solicitor. They will then need to apply for admission by 31 August 2022 (inclusive).
If they want to sit the SQE2 instead, we have extended the admission date further due to the ongoing impact of Covid-19. They will now have more opportunities to take the SQE2 exam (although the total number of permitted attempts remains unchanged at three) and have until 31 March 2024 (inclusive) to apply to become a solicitor.
Get involved
Face-to-face events
Qualifying work experience – networking events for employers and work experience providers (various locations)
We are running face-to-face networking events in Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester and Swansea. Join us to discuss how changes to the qualification process have created new opportunities for law firms and in-house teams in how they can train future solicitors.
Free to attend, they are open to employers or a work experience provider, such as a charity or law clinic. The events will offer an opportunity to:
- explore qualifying work experience - discussing opportunities and how to manage any risks
- input into our plans for evaluating the impact of the SQE and wider qualification changes
- network with other employers
- talk to the SQE team from the SRA and get answers to your questions
Choose the best location below to book your place.
Live webinars
Qualifying work experience explained (YouTube)
Date: 6 April 2022, 13.00 – 13.45
What is qualifying work experience (QWE)? Join our free webinar to find out and get the facts on:
- what counts as QWE
- how someone meets our requirements
- what confirming QWE involves and who can do it
- how a candidate records their QWE and what they need to tell us
Who: Maxine Warr, Head of Education and Training, SRA and Richard Williams, Policy Manager, SRA
On demand webinars
SQE assessments: mitigating circumstances
This webinar tells candidates the options available to candidates whose performance in SQE assessments is negatively impacted by particular circumstances – commonly known as mitigating or extenuating circumstances. It will provide an overview of:
- the mitigating circumstances and ‘Fit to Sit’ policies, which include candidate illnesses or other personal circumstances beyond their control, mistakes or irregularities in the assessment, and any evidence of bias
- the application form
- possible outcomes from the application.
Qualified lawyers – becoming a solicitor
This webinar offers qualified lawyers from the UK and internationally, the facts on:
- what becoming a solicitor through the SQE means
- what we mean by a qualified lawyer and who it includes
- what qualified lawyers will need to do, including UK and Irish lawyers, barristers and chartered legal executives
- how you can apply for SQE assessment exemptions and tips for a good application
- the options for current Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme candidates and the important deadlines they need to know about
Navigating the SQE training market
There are lots of different ways to learn and train for the new SQE assessments. Watch our free webinar to find out how the education and training market has developed since the SQE's introduction last year. Aimed at aspiring solicitors, join us to get impartial hints and tips to help you choose an education and training provider.
Other ways to get involved
Join our LinkedIn reference group. It will help you keep up to date with the latest SQE developments and opportunities to get involved in our surveys and events.
If you are thinking about taking the SQE, or know someone who is, please follow Career in Law for the latest information aimed at aspiring solicitors.
If you have any questions, or want more information on how you can get involved, contact us.
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