SQE1 vs SQE2

Side-by-Side Comparison

SQE1

• Format: 360 multiple choice questions
• Duration: Two 5-hour papers over 2 days
• Focus: Legal knowledge (Functioning Legal Knowledge)
• Skills tested: Application of law to scenarios
• Typical prep time: 4-6 months

SQE2

• Format: Written tasks and oral assessments
• Duration: Multiple sessions over several days
• Focus: Practical legal skills
• Skills tested: Interviewing, advocacy, drafting, research
• Typical prep time: 3-4 months

SQE1 Focus Areas

SQE1 tests your ability to identify and apply correct legal principles. Preparation should focus on:

• Learning the law: Core legal principles across all practice areas
• Multiple choice technique: Quickly identifying correct answers
• Practice questions: Thousands of questions under timed conditions
• Ethics integration: SRA principles woven throughout

Success requires broad knowledge across all subjects - you can't skip areas.

SQE2 Focus Areas

SQE2 tests practical skills in realistic scenarios. Preparation should focus on:

• Oral communication: Client interviews and advocacy
• Legal writing: Clear, professional written work
• Legal research: Finding and applying relevant law
• Drafting: Creating legal documents
• Time management: Completing tasks under strict limits

Practical experience through QWE helps significantly with SQE2 preparation.

Which to Take First

Most candidates take SQE1 before SQE2, but it's not required. Considerations:

Take SQE1 First

• Builds foundational knowledge needed for SQE2
• Traditional progression from knowledge to application
• Recommended by most providers

Take SQE2 First

• May suit those with significant practical experience
• If you're already working in a legal role
• Skills-focused preparation may be easier

We recommend SQE1 first for most candidates.