SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination)

What it is

The SQE (Solicitors Qualifying Examination) is the route, introduced in 2021, for becoming a solicitor in England and Wales. It replaced the old training-contract-and-LPC system for most people. There are two central exams set by the regulator, plus two years of real legal work experience. Once you pass both stages, complete the experience and pass a character check, you can be admitted as a solicitor.

Who it suits

It suits people with a strong academic background and excellent English who want a serious, respected legal career, including career-changers who already hold a degree. Paralegals and CILEX-qualified staff often use it to level up. It is a long, expensive commitment, so it suits those who can fund it and stay the course, not someone needing income quickly.

How you qualify

1. Hold a degree (any subject) or an equivalent Level 6 qualification, or build equivalence through qualifications like CILEX plus work experience.
2. Pass SQE1: two sets of 180 multiple-choice questions on legal knowledge.
3. Pass SQE2: practical exercises in legal skills, both written and spoken.
4. Complete at least two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), which can be spread across up to four employers.
5. Pass the SRA character and suitability check and apply for admission.

Cost and how long it takes

The exam fees alone are £4,908, rising to £5,092 from September 2026. On top, most people pay for prep courses, which add roughly £3k–17k depending on the provider. Self-study keeps costs lower but is hard. Including the two years of work experience, qualifying typically takes 2–3 years or more.

The English you need

You need strong, precise English, around Level 4. The exams demand fast detailed reading, accurate legal writing, and confident spoken client-style tasks, all under time pressure. This is a high language bar. If your English is still developing, this route is not realistic yet, and there is no shortcut around that.

The honest reality

The barrier is higher than routes like CILEX, both in cost and in academic demand, and the exams have real fail rates. The biggest hidden hurdle is the two years of Qualifying Work Experience: you need employers willing to give you genuine legal work, which can be hard to find without connections. Budget for possible resits, and do not assume prep courses guarantee a pass.

What you can earn

Newly qualified solicitors earn an estimated £27k–50k in many regional firms, and far more in London and City firms, where an estimated £50k–100k or above is common. Pay during your work experience is much lower. Over a career the earnings can be strong, but these are estimates and depend heavily on firm and location.

Your next step

Check first that you hold a degree or a clear equivalent. If you do, read the SRA's official SQE pages and look at how you would gain Qualifying Work Experience, for example a paralegal job. If your English or funding is not ready, consider starting with CILEX, a lower-cost step that can later count toward the SQE route.