The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has replaced the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS).
This page covers:
If you’re an overseas student looking to qualify in England and Wales, read our careers page.
Unlike the QLTS, the SQE is open to candidates from all jurisdictions – not just those recognised by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
Introducing a single, final, centralised qualification exam has also brought England and Wales in line with most other jurisdictions.
If someone is looking to sit the SQE1 later in 2023 the next sitting after this will be on 20 and 24 July.
What are the requirements for foreign lawyers to requalify in England and Wales?
To requalify as solicitors in England and Wales, foreign lawyers need to:
Fully qualified foreign lawyers are exempt for any qualifying work experience (QWE) requirements.
What is the structure of the new exam?
The SQE is divided into two parts:
Find out more about the SQE structure
How should I prepare?
Candidates are not required to complete any preparatory courses before sitting the SQE, nor to have any specific university degree.
However, taking an SQE preparation course may give you the best chance of passing the assessment.
Find an SQE training provider
How much does the SQE cost?
The total cost of the SQE assessments is £3,980, which breaks down as:
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SQE1 – £1,558 to £1,622
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SQE2 – £2,422 to £2,493
In addition, candidates may wish to take courses, or buy resources, to help them prepare for the SQE assessments.
Can I sit SQE1 outside England or Wales?
Yes. You can sit SQE1 at a range of test centres internationally.
Can I sit SQE2 outside England or Wales?
SQE2 written assessments will be available at a range of test centres internationally.
You'll need to sit SQE2 oral assessments in England and Wales over two and a half days.
Am I eligible for exemptions?
Lawyers qualified overseas can apply for exemption from the SQE on the basis of prior qualifications or experience.
You may seek an exemption for one or more of the following parts of the SQE assessments:
You'll need to show that your professional qualification is equivalent to the whole part of that assessment.
If exempt, you will not need to sit the corresponding SQE assessment(s) (see regulation 3.2 of the Authorisation of Individuals Regulations).
If you're granted an exemption from SQE2, you may need to prove your English or Welsh language competence.
Once an exemption is granted to a jurisdiction, lawyers qualified in that jurisdiction can apply to benefit from that agreed exemption.
You can apply for a new exemption or to benefit from an agreed exemption using the online form at mySRA. (You'll need a mySRA account to access the form.)
Foreign bars and law societies can also apply for SQE exemptions for their members by contacting the SRA education and training unit at etuqs@sra.org.uk.
Find out more about exemptions and how to apply
See the list of exemptions granted so far or being considered
Irish solicitors
Irish solicitors are fully exempt from the SQE. They do not have to sit any examination in order to requalify in England and Wales, and can apply for admission with the SRA directly, after completing a pre-screening process.
Read more about exemptions
Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS)
It's no longer possible to start the QLTS requalification route.
From 1 September 2022, the SQE replaced the QLTS and is open to qualified lawyers from all jurisdictions.
If you've already started the QLTS and passed the multiple-choice test, you have two options to complete the qualification.
You can sit the:
Sitting the OSCE
The remaining sittings to complete the OSCE take place in:
Candidates who have passed an OSCE (except the April 2022 sitting)
You must apply for screening so we can assess your character and suitability to be a solicitor. You then have until 31 August 2022 (inclusive) to apply for admission.
Candidates who passed the April 2022 OSCE
You must apply for screening so we can assess your character and suitability.
You will be able to apply for admission once you have completed your criminal record check. You will have until 31 January 2023 to do this provided you meet the conditions of our waiver. You do not need to apply for this waiver.
We are aware that some candidates may experience delays in obtaining criminal check documents and/or Certificates of Good Standing. To make sure you meet the deadline to apply for admission, we suggest you request all documents at the same time.
Sitting SQE2 instead of the OSCE
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October 2022,
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April 2023,
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July 2023 and
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October 2023.
Find out more about the SQE
SQE requirements and cost
Career advice
Book your assessment by registering with the SRA
If you have any questions, email international@lawsociety.org.uk.
For more information, click here.
