SQE1 guide
How to prepare for SQE1
SQE1 rewards a specific style of preparation: high-volume MCQ practice, spaced-repetition of rule statements, and timed mocks. Reading textbooks is the least efficient part of it. Below is a realistic plan, week by week, that reflects how first-time passers actually revise.
Before you start — set the calendar
Pick your SQE1 window (January or July) and count back 6–9 months. Non-law graduates: count back 9–12 months and include a PGDL or self-directed foundation phase first. Book the exam early — SRA slots fill months in advance.
Weeks 1–4: content foundation
Work through a concise manual, one FLK area per week: contract, tort, business law, criminal law, property, equity, public law, EU, dispute resolution, ethics. Skim; do not highlight. The goal is a mental map, not memorisation. Start flashcards from day one — atomic cards, one rule per card.
Weeks 5–14: MCQ drilling
This is where marks are made. Aim for 50–100 SBAQs per day, interleaved across FLK1 and FLK2. Review every wrong answer against the explanation. The rule to internalise: pattern-recognition beats knowledge. You are training a fast recall system, not learning new material.
Weeks 15–20: timed mocks and gap-filling
Sit at least two full-length timed mocks per paper. Score ruthlessly. Use the results to identify weak subject areas and drill those topics for 3–5 days each. Do not re-read the whole syllabus in the last month — it dilutes recall of what you already know.
The last two weeks
Reduce new content to zero. Do timed mixed sets daily. Revisit high-yield flashcards. Sleep 8 hours. On exam day: pace at 1.7 minutes per question, skip and flag anything that stalls you for more than 30 seconds.
FAQs
- When should I start preparing for SQE1?
- Six to nine months before your exam window if you have a recent law degree; nine to twelve if you are a non-law graduate.
- How many practice questions is enough?
- Successful candidates typically complete 3,000–5,000 SBAQs across preparation. Volume matters more than any one provider.
- Do I need a prep course?
- No. Many candidates now self-study with a question bank, flashcards, and a concise manual. A prep course adds structure and mocks — worth it if you struggle to self-direct.
- Should I sit FLK1 and FLK2 in the same window?
- Most candidates now do. It compresses revision and matches how the exam is scheduled.
Ready to start SQE1 revision?
Unlimited practice, spaced-repetition flashcards, marked feedback. 7 days free.