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.

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.

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