SQE1 guide
SQE2 timing and structure
SQE2 tests practical legal skills across 16 assessments spread over five half-days. It's marked by qualified solicitors against SRA competence standards, not against each other. Here is exactly what happens on each half-day, how long you get for each station, and how the marking actually works.
The five half-days at a glance
SQE2 is delivered across five half-days over two weeks, at Pearson VUE test centres. Two half-days are oral (interviewing and advocacy). Three half-days are written (case analysis, legal research, legal writing, and legal drafting). Each half-day covers two of the five practice areas.
The 16 stations
Four oral stations: two client interviews with attendance-note follow-ups, and two advocacy exercises. Twelve written stations across case analysis, legal research, legal writing, and legal drafting. Every station is set in one of five practice areas: dispute resolution, property, wills and probate, business, or criminal.
Timing per station
Client interview: 25 minutes plus 25 minutes to write the attendance note. Advocacy: 15 minutes preparation, 10 minutes performance. Written stations: 45 or 60 minutes each depending on task. Total assessment time across five half-days is roughly 14 hours.
What markers reward
SRA competence statements — not creative writing. Structure, client-focus, correct identification of the legal issue, and a clear practical answer. Oral markers look for client engagement and active listening as much as legal content. Written markers reward crisp drafting and correct format (letter, memo, contract clause) over volume.
How to prepare
Pass SQE1 first — SQE2 assumes SQE1-level knowledge. Then drill each skill in isolation using SRA sample materials before combining them under exam conditions. Two to three months of dedicated SQE2 preparation is typical after SQE1. Video-record oral practice — self-review beats notes.
FAQs
- How long is SQE2?
- Five half-days spread across two weeks, roughly 14 hours of assessment time in total.
- When can I sit SQE2?
- After passing both FLK1 and FLK2. Sittings run three or four times a year at Pearson VUE centres.
- What's the SQE2 pass rate?
- Historically 70–80% for first-time candidates, higher than SQE1 because most candidates arrive with SQE1 already passed.
- How long should I prepare for SQE2?
- Two to three months of dedicated preparation after SQE1, focused on drilling each skill in isolation before combining them under exam conditions.
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