Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) Part 1 Mock Test

Overview of the SQE1 Exam

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new centralised assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales. It was introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to ensure a consistent, high standard for entry into the legal profession. The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. This mock test focuses on SQE1, which assesses Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK).

SQE1 is a crucial hurdle for anyone looking to qualify as a solicitor. It tests your ability to apply fundamental legal principles to real-world scenarios, covering a broad range of legal subjects that form the core knowledge required for practice. Passing SQE1 demonstrates that you have a solid foundation in law, essential for the practical skills assessed in SQE2.

SQE1 Syllabus Chapters

The SQE1 exam is comprehensive, covering what the SRA refers to as Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK). This knowledge is divided into two distinct assessments, FLK1 and FLK2, each with 180 questions. The broad topics covered include:

FLK1:

• Business Law and Practice: Company law, partnerships, sole traders, corporate governance, and insolvency.
• Dispute Resolution: Civil litigation, alternative dispute resolution, and professional conduct considerations.
• Contract Law: Formation, terms, vitiating factors, discharge, and remedies.
• Tort Law: Negligence, trespass, defamation, and remedies.
• Public Law: Constitutional law, administrative law, human rights, and judicial review.
• Legal Services: The structure of the legal profession, regulation, and ethical considerations.
• Ethics and Professional Conduct: Core principles of professional conduct, SRA Codes of Conduct, and ethical decision-making, which are pervasive across all areas.

FLK2:

• Property Practice: Land law, conveyancing (residential and commercial), leases, and mortgages.
• Wills and the Administration of Estates: Succession (intestacy and wills), probate, and estate administration.
• Trusts: Express, implied, and resulting trusts, duties of trustees, and remedies for breach of trust.
• Criminal Law and Practice: General principles of criminal liability, specific offences, and criminal procedure.
• Solicitors Accounts: Understanding and applying the SRA Accounts Rules.
• Land Law: This topic provides the foundational knowledge for Property Practice, covering ownership, interests in land, and registration.

Test Rules and Format

SQE1 consists of two computer-based assessments, FLK1 and FLK2. Each assessment comprises 180 single best answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs), meaning you choose one best answer from five options. Each FLK assessment is divided into two sessions of 2 hours 33 minutes, with a break in between.

• Total Questions: 360 (180 for FLK1, 180 for FLK2)
• Duration: Each FLK assessment is 5 hours 6 minutes (2 sessions of 2 hours 33 minutes).
• Question Type: Single Best Answer Multiple Choice Questions (SBAQ).
• Scoring: No negative marking for incorrect answers. Scores are scaled to ensure fairness across different versions of the exam.
• Materials: No outside materials are allowed. The exam interface includes a timer and navigation tools.

Scoring and Passing Marks

The SQE1 exam is marked by the SRA's assessment provider, Kaplan. Your score will be given as a total percentage for FLK1 and FLK2 separately. The pass mark for each assessment is determined by a standard-setting exercise, meaning it can vary slightly between sittings to ensure a consistent standard. Historically, the pass mark has been around 50-55%. You must pass both FLK1 and FLK2 to pass SQE1.

The SRA does not disclose specific raw scores needed to pass, but candidates receive a clear indication of whether they have passed or failed. Performance feedback is also provided to help candidates understand areas for improvement if they need to retake the exam.

Preparation Tips for SQE1

1. Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly familiarise yourself with the SRA's detailed SQE1 syllabus. This is your blueprint for success.
2. Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK): Focus not just on memorising law, but on understanding how to apply legal principles to factual scenarios, as this is what SQE1 tests.
3. Practice MCQs Extensively: The SQE1 is entirely MCQ-based. Practice is key to understanding the question style, identifying common traps, and managing your time effectively.
4. Time Management: With 180 questions in just over 5 hours per FLK, pacing yourself is critical. Practice answering questions quickly and accurately under timed conditions.
5. Review Incorrect Answers: Don't just note what you got wrong; understand why you got it wrong. Was it a knowledge gap, misinterpretation of the question, or an error in reasoning?
6. Ethical Considerations: Ethics and professional conduct are integrated throughout the entire syllabus. Always consider the ethical implications of any legal advice or action.
7. SRA Accounts Rules: Dedicate specific time to understanding the SRA Accounts Rules, as this is a distinct and often challenging area for many candidates.
8. Stay Updated: Legal principles can evolve. Ensure your knowledge is current with recent developments in relevant areas of law.

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you can significantly improve your chances of success in the SQE1 exam.