Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) Functioning Legal Knowledge Mock Test
The first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination, assessing functioning legal knowledge.
About the SQE1 FLK exam
Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE1) Functioning Legal Knowledge Mock Test
Overview of the SQE1 FLK Exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is the new route to qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales, introduced by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SQE is divided into two parts: SQE1 and SQE2. This mock test focuses on SQE1, specifically the Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessments.
SQE1 FLK is designed to test candidates' application of legal knowledge, understanding, and principles to realistic scenarios. It's not about memorising vast amounts of information but rather demonstrating a practical understanding of how legal rules operate in practice. The exam consists of two separate papers, each covering a distinct set of legal subjects, assessed through multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Passing SQE1 is a prerequisite for attempting SQE2.
Syllabus Chapters Covered
The SQE1 FLK exam covers a broad spectrum of legal subjects, ensuring that future solicitors have a solid foundational knowledge. The syllabus is divided into two papers, each with its own set of legal areas.
FLK1 (Paper 1) covers:
- Business Law and Practice
- Dispute Resolution
- Contract
- Tort
- Legal System of England and Wales
- Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law
- Legal Services
FLK2 (Paper 2) covers:
- Property Practice
- Wills and the Administration of Estates
- Solicitors Accounts
- Land Law
- Criminal Law and Practice
- Foundations of Legal Knowledge (Public Law, Criminal Law, Obligations, Land Law - this reinforces knowledge from FLK1 subjects)
- Professional Conduct, Ethics and Client Care
- Taxation
Our mock test questions are meticulously crafted to reflect the style, difficulty, and breadth of topics found in the actual SQE1 FLK papers, helping you familiarise yourself with the entire syllabus.
Test Rules and Format
This mock test is designed to simulate the real SQE1 FLK examination experience. The actual SQE1 FLK exam consists of two papers, each with 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Each paper is 2 hours and 33 minutes long. In total, you will answer 360 questions over a period of 5 hours and 6 minutes (excluding any breaks). Each MCQ has five possible answers, and you must select the single best answer.
Our mock test will replicate this structure as closely as possible, providing two distinct papers of 180 questions each. It's a closed-book examination, meaning no notes, textbooks, or external resources are allowed. Time management is crucial, so practice completing questions within the allocated time.
Scoring and Passing Marks
The SRA sets the passing mark for SQE1. It is not a fixed percentage but rather a determined standard that reflects the level of competence expected of a newly qualified solicitor. The passing score is determined by a standard-setting exercise performed by independent experts, meaning it can vary between sittings. Results are typically released several weeks after the exam. Our mock test will provide an indicative score and highlight areas where you need to improve, based on the generally expected standard for SQE1.
Preparation Tips for SQE1 FLK
- Understand the Syllabus: Go through the SRA's detailed assessment specification. Ensure you know exactly what topics are covered in FLK1 and FLK2.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice with MCQs is key. This helps you understand the question style, identify common traps, and improve your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Application: SQE1 tests functioning legal knowledge, meaning how you apply law to facts. Don't just memorise; understand the 'why' and 'how'.
- Time Management: Practice completing questions under timed conditions. Learn to quickly identify the key facts in a scenario and apply the relevant legal principles.
- Review Mistakes: Don't just get the answer right or wrong. Understand why an answer is correct or incorrect. This is where significant learning happens.
- Ethical Considerations: Professional conduct and ethics are embedded throughout the syllabus. Always consider the ethical implications in scenarios.
- Stay Updated: While core legal principles are stable, be aware of any significant recent developments in the law or SRA guidance, though the exam primarily tests established principles.
By following these tips and utilising our comprehensive mock test, you can build confidence and significantly enhance your chances of success in the SQE1 FLK exam.
Test rules
- This is a closed-book examination; no notes, textbooks, or external resources are permitted.
- Candidates must answer all questions within the allocated time for each paper.
- Each multiple-choice question has five options, and only one is the single best answer.
- No mobile phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices are allowed in the examination room.
- Calculators are not permitted. Simple arithmetic is required for Solicitors Accounts.
- Any form of cheating or misconduct will result in disqualification.
- Candidates must adhere to the instructions provided by invigilators at all times.
Score grading
The SQE1 FLK exam is scored on a single overall mark across both papers. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) sets the pass mark, which is not a predetermined percentage but is derived from a psychometric standard-setting process conducted by independent experts. This means the pass mark can fluctuate between different sittings to ensure it consistently reflects the minimum level of competence for a newly qualified solicitor. Candidates receive a numerical score and an indication of whether they have passed or failed. Scores are scaled to account for slight differences in difficulty between different versions of the exam.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
The SQE1 FLK (Functioning Legal Knowledge) exam is the first part of the Solicitors Qualifying Examination in England and Wales. It assesses a candidate's practical application of legal knowledge across various subjects through multiple-choice questions.
The SQE1 FLK exam consists of two papers, each with 180 multiple-choice questions. Each paper is 2 hours and 33 minutes long, making the total exam duration 5 hours and 6 minutes, answering 360 questions in total.
FLK1 covers Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution, Contract, Tort, Legal System of England and Wales, Constitutional and Administrative Law and EU Law, and Legal Services. FLK2 covers Property Practice, Wills and the Administration of Estates, Solicitors Accounts, Land Law, Criminal Law and Practice, Foundations of Legal Knowledge, Professional Conduct, Ethics and Client Care, and Taxation.
Yes, SQE1 FLK is a closed-book examination. No notes, textbooks, or other external materials are permitted during the exam.
The SQE1 FLK is scored on a single overall mark, and the passing mark is determined by a standard-setting exercise, not a fixed percentage. It reflects the standard of competence expected of a newly qualified solicitor, which can vary between exam sittings.