How Much Time Do I Need to Prepare for SQE?

The amount of time needed for SQE preparation varies based on your previous studies and overall readiness. While some candidates with a legal background may need several months, others without a law degree or formal legal training will likely require at lot more time.

Law Graduates
If you have a law degree, we recommend at least six months of dedicated preparation for the SQE. This timeframe allows you to focus on SQE-specific content and assessment styles, which may be quite different from those in law school. For example, if you graduate in June, you are advised to take the January exam to allow yourself ample time for revision, rather than rushing for the July exam immediately after graduation.

The SQE curriculum is comprehensive and extends beyond the scope of most UK law degree programmes. While your degree may cover foundational areas such as contract law, criminal law, tort law and property law, it does not cover the full SQE syllabus. Additionally, unlike traditional law school exams that rely on essays and problem questions, SQE1 requires a single-best-answer format where you need to select the best answer out of five plausible options. Familiarising yourself with this testing format is crucial to success, as it requires quick analytical skills and correct application of legal principles in real-life situations.

Non-Law Graduates
For those without a formal legal education, we suggest allowing at least 1.5 years for SQE preparation. This longer period accounts for the additional challenges non-law graduates face, such as needing to build foundational legal knowledge before tackling SQE-specific content such as property practice and solicitors accounts. Many candidates find that a year or more provides sufficient time to study intensively, complete practice questions, and thoroughly understand the unique assessment requirements.

Starting from a non-law background presents significant challenges, as you will need to familiarise yourself with legal concepts and case law, often for the first time. Given the SQE’s comprehensive coverage, starting with introductory law courses or materials designed to build foundational knowledge is a wise choice. Additionally, practising with SQE1’s multiple-choice format early can help you develop the critical-thinking skills needed to discern the best answer among several seemingly correct options.

The SQE is one of the most challenging and costly professional exams in the UK. With a current pass rate of only 44%, it requires serious commitment and study. Proper preparation can mean the difference between passing and needing to retake this rigorous exam. The cost of retaking the SQE can be significant, both financially and in terms of time, so approaching the exam with adequate preparation is crucial.
Back to blog

Where are our students from?

Council of Europe
Crown Prosecution Service
Baker Mckenzie 
Yale University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
New York University
University of Michigan 
INSEAD
University of London
University College London (UCL)
London School of Economics (LSE)
King’s College London (KCL)
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Birkbeck, University of London
SOAS, University of London
University of Manchester
University of Zurich
University of York
Brandeis University
University of Exeter
University of Sheffield
Boston University
University of Washington
University of Leeds
University of Law
University of Kent
University of Hull
Queen’s University Belfast
Toronto Metropolitan University
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
University of Buckingham
ESSEC Business School

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
A
Anonymous
Comprehensive and Easy to Understand

This study guide is comprehensive and presented in clear, easy-to-understand bullet points. It covers everything you need for SQE1 Business Law and Practice at a fraction of the cost you would otherwise pay to major legal education providers. I highly recommend SQE Turbocharge for its exceptional value.