Acing the SQE

Introduction

Introduction

Pass Mark

SQE1

The pass rate for the FLK1 & FLK2 assessments are not predetermined; instead, they are determined after the assessment is conducted. The SRA Assessment Board establishes the pass mark using the Modified Angoff method, as per the SRA Marking and Standard Setting Policy. This approach involves a panel of qualified solicitors who are knowledgeable about Day One competence. They assess each question and estimate how many out of ten just-competent Day One solicitors would answer it correctly. By compiling and averaging these ratings for each question from each panel member, a cut score is derived. Subsequently, further statistical analysis is performed to account for candidates' actual performance and measurement errors, resulting in the final pass mark for the assessment.

It's important to note that the pass mark for the SQE may vary from one assessment sitting to another to maintain consistent assessment standards. To provide context, the SRA has furnished a table below, offering information based on past SQE1 sittings to give you an idea of the likely pass mark.

Starting from January 2024, the raw score out of 180 questions is converted to the scaled score. The pass score for SQE 1 is always 300 out of 500.

Pass mark and rate of FLK1 and FLK 2

Date of SQE1	FLK1 pass mark	FLK1 pass rate	FLK2 pass mark	FLK2 pass rate
November 2021	57% (103 correct answers)	67% (out of 1084 candidates)	56% (101 correct answers)	54% (out of 1078 candidates)
July 2022	56% (101 correct answers)	64% (out of 1899 candidates)	55% (99 correct answers)	55% (out of 1981 candidates)
January 2023	57% (103 correct answers)	59% (out of 3103 candidates)	56% (101 correct answers)	56% (out of 3253 candidates)
July 2023	53% (95 correct answers)	66% (out of 3647 candidates)	52% (94 correct answers)	58% (out of 3755 candidates)
January 2024	60%	63%(out of 6204 candidates)	60%	61%(out of 6476 candidates)
July 2024	60%	55%(out of 5332 candidates)	60%	50%(out of 5519 candidates)
January 2025	60%	64%(out of 7071 candidates)	60%	61%(out of 7287 candidates)

Subject

FLK1

• Business Law and Practice
• Dispute Resolution
• Contract Law
• Tort Law
• Legal System
• Public Law
• Legal Services

FLK2

• Property Practice
• Wills and Administration of Estates
• Solicitors Accounts
• Land Law
• Equity and Trusts
• Criminal Law
• Criminal Procedure

Both

• Professional Conduct

Mock Test

• SQE1 sample questions 170Q
• QLTS Sample questions 29Q

SQE2

There are 12 written assessments and four oral assessments.

Written

Case and matter analysis

In this chapter on case and matter analysis, you’re focusing on a core skill for the SQE2 assessment: the ability to analyze and apply legal knowledge to specific client scenarios. The SQE2 assessments are designed to evaluate how well candidates can apply their legal understanding to meet client objectives. This includes a thorough analysis of the facts, identifying the relevant legal issues, applying the law to these facts, and understanding the client’s goals. By mastering this skill, candidates can demonstrate a client-focused approach, essential for practicing law effectively.

Oral

Interview and attendance note/ legal analysis

• Opening the Interview and Gathering Information
• Providing Advice and Concluding the Interview
• The Attendance Note

Advocacy

Civil Practice

• Applications for Summary judgment
• Applications for Default judgment
• Interim applications
• Submissions on the Admissibility of Evidence
• Applications for Costs

Criminal Practice

• Contested Bail Hearings
• Submissions on Allocation
• Submissions on the Admissibility of Evidence
• Submissions of No Case to Answer
• Basis of Plea
• Pleas in Mitigation