SRA announces first set of changes to SQE1 following candidate feedback
- Posted on
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced the first in a series of improvements to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), reflecting its commitment to enhancing candidates' experience of the assessment while maintaining the high standards expected of the solicitors' profession.
The SQE plays a vital role in ensuring that all aspiring solicitors are assessed against the same consistent standard, regardless of the route they take to qualification. It is a key part of maintaining public confidence in legal services and ensuring newly qualified solicitors have the knowledge and skills needed to practise effectively.
The changes announced today signal SRA's commitment to enhance confidence in the SQE. Developed through engagement with candidates, Kaplan, employers, training providers and the wider profession, they are informed by assessment data, candidate feedback and continued evaluation of how the assessment operates in practice.
From January 2027, the total number of questions in SQE1 will reduce from 360 to 340, while questions will also be grouped within specific Functioning Legal Knowledge sessions. Within each session, questions will continue to be fully randomised between those subject areas and the duration of the assessments will remain the same. These changes are designed to improve the assessment experience for candidates while preserving the reliability, rigour and consistency of the examination.
The announcement reflects two of the SRA's priorities for 2026: improving collaboration and focusing on the issues that matter most.
By using evidence, evaluation and feedback from candidates and the wider profession, the SRA is making targeted improvements to the SQE while preserving the rigorous, fair and trusted standards needed to maintain confidence in qualification for the years to come.
Find out more details about the SQE1 changes on the SQE website.