Background to the SQE

Why are we introducing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE)?

Our Board have decided to introduce a common assessment for all would-be solicitors from autumn 2021.

The SQE will mean everyone meets the same consistently high standards at the point they become a solicitor.

An effective competence statement for solicitors

Our Statement of Solicitor Competence sets out what solicitors need to be able to do to perform their role effectively, and which provides everyone with a clear indication of what they can expect from their solicitor. This is what the SQE assessments will be testing.

This is supported by our Statement of Legal Knowledge and a Threshold Standard, both of which shows the standards for practising and using the title of solicitor.

What we have done


We have carried out three public consultations relating to the SQE: