In order to be admitted to the roll of solicitors, a candidate must have tertiary education (level 6, not necessarily a degree) in any subject, pass two SQE assessments, complete qualifying work experience (QWE) for two years full-time (or part-time equivalent) and meet the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)'s requirements for character and suitability.
The four required elements of the SQE route to qualification do not need to be completed in a prescribed order; for example, QWE can be undertaken before, during or after a candidate sits SQE1 or 2.
The Legal Services Board approved the SQE on 28 October 2020,[3] after nine years of consultation on solicitors' training.
Candidates must apply their knowledge of the law, the fundamental legal principles and rules, to demonstrate the competences required to the level of a newly qualified solicitor of England and Wales.
QWE is intended to be flexible:[19] candidates may undertake QWE in up to four different organizations; it does not have to be in England & Wales;[20] it can be paid or voluntary; and it could be spent: The SQE replaced the previous route to qualification for foreign qualified lawyers, the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Test (QLTS).
[21] Following consultations,[22] the SQE was introduced by the SRA to simplify the qualification process in England & Wales and reduce the financial burden upon students.