The route to qualification as a solicitor in England and Wales has changed significantly. If you are researching SQE1 exam dates 2026, comparing providers like Kaplan SQE1, or looking for reliable mock papers, this guide explains everything clearly.
Solicitors Regulation Authority and How the SQE Works
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is overseen by the SRA. Many candidates still ask, how does SQE work?
In short, you must:
- Pass SQE1 (Functioning Legal Knowledge).
- Pass SQE2 (practical legal skills).
- Complete Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).
- Meet suitability requirements.
The SRA SQE 1 specification and SQE1 assessment specification set out the detailed syllabus, including SQE criminal law, contract, tort, business law, dispute resolution and ethics.
Kaplan and SQE1 Exam Dates 2026
Kaplan delivers the SQE assessments on behalf of the SRA. Candidates searching for Kaplan SQE1 are usually looking for booking windows, exam centres and online test logistics.
The SQE1 exam dates 2026 are expected to follow the usual January and July sittings. Because places can fill quickly, early registration is essential.
Although SQE1 is not a traditional “exam online test” you take at home, it is computer-based and sat at authorised test centres.
What Does SQE1 Cover?
SQE1 tests legal knowledge through multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Think of it like a highly advanced legal quiz, but with professional consequences.
Key areas include:
- SQE criminal law
- Business law and practice
- Property law
- Dispute resolution
- Professional conduct
- Wills and administration of estates
Many candidates come from diverse backgrounds including those with a paralegal degree, graduates of MA Law SQE 1 conversion programmes, or those who studied at institutions such as Birmingham Law schools.
The Role of Mocks and Practice
Preparation is everything. Just as learners use a mock driving test before the real assessment, SQE candidates should complete:
- Mock papers
- Full-length mocks
- Timed MCQ drills
- Structured exam online test simulations
Providers such as The One Hundred SQE and QLTS SQE1 mocks are frequently used by candidates who want realistic practice aligned with the SRA specification.
You may also encounter unrelated searches like B1 test practice, but remember: SQE1 is a professional legal qualification and requires focused legal preparation, not general aptitude tests.
SQE Course Fees and Training Options
SQE course fees vary widely depending on the provider and format (online, blended or in-person). Some candidates choose structured lawyer training programs, while others self-study using targeted mock materials.
When comparing costs, consider:
- Access to realistic mocks
- Performance analytics
- Tutor feedback
- Alignment with the official SQE1 assessment specification
How to Pass the SQE
If you are asking how to pass the SQE, focus on strategy:
- Study strictly according to the SRA specification.
- Practise hundreds of high-quality MCQs.
- Analyse mistakes carefully.
- Build exam stamina through full-length mocks.
- Treat preparation like professional training, not university revision.
The SQE is designed to test application of knowledge, not rote memorisation. Candidates who approach it methodically, use high-quality mocks, and understand the exam structure consistently outperform those who rely on passive reading.
Whether you are researching SQE1 exam dates 2026, comparing Kaplan SQE1, enrolling in an MA Law SQE 1, or investing in serious mocks, preparation must be structured and specification-led.