Preparation for the SQE1 Exam Environment

All the preparation in the world won’t help if exam day goes sideways. Managing time, staying calm and focused, and having a clear plan can make all the difference.

Booking your SQE1 and SQE2
The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is run by Kaplan on behalf of the SRA and held several times a year at Pearson VUE centres in the UK and abroad. Book early through your SQE account—test centre slots fill quickly. Choose a convenient location with easy transport and minimal travel stress. When booking, check accessibility needs, parking, and timing to ensure a smooth experience.

The Pearson VUE test centres
Expect strict ID checks: bring two valid forms of ID, and make sure your name matches your registration exactly. You’ll be photographed, sign electronically, and have your eyewear inspected. These steps can feel formal, so mentally rehearse the process to stay composed. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and keeps you focused when you enter the exam room.

Controlling your mindset
Once inside, tune out everyone else. Don’t compare yourself to other candidates. Focus on your screen, your rhythm, and your breathing. If a tough run of questions appears, reset after each one—deep breath, clear mind, move on. Stay grounded with short affirmations or visualisations. Remember, many people pass even when they think they’re failing—keep going until the end.

Time management strategies
SQE1 is a long and demanding multiple-choice exam: two FLK papers, each with 180 questions split into two sessions of 90 questions (about 2 hours 33 minutes each). Time averages to roughly 1 minute 42 seconds per question, so pacing is crucial. A good benchmark is 20 questions every 30 minutes. Write progress checkpoints on your whiteboard (e.g. “Q30 by 10:30am”) to stay on track. If you fall behind, gently pick up speed without panicking.

Using the flag function
Use the flag tool strategically. Mark questions you found tough or narrowed to two options, and return if time permits. Prioritise rechecking those “narrowed-down” questions first—they’re your best chance of gaining marks back.

Don’t get stuck
If a question takes more than 2 minutes, make your best guess, flag it, and move on. It’s better to attempt all 180 questions than to waste time on one. You only need around 55–60% to pass, so perfection isn’t required—smart pacing is.

Using the break wisely
Each exam day is split into two sessions with a break. Use it to refresh—eat, hydrate, and stretch. Don’t dwell on earlier questions. Reset your focus and return on time ready for the next block.

Maintaining focus and stamina
Five hours of questioning per day is mentally exhausting. Build endurance beforehand with timed mocks. During the real exam, if focus slips, take a 10-second micro-break—breathe deeply, stretch your hands, reset your posture. Skip long scenarios if needed and return later with a clearer mind.

Last-minute review strategy
In the final minutes, review flagged questions only if you have a clear reason to change your answer. Avoid changing responses on gut feeling—first instincts are often correct. Ensure every question is answered before time runs out.

Approaching MCQs: step-by-step

1. Read carefully
Understand exactly what’s being asked—watch for “NOT,” “EXCEPT,” “BEST,” or “NEXT.” These small words often flip the meaning.

2. Recognise patterns
Long questions often hide key facts among distractions. Some candidates prefer reading the final line first, then the full scenario. Experiment and see which approach keeps you most accurate.

3. Predict before viewing options
After reading the scenario, think about the relevant rule before looking at the choices. This helps you identify the correct one quickly and avoid being misled by familiar but wrong answers.

4. Use elimination
Cross out clearly wrong options—those that misstate the law or contradict known rules. Narrowing to two or three choices increases accuracy and confidence. Use your whiteboard to track eliminated letters if helpful.

5. Find the best answer
When two options seem plausible, choose the one that best fits the facts and professional standards. The right answer isn’t just legally correct—it’s the one a competent solicitor would choose in real practice.

Avoiding common pitfalls

Watch for qualifiers
Words like always, never, only if, best, or most likely can drastically change meaning. Extreme statements are often wrong; read carefully.

Don’t overthink
Not every question is a trick. Some are straightforward knowledge checks—answer confidently and move on to preserve energy for the tougher ones.

Ignore red herrings
Many questions include irrelevant details designed to distract. Focus only on facts that change the legal outcome.

Avoid the partial knowledge trap
Don’t pick an answer just because it “sounds familiar.” Recognition is not the same as correctness—always confirm it fits the question.

Handle niche topics wisely
Everyone gets the odd unfamiliar question. Use logical elimination and educated guessing rather than panic. Missing a few obscure questions won’t cost you the pass.

Ethics and professionalism

Spotting ethics issues
Ethics are woven through every subject. Always choose the answer that is both legally correct and professionally appropriate under the SRA Principles. A legally right action that breaches confidentiality or client trust is not the best answer.

Client-centred judgement
Think like a solicitor advising a real client. The right answer should align with the client’s objectives—cost, speed, and practicality matter. Choose the response that best serves both the client and your professional duties.

Summary
• Use 30-question checkpoints to pace calmly and adjust naturally.
• Flag with intent—categorise guesses vs narrowed-down questions.
• Read the final line first in long scenarios to spot relevance early.
• Predict the principle before viewing options to avoid traps.
• Focus on what a solicitor should do, not just what they can.
• Use scratch notes or A–E grids to track eliminations and stay organised.