The fee will be divided into: £1,558 for SQE1 on legal knowledge, consisting of 180 questions; and £2,422 for SQE2 on practical legal knowledge and skills, covering advocacy, client interviewing, legal research, writing, drafting and case and matter analysis.
The fees do not include training costs, which students will need to pay for separately.
The SRA said ethics and professional conduct will be tested throughout SQE1 and 2.
The SQE was intended to broaden access to the profession. The first sitting of SQE1 will be in November 2021 and of SQE2 in April 2022.
Paul Philip, SRA Chief Executive, said:’“Our priority is creating a single rigorous assessment that gives everyone confidence that aspiring solicitors meet high, consistent standards at the point of entry into the profession.
‘In the current system, many people are put off by the high up-front costs of the Legal Practice Course―up to almost £17,000―with no guarantee of a training contract. The SQE should give people more training options and more affordable ways to qualify, including earn-as-you-learn routes such as apprenticeships.’
The SQE will be phased in from 2021, with students initially able to choose between the old and new paths. In order to sit the SQE, candidates will need a degree or equivalent and two years’ experience providing legal services.
