LPC vs SQE: Routes to Qualifying as a Solicitor in England a...

Introduction

The Legal Practice Course (LPC) has been largely replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) as the route to qualify as a solicitor in England and Wales. If you started on the old route before 1 September 2021, you may continue under transitional arrangements until 31 December 2032. For everyone else, the SQE is now the main pathway.

This guide sets out how the LPC and SQE differ, what each route involves, and which circumstances suit each option. You will find a clear breakdown of exams, training requirements, costs, timelines, and practical next steps.

What You’ll Learn

• The key differences between the LPC and the SQE routes
• Eligibility, entry requirements, and transitional rules
• LPC structure (Stages 1 and 2) and the training contract
• SQE structure (SQE1 FLK1/FLK2 and SQE2 skills) and Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
• Typical timelines, costs, and preparation time
• How to pick an SQE training provider
• Realistic scenarios to help you choose your path

Core Concepts

The LPC route at a glance

Under the previous domestic route, candidates typically:

• Hold a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) or complete the Graduate Diploma in Law/Common Professional Examination (GDL/CPE)
• Complete the LPC (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
• Undertake a two-year training contract
• Pass the Professional Skills Course (PSC)
• Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements

LPC Stage 1 covers:

• Business Law and Practice
• Litigation (civil and criminal)
• Property Law and Practice
• Skills: advising, advocacy, interviewing, practical legal research, legal writing and drafting, professional conduct and regulation, solicitors’ accounts, taxation, wills and administration of estates

LPC Stage 2 offers electives so you can focus on areas such as private acquisitions, public companies, debt/banking, and more. Stage 1 must be done with one provider; Stage 2 can be split across providers. Many candidates complete the LPC full-time in around one year (part-time typically two years), followed by a two-year training contract.

Transitional note: If you began the LPC route before 1 September 2021, you can still qualify this way until 31 December 2032.

The SQE route at a glance

The SQE is a single national assessment for all would-be solicitors. To qualify via the SQE, you need to:

• Hold a degree or equivalent
• Pass SQE1 (before SQE2)
• Pass SQE2
• Complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
• Meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements at admission

Key points:

• Kaplan is the sole assessment provider appointed by the SRA and does not offer SQE preparation courses.
• The SQE is open to law and non-law graduates; you do not need the GDL under this route.
• Foreign-qualified lawyers may be eligible for certain exemptions (for example from QWE), subject to SRA confirmation.
• The older Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) has been phased out.

SQE1: Functioning Legal Knowledge

Format:

• Two exams (FLK1 and FLK2)
• Each paper: 180 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions
• Assesses application of legal knowledge in practical scenarios

FLK1 includes:

• Business Law and Practice
• Dispute Resolution
• Contract
• Tort
• The legal system of England and Wales
• Constitutional and Administrative Law

FLK2 includes:

• Property Practice
• Wills and the Administration of Estates
• Solicitors’ Accounts
• Land Law
• Trusts
• Criminal Law and Practice

Tip: Practise large question banks to build accuracy and exam stamina. Time management is central to SQE1.

SQE2: Practical legal skills

Format:

• 16 exercises in total: 4 oral assessments and 12 written assessments
• Skills tested:
  • Client interview and attendance note/legal analysis
  • Advocacy
  • Case and matter analysis
  • Legal research
  • Legal writing
  • Legal drafting
• Assessed in contexts such as:
  • Criminal litigation
  • Dispute resolution
  • Property practice
  • Wills and intestacy, probate administration and practice
  • Business organisations, rules, and procedures

Tip: Build routine with timed practice in all six skills. Many candidates benefit from mock orals and structured feedback.

Training contract vs QWE

Training contract (LPC route):

• Two years with a single firm (usually), structured seats, and the PSC
• Historically competitive to secure
• Required under the old system for those on the LPC route

QWE (SQE route):

• Two years total, which can be split across up to four organisations
• Can be paid or unpaid and may include work in student law clinics, paralegal roles, or placements
• Must develop the SRA competencies and be confirmed by a solicitor of England and Wales or a suitable authorised person
• Offers more flexibility in the type and setting of experience

Bridging options for LPC graduates:

• If you have completed the LPC but not secured a training contract, you can either continue under the old route (if eligible under transitional rules), or consider moving to the SQE route.
• Some LPC graduates explore SQE2 plus QWE recognition. Exemptions are not automatic; always check current SRA policy before planning to skip SQE1.

Timelines and assessment windows

• LPC transitional period: You may qualify via the LPC route until 31 December 2032 if you started it before 1 September 2021.
• SQE completion window: Once you pass (or first attempt) SQE1, you generally need to complete SQE2 and apply for admission within six years.
• Typical SQE prep time:
  • SQE1: 5–6 months part-time (around 15–20 hours per week), though many spread study over 6–9 months
  • SQE2: 3–4 months part-time (around 15–20 hours per week); some opt for longer
• SQE sittings run multiple times per year. Check the SRA/Kaplan pages for the latest schedule.

Costs and funding

LPC route:

• LPC course fees: roughly £7,500–£17,000 depending on provider and study mode
• GDL/CPE (if required): roughly £5,000–£12,000
• Some providers offer an LLM alongside the LPC, which may open access to a postgraduate loan

SQE route:

• Current SQE assessment fees (SRA/Kaplan published figures): approximately £1,798 for SQE1 and £2,766 for SQE2 (total about £4,564)
• Preparation courses are extra and vary widely by provider
• Retakes incur additional fees

Always verify the latest fees, as figures can change.

Choosing an SQE training provider

Consider:

• Experience with high-stakes assessments (e.g., prior QLTS/SQE cohorts)
• Quality and scope of materials (question banks, mock orals, examiner-style tasks)
• Track record and transparent student outcomes
• Study plans that suit your schedule (full-time, part-time, on-demand)
• Cost, payment plans, and support (pastoral, careers, QWE guidance)

Spending time comparing providers now can save money and reduce stress later.

Key Examples or Case Studies

Example 1: You have completed the LPC and secured a training contract

• Route: You can continue on the LPC path and qualify by 2032, provided you complete your training contract and meet all other requirements (including the PSC and character and suitability).
• Alternative: You could switch to the SQE if you prefer, but most in this position proceed with the route already in place.

Example 2: You have completed the LPC but do not have a training contract

• Option A (old route): Consider “Equivalent Means” to recognise training, but this requires a robust portfolio and supervision by a practising solicitor for at least two years.
• Option B (SQE route): Consider taking SQE2 and building QWE across up to four organisations. In some cases, experience may be recognised in place of a training contract. Check SRA guidance on exemptions carefully; SQE1 exemptions are not guaranteed for LPC graduates.

Example 3: You have a QLD but have not started or completed the LPC

• Choice: You can still qualify under the LPC route if you fall within the transitional rules and can complete by 2032.
• Alternative: Switch to the SQE route and plan for SQE1, SQE2, and QWE. Many candidates choose this for cost and time reasons.

Example 4: You do not have a QLD and you accepted a QLD offer before 1 September 2021

• Choice: You may still choose between the LPC and SQE, subject to transitional rules and timing.
• Action: Review the total time and cost for finishing a QLD plus LPC versus SQE with or without the GDL.

Example 5: You have not started a QLD or GDL/CPE by 1 September 2021

• Position: You must qualify through the SQE.
• Practical next steps: Plan a GDL or SQE-ready course if you are a non-law graduate, schedule SQE1, build QWE as you go, and then attempt SQE2.

Practical Applications

• Confirm your eligibility and timing

  • Did you start the LPC route before 1 September 2021? If yes, you may use transitional arrangements until 2032.
  • If not, focus on the SQE route.

• Map your study and work timeline

  • LPC: Typically 1–2 years of study plus a two-year training contract.
  • SQE: Many candidates prepare for SQE1 over 5–6 months part-time, then SQE2 over 3–4 months part-time, with QWE built before, during, or after exams.

• Budget realistically

  • Compare LPC tuition plus possible GDL costs with SQE assessment fees and prep-course fees.
  • Factor in retakes, materials, and any loss of earnings while studying.

• Build relevant experience early

  • For SQE, count qualifying experience across up to four organisations, including law clinics and paralegal roles.
  • Keep detailed records for QWE sign-off against the SRA competencies.

• Choose preparation that suits your style

  • For SQE1, prioritise large MCQ banks, timed mocks, and progress tracking.
  • For SQE2, seek structured skills practice with feedback, mock orals, and realistic drafting tasks.

• Keep an eye on formalities

  • Character and suitability: Consider early checks if anything may need disclosure.
  • For LPC route: Plan the PSC and training contract stages well in advance.
  • For SQE route: Confirm QWE sign-off and maintain documentation.

• Stay current

  • Check SRA and Kaplan sites for fee updates, exam schedules, and any policy changes.
  • If you are an LPC graduate considering SQE2, verify the latest position on exemptions before committing.

Summary Checklist

• Decide which route applies to you (LPC transitional or SQE)
• Confirm eligibility and key deadlines (2032 for LPC transitional; six-year SQE window)
• Understand the assessments (LPC Stage 1/2 and PSC vs SQE1 FLK1/FLK2 and SQE2 skills)
• Plan your practical training (training contract vs QWE across up to four organisations)
• Budget for course fees, assessments, and possible retakes
• Select suitable preparation courses and create a study plan
• Build and record QWE or recognised training with proper supervision
• Prepare for character and suitability checks at admission
• Book assessments and keep to your timeline
• Monitor SRA/Kaplan updates on fees, schedules, and policies

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