SRA: Reduces SQE1 Questions 2027 From 360 to 340

• The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) will reduce the number of questions in SQE1 from 360 to 340.
• This change, effective from January 2027, aims to address candidate concerns about the assessment feeling rushed and pressurized.
• Candidates will gain an additional six seconds per question due to the 20-question reduction.
• The modifications prompt wider discussions about the overall difficulty of SQE1, including time pressure and the volume of material.
• Broader considerations include calls for greater flexibility in sitting SQE1, such as separate payment and sitting options for FLK1 and FLK2, and the financial pressures on self-funding candidates.

Effective from January 2027, the assessment will see a reduction of 20 questions, bringing the total down from 360 to 340.

The Solicitors Regulatory Authority (SRA) has confirmed upcoming modifications to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 1 (SQE1), specifically targeting the number of questions candidates will encounter. Effective from January 2027, the assessment will see a reduction of 20 questions, bringing the total down from 360 to 340. This significant adjustment aims to address long-standing concerns raised by candidates regarding the demanding nature of the examination.

The decision by the SRA to reduce SQE1 questions 2027 stems directly from feedback indicating that the current assessment format can feel unduly rushed and pressurized. By decreasing the overall question count, the regulator intends to alleviate some of the time constraints faced by aspiring solicitors during the examination. This change represents a notable shift in the structure of the SQE1 assessment, which is a critical hurdle for those seeking to qualify as solicitors in England and Wales.

The SRA's move to implement these Solicitors Regulatory Authority SQE1 changes is a direct response to the challenges candidates have articulated. The primary goal is to mitigate the intense time pressure experienced by test-takers, which has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the perceived difficulty of the exam. With 20 fewer questions, candidates will effectively gain an additional six seconds per question, potentially allowing for more considered responses and a less hurried examination experience.

While the SQE1 assessment question reduction is a welcome development for many, it also prompts broader discussions about the overall difficulty of the examination. Commentators have questioned whether merely cutting the number of questions will fundamentally alter the demanding nature of SQE1, or if the challenge primarily arises from the sheer volume of material that must be mastered and the inherent time constraints. This ongoing dialogue underscores the complexity of balancing rigorous assessment with a fair and manageable candidate experience.

Beyond the immediate SQE1 assessment question reduction, the broader conversation around SQE exam difficulty adjustments continues. Discussions among legal educators and aspiring solicitors often revolve around whether candidates should be afforded greater flexibility in how they undertake SQE1. This includes calls for the ability to sit and pay for the two distinct components, FLK1 and FLK2, separately, rather than as a single, combined assessment.

Furthermore, the financial burden associated with the Solicitors Qualifying Examination remains a prominent concern, particularly for individuals funding their qualification independently. These financial pressures, alongside the structural demands of the exam, contribute to a comprehensive picture of the challenges faced by those pursuing a career in law. The SQE1 January 2027 changes, while significant, are part of an evolving landscape that continues to be scrutinised for its accessibility and effectiveness.

For law firms and legal educators, this signals an ongoing evolution in the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) structure, which may influence recruitment strategies for aspiring solicitors or the guidance provided to those undertaking SQE1.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek