SRA: SQE1 Question Count Reduced to 340 for 2027 Exam

• The Solicitors Regulation Authority will reduce the total number of questions in SQE1 from 360 to 340, effective from the January 2027 sitting.
• This change increases the average time per question from 102 seconds to 108 seconds, addressing candidate feedback about the exam feeling rushed.
• From January 2027, subjects within each Functioning Legal Knowledge assessment will be divided between the two sessions, aiming to reduce the immediate focus areas for candidates.
• The SRA implemented these adjustments after reviewing candidate feedback and assessment data, seeking to improve the SQE1 candidate experience without affecting assessment reliability.
• While welcomed, some stakeholders, like the College of Legal Practice, advocate for further reforms, such as allowing candidates to sit and pay for FLK1 and FLK2 separately.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority has announced significant modifications to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 1 (SQE1), primarily focusing on an SRA SQE1 question count reduction.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) has announced significant modifications to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination Part 1 (SQE1), primarily focusing on an SRA SQE1 question count reduction. Effective from the January 2027 sitting, the total number of questions across the entire SQE1 assessment will decrease from 360 to 340. This change means each Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) assessment will now comprise 170 questions, down from the current 180, translating to 85 questions per session instead of 90. Crucially, the allocated time for each session will remain constant at two hours and 33 minutes, thereby increasing the average time candidates have per question from approximately 102 seconds to 108 seconds.

Beyond the reduction in question volume, the SRA is also implementing SQE1 subject division changes. Currently, all subject areas within a given FLK assessment can appear across both of its sessions. However, from January 2027, subjects will be strategically split between the two sessions, aiming to allow candidates to concentrate on fewer legal areas at any single point during the examination. Despite this division, questions will not be presented in distinct, block-like subject groupings; they will continue to be randomized within each session to maintain exam integrity. Furthermore, questions pertaining to ethics and professional conduct will retain their ability to appear across any subject area.

These SQE1 exam changes 2027 will apply universally to all candidates, encompassing both those undertaking the assessment for the first time and individuals resitting SQE1 from the specified January 2027 date onwards. The adjustments represent a notable update to the assessment framework, intended to refine the examination process for future solicitors.

The Solicitors Regulation Authority SQE1 modifications stem directly from extensive feedback received from candidates and other stakeholders, alongside a comprehensive review of data gathered from previous SQE1 sittings. A recurring concern highlighted by students was that the assessment often felt "rushed and pressurised," primarily due to the limited time available to answer each question. This sentiment aligns with prior reports detailing the significant stress and anxiety experienced by SQE1 candidates, often attributed to the intensive multiple-choice question (MCQ) format, which has coincided with pass rates sometimes falling as low as 44%.

The SRA's objective with these adjustments is to enhance the overall SQE1 candidate experience. By increasing the time per question and restructuring the subject division, the regulator aims to make the assessment less challenging for individuals without compromising its validity. The SRA emphasized that it deliberately waited until a sufficient volume of SQE1 sitting data was available before implementing these changes. This cautious approach was taken to ensure that any alterations would genuinely improve the candidate experience while preserving the "accuracy" and reliability of the assessment's outcomes. The SRA believes that by dividing subjects, it can reduce candidate burden while still safeguarding exam security through continued question randomization.

While the SRA SQE1 FLK assessment update has been generally welcomed, some legal education providers believe further reforms are necessary to address broader challenges faced by students. The College of Legal Practice (CoLP), for instance, acknowledged the positive nature of the announced changes but advocated for more substantial structural modifications. CoLP argues that candidates should be permitted to sit and pay for FLK1 and FLK2 separately during their initial attempt, asserting that the current structure still compels students to prepare for two demanding assessments concurrently.

Dr. Giles Proctor, CEO of CoLP, articulated this perspective, stating that while the increase from 102 to 108 seconds per question is a welcome improvement, it should not be misconstrued as a complete solution to the systemic difficulties students encounter. He highlighted that the ability to prepare for a single FLK assessment at a time, rather than two simultaneously, would be "transformational" for candidates. This sentiment underscores an ongoing dialogue within the legal education sector regarding the optimal balance between assessment rigor and candidate well-being, suggesting that while the SRA has taken a step forward, the conversation about SQE1's future evolution continues.

Law firms, legal educators, and training providers should note these changes to the SQE1 exam structure and question count, as they will impact how prospective solicitors prepare for and experience the assessment from January 2027. This information is crucial for advising future legal talent and adapting recruitment or training strategies.

Source: Original reporting via Legal Cheek