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On 1 September 2021, a new route to Qualification for aspiring Solicitors was introduced—the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). After a transitional period, when it will be possible to qualify via the training Contract route, an apprenticeship or the SQE, the SQE will eventually replace the training contract route to qualification and qualification following an apprenticeship will be via the SQE.

To qualify as a solicitor under the SQE, the candidate must:

1. •

   have a UK degree in any subject (or a qualification or experience that is equivalent to a degree—this would include a solicitor apprenticeship)

2. •

   pass two SQE assessments, and

3. •

   have two years’ full-time (or full-time equivalent) qualifying work experience (QWE)

The candidate must also satisfy the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.

This Practice Note explains the SRA’s requirements for QWE and practical considerations for employers offering training and work experience to aspiring solicitors. For information on the SQE more generally, see Practice Note: The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). For information on the training contract route to qualification, see subtopic: Training contracts.