How To Pass SQE1 on Your First Attempt — Even If You’re Working Full-Time or Studying Another Course

Sitting SQE1 while juggling a job or another course is absolutely doable — plenty of candidates pass on their first try.

The trick is a laser-focused, evidence-based approach that turns limited study time into high-impact learning.

Below is a realistic plan built around how SQE1 is assessed, what the SRA expects, and study methods that work for busy people.

Know What You’re Up Against (And Work With It)

SQE1 is made up of two functioning legal knowledge assessments (FLK1 and FLK2).

Each assessment contains 180 single-best-answer multiple-choice questions that test your ability to apply legal knowledge to realistic scenarios rather than just recall facts. To pass, you must meet the pass mark in both FLK1 and FLK2.

The assessments cover 15 core topic areas (for example: Business Law & Practice, Contract, Tort, Property Practice, Wills, Solicitors’ Accounts and Criminal Law).

Ethics and professional conduct are examined across both papers, so don’t treat them as an afterthought. SQEWebsite+2SQEWebsite+2

SQE1 sittings run twice a year — January and July — so you can plan your timeline around the sitting that suits your life.

Booking windows and test centres are published well in advance; early planning helps avoid date or location clashes. SQEWebsite+1

Build a Realistic Timetable (12–24 weeks if you’re busy)

If you’re working full-time, aim for 12–24 weeks of focused preparation. Pick a daily “micro-study” target (30–90 minutes) on workdays and longer sessions (2–4 hours) at weekends. The core structure should be:

1. Foundation (weeks 1–4): Quick, active read of the SRA’s assessment specification for each subject area to identify learning objectives and high-value topics. Use short, structured resources rather than whole textbooks. SQEWebsite

   
   

2. Practice & Apply (weeks 5–14): Swap reading for single-best-answer practice questions. SQE1 tests application — doing SBA questions early trains your brain to think in scenarios. Analyse every wrong answer: was it knowledge, application, or time pressure? Use SRA sample questions to familiarise yourself with format and wording. SQEWebsite

   
   

3. Mock & Fine-Tune (weeks 15–24): Full timed mocks under exam conditions. Treat mocks as experiments: change one variable each time (timing, location, question mix) and measure improvement.

High-impact Study Habits for Limited Time

• Active recall + spaced repetition: Flashcards for definitions and black-letter rules, reviewed on a spaced schedule, beat passive reading.

  
  

• Mixed practice: Rotate small mixed sets of questions across different subjects to improve transfer and reduce “compartmentalized” knowledge.

  
  

• Error log: Keep a short running log of why you missed a question; review that log weekly.

  
  

• Time drills: Practice 180 questions in timed blocks to build the pace needed for exam day. The SBA format rewards quick, accurate reading and elimination skills. SQEWebsite

Focus Where it Counts

Not all topics are equally time-consuming. Use the SRA assessment specification to identify highly examined sub-topics in each subject and prioritise those in your practice rotation.

Ethics is tested across papers — embed ethics-based questions into every practice block so you can spot professional conduct issues instinctively.

Make Study Work With Your Job/Studies

• Guard two “golden” daily slots — e.g., 30 minutes before work and 45 minutes after dinner — for active study. Consistency beats marathon weekends.

  
  

• Use commute and lunch breaks for short question sets or audio explanations.

  
  

• Weekend “power” sessions should be used for timed mocks and consolidation, not for new reading.

  
  

• Tell your employer/household your plan — small adjustments (an hour off on a mock day) are often possible and hugely helpful.

Practical Exam Logistics

Book early and check test centres for availability near your workplace or home; slots fill.

Also check the SRA pages for arrangements (e.g., sitting in Welsh if required) and any updates to timetable or specification.

Knowing exam logistics reduces last-minute stress, which improves performance.

Final week: Taper and Execute

In the last 7–10 days reduce new learning and focus on mixed timed practice, quick rule-checks, and rest.

Get familiar with the test centre route, finish practicalities early (booking confirmation, ID) and practice one last timed mock 48–72 hours before the exam.

Final Take?

Passing SQE1 while working or studying is a question of strategy, not sacrifice.

Use the SRA’s specification and sample materials to guide topic choice and exam technique, build a compact plan that prioritizes practice over passive reading, and protect consistent, short daily study slots.

Follow this proven routine and you’ll give yourself a very strong shot at clearing SQE1 on your first attempt.