This guide provides an overview of what to expect on your SQE1 assessment day.
Before Your Assessment:
Booking Confirmation: You'll receive an email with details about the assessment center address, reporting time, start time, and total assessment day length. N.B. Be punctual!
Registration and Security: Arrive on time for registration and security checks. Bring the information from your booking confirmation email.
At the Assessment Center:
Seating and Requirements: Once seated, you'll need to complete a Fit to Sit declaration and confirm your understanding of assessment confidentiality and regulations. Not completing these steps will disqualify you.
Pearson VUE Testing Rules:
Permitted Items: Only an erasable whiteboard notepad and marker pen (provided) are allowed in the assessment room. Secure storage is available for personal belongings.
Test Administrator: The test administrator will log you in, verify the assessment, and start the test. Double-check your login and assessment details on the screen.
During the Assessment: Remain seated until escorted out by the administrator. No eating, drinking, chewing gum, smoking, or disruptive noises are allowed. The assessment is monitored, including CCTV recordings.
Breaks: You must leave the room for all breaks. ID checks are required for re-entry. During unscheduled breaks, the assessment timer continues, and you cannot access personal belongings (except for water or medication). Notify the administrator of any problems or distractions. Test administrators cannot answer content-related questions.
Equipment and Comfort Aids:
Provided Equipment: You'll receive all necessary equipment, including an online calculator. Personal equipment is not allowed unless it's a pre-approved comfort aid listed on the Pearson VUE website.
Personal Possessions: Minimize personal belongings and store them in the lockers provided.
Dress Code and Temperature:
Dress Code: There's no dress code, but wear comfortable clothing. Bulky outerwear might need removal for security checks.
Temperature: Pearson VUE aims for a comfortable temperature, but dress in layers for personal preference. Bulky outerwear might be removed for security checks.
SQE1 Assessment Length:
Two Separate Days: SQE1 consists of two assessments (FLK1 and FLK2) taken on separate days.
Daily Sessions: Each day is divided into two 2-hour and 33-minute (153-minute total) sessions with 90 questions per session.
Leaving the Assessment Room:
Bathroom, Water, Medication: These are the only reasons to leave the room. This is monitored, and any violation can be reported as a breach of regulations. Accessing water, food, or medication counts as an unscheduled break (timer continues). Talking to others during unscheduled breaks is not allowed. If you need medication during the assessment, contact the SQE team in advance.
Leaving Early: Early departure is not permitted.
Scheduled Break:
60-Minute Break: A 60-minute break is scheduled after Session 1. Aim to return within 50 minutes.
Break Activities: You can leave the center and access your belongings during the break.
Re-registration: Crucially, re-register for Session 2 before the break ends. Returning within 50 minutes allows time for re-registration checks. Late arrival means you won't be admitted to Session 2.
Food and Drinks:
Bring Your Own: Water and refreshments are not provided. Bring your own supplies to maintain energy levels during breaks. Water and refreshments are not allowed in the assessment room.
Length of Each SQE1 Day:
Booking Confirmation Details: The exact length of your assessment day will be confirmed in your booking confirmation email. This includes the time for:
Explanatory tutorial
Completing the Fit to Sit declaration and Candidate Confidentiality Policy
Accepting the Assessment Regulations
The 60-minute scheduled break (remember to return after 50 minutes for re-registration)
Assessment Center Environment:
Rigorous Assessment: The SQE is a demanding professional assessment designed to ensure consistent high standards for all qualifying solicitors. Be prepared for a different experience than other assessments.
Focused Candidates: Other candidates might be intensely focused and may not be interested in conversation.
Prepare for Success: Plan your revision time carefully, get enough rest before and between assessments, and bring refreshments to maintain energy levels during breaks.
Shared Pearson VUE Centers: SQE assessments don't have exclusive use of Pearson VUE centers. You might encounter candidates taking assessments of different lengths who arrive before or after your assessment starts
The Bottom Line?
SQE1 is a serious professional assessment taking place over two separate days. Be prepared to arrive on time, follow the strict testing rules, and manage your time effectively during breaks.
Bring your own water, refreshments, and any approved comfort aids. Review the information in your booking confirmation email carefully, as it contains important details about the schedule and what to expect on the day of your assessment.