SQESQE Mock

SQE fees 2026

SQE fees from 1 September 2026 are £2,006 for SQE1 and £3,086 for SQE2, a combined £5,092. SQE1 was £1,932 before that date. Always confirm the figure on the SRA fees page before you book, because fees can change.

SQE1£2,006 (was £1,932)
SQE2£3,086
Both stages£5,092
Applies from1 September 2026

SQE fees at a glance

You pay a separate assessment fee for each stage. The table shows the fees that apply from 1 September 2026.

ItemFee from 1 September 2026Before that date
SQE1£2,006£1,932
SQE2£3,086Not stated here
SQE1 and SQE2 together£5,092Not stated here

The fee is for the assessment itself. It does not include preparation courses, books, travel, accommodation or any resit. Any other charges are set by the SRA, so read its fees page for the current position instead of relying on a third party.

What each stage tests, so you can see what you are paying for

SQE1 is two closed-book single best answer assessments, FLK1 and FLK2. Each had 180 questions up to the July 2026 sitting. From January 2027 each has 170 questions. See the SQE1 overview. SQE2 is 16 stations, 4 oral and 12 written, over about 14 hours. See the SQE2 overview.

SQE2 is longer and skills-based. The interview stations are marked by the assessor who plays the client, and all other stations by a solicitor. Plan your budget around the harder question: how likely are you to need to resit?

Budget the real cost, not just the fee

A candidate who sits each stage once pays the assessment fees once. Most also pay for preparation. A candidate who fails and resits pays the assessment fee again. You have three attempts at an assessment within six years, but each attempt is a new booking.

  • Assessment fees: £5,092 for both stages.
  • Preparation: from free (SRA sample questions) to several thousand pounds for a full course. See choosing SQE preparation.
  • Travel and stay: SQE2 oral assessments are at a smaller number of centres in England and Wales. Candidates abroad must budget for this trip.
  • Time off work: SQE2 takes about 14 hours across several half days.

A worked budget

Daniel, a paralegal in Leeds, plans one attempt at each stage. His budget looks like this (the preparation figure is only his own example):

  1. SQE1 fee: £2,006.
  2. SQE2 fee: £3,086.
  3. Preparation he has chosen for both stages: £1,500.
  4. Travel to the SQE2 oral centre: £300.

Total: £6,892. He also sets aside the SQE1 fee again, £2,006, in case a resit is needed. That reserve is the line most candidates forget.

Checklist before you pay

  1. Open the SRA fees page and check the figure for your sitting.
  2. Check the booking dates on the SQE dates page. Missing a deadline can cost you a whole window.
  3. Decide whether you are ready: see SQE pass rates for why this matters.
  4. Ask your employer or firm whether it pays or contributes. Ask before you book, not after.
  5. Keep a reserve for a resit.

Questions

How much does the SQE cost in 2026?

From 1 September 2026, SQE1 costs £2,006 and SQE2 costs £3,086. Both stages together cost £5,092.

How much was the SQE1 fee before September 2026?

SQE1 cost £1,932 before the rise to £2,006 on 1 September 2026.

Does the SQE fee include preparation courses?

No. The fee covers the assessment only. Preparation courses, books and travel are extra.

Do I pay again if I fail the SQE?

Yes. Each attempt at an assessment is a new booking with a new fee. You have three attempts at an assessment within six years.

Where do I check the current SQE fees?

On the SRA SQE fees page at sqe.sra.org.uk. Check it before booking.

Related

Sources: SRA: SQE fees; SQETrack: SQE fee and FLK changes, September 2026; Law Society: SQE1 and SQE2 assessments. Checked 10 November 2026.