SQE vs LPC: which route applies to you
In the SQE vs LPC question, most new candidates have no choice: the LPC is only open to people who met the SRA's transitional conditions, and everyone else must use the SQE. Those on the LPC route have until 31 December 2032 to apply for admission, after which only the SQE remains.
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Who can still use the LPC
The SRA's transitional rules let three groups still qualify by the LPC route:
- people who completed the Common Professional Examination or Graduate Diploma in Law, accepted before 1 September 2021;
- people who accepted an offer for a qualifying law degree or exempting law degree by 21 September 2021, started it before 31 December 2021 and have now graduated;
- people who deferred such an offer from the 2020/21 year and started by 31 August 2022.
A qualifying law degree started in September 2022 or later does not lead to the LPC route. If you are in one of the groups above, you may choose either route. If you are not, the SQE is your route.
SQE vs LPC compared
The two routes are built differently. The table gives the points you need to compare. We list only what the SRA's pages support.
| Point | SQE route | LPC route (transitional) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can use it | Anyone who meets the SRA requirements | Only the transitional groups above |
| Degree | Any subject, or an equivalent qualification | As set by the transitional rules |
| Assessment | SQE1 and SQE2, taken by everyone | The LPC route, under the transitional rules |
| Work experience | Two years' QWE, up to four organisations | Under the transitional rules |
| Deadline | No end date for the route | Apply for admission by 31 December 2032 |
The LPC does not give exemptions from the SQE. If you change your mind and move to the SQE, you will sit the assessments in full unless you are a qualified lawyer with an exemption, see SQE exemptions.
How to decide if you have the choice
Ask four practical questions.
- Is the deadline safe for you? If you could not realistically be admitted by the end of 2032, the SQE avoids the risk.
- What does your employer want? Some firms have moved their training to the SQE. Ask what your firm will fund and when.
- What can you afford? SQE fees are listed on the SQE fees page. LPC course fees are set by providers, so ask them directly.
- How do you prefer to be tested? The SQE is two large assessments. SQE1 is closed book, single best answer. SQE2 is 16 stations testing practical skills.
A common mistake is to take the LPC route because it feels familiar, then discover the transitional conditions were not met. Check your own status on the SRA page before you pay a provider.
What the SQE asks of you
On the SQE route you need a degree in any subject (or an equivalent qualification), a pass in SQE1 and SQE2, two years of qualifying work experience, and to meet the SRA's character and suitability requirements. You do not need a law degree, see SQE without a law degree.
Questions
Is the LPC still available?
Only for people who meet the SRA's transitional conditions. They have until 31 December 2032 to apply for admission by that route.
Can I still qualify through the LPC?
Only if you completed the CPE or GDL accepted before 1 September 2021, or began a qualifying or exempting law degree under the dates set by the SRA. Check the SRA's transitional page.
What happens to the LPC after 2032?
The SRA says that after 2032 you can only qualify through the SQE route.
Does the LPC exempt me from SQE1?
No. The SRA says having the LPC does not give any exemption from the SQE assessments.
Is the SQE harder than the LPC?
They are tested differently. The SQE is two national assessments. SQE1 pass rates were between 41% and 56% in the sittings on our pass rates page.
Related
- SQE1: format, subjects and how to prepare
- SQE2: what it tests and how to prepare
- SQE fees 2026
- SQE without a law degree: what you need
- Is the SQE hard? An honest answer
- SQE qualifying work experience (QWE)
Sources: SRA: LPC transitional requirements; SRA: Pathways to qualification; SRA: Becoming a solicitor through the SQE. Checked 10 November 2026.