SQE1 mock: how to time, pace and review it

SQE Mock has 260 free SQE1 questions with no sign-up, and timed FLK1 and FLK2 mocks at the real pace of about 108 seconds a question (mocks come with a pass from £19). An SQE1 mock should copy the real timing: from January 2027, each session has 85 questions to answer in 2 hours 33 minutes, which is about 108 seconds a question. This page shows a pacing plan with checkpoints, how to build a mock from the subject groups, and how to learn from the result.

The timing you are training for

From January 2027 each FLK has 170 questions in two sessions. Each session lasts 2 hours 33 minutes, which is 153 minutes. Divide 153 by 85 and you get 1.8 minutes, or about 108 seconds. Sittings up to July 2026 had 180 questions per FLK, so older mocks and books may be set at a different pace.

A common problem is time, not knowledge: long stems, or too long spent on one hard item. A mock is where you fix that.

Build your mock from the real session groups

Use the subject groups the assessment uses. A mock session should only contain subjects from one group, as the real session does.

Weight your 85 questions across the subjects in the group. Include ethics questions throughout, because ethics is examined across both FLKs. Take the exercise in one sitting, without notes, in a quiet room.

A pacing plan with checkpoints

Aim to finish a first pass in about 135 minutes. That leaves around 18 minutes to return to hard questions. Use these checkpoints:

If you are behind at a checkpoint, speed up on the next five questions. Do not rush a whole block. Rules for the first pass:

• If you can predict the answer within about 60 seconds, answer and move on.
• If you are torn between two options after 90 seconds, choose the more likely one, flag it if the software lets you, and continue.
• Never leave a question blank. Check the SRA candidate guidance for how the software and marking work.
• Do not change an answer in review unless you can name the rule that makes the first choice wrong.

How to review a mock

The score matters less than the pattern. After the mock, sort every wrong or unsure answer into one of four causes:

• Knowledge gap. You did not know the rule. Add it to your notes and test it again in three days.
• Application error. You knew the rule but missed a fact. Underline the fact that decided it.
• Reading error. You answered a different question. Practise reading the question line first.
• Time error. You ran short and guessed. Revisit your checkpoints.

Then count errors by subject. If one subject produces most of your errors, study that subject before you take another mock. A second mock a week later, on different questions, tells you whether the fix worked.

A simple mock schedule

1. Six weeks out: one 40-question timed block a week to learn the pace.
2. Four weeks out: one full 85-question session a week, alternating the groups.
3. Two weeks out: two full sessions in a week, then review properly.
4. The last three days: light review of your error log. Do not start a new subject.

You can start with our free SQE1 questions, with no sign-up, then move to the technique guide if your errors are method errors. See the FLK1 and FLK2 guides for the subjects.

Questions

Related

• SQE1: format, subjects and how to prepare
• SQE1 practice questions: how to answer single best answer items
• FLK1: subjects, sessions and how to study
• FLK2: subjects, sessions and how to study
• SQE dates

Sources: Law Society: SQE1 and SQE2 assessments; SRA assessment dates. Checked 10 November 2026.