This article outlines everything you should know if you’re considering an SQE prep course.
Do You Even Need a SQE Prep Course?
As I’ve said before, it isn’t necessary for a foreign-qualified lawyer to take special classes in order to pass the SQE. (This is, after all, the SQE “Self-Study” Site!). Officially, there are no specific preparation courses required to take the SQE and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not regulate, accredit nor endorse any SQE training organisation.
This said, I appreciate that some candidates will want to enroll in a prep course. Maybe you’d like the structure, or study materials, a provider can offer. Or perhaps your firm will pay for the course (in which case, why not take one?)
So below I’ve outlined some key considerations for those trying to select a training institution. There are many players in this space (and more and more all the time), but you can use the tips below to help you find the course that best suits your needs.
How to Choose the Best SQE Course for You
Review the SRA’s List of SQE Training Providers
The first thing you should do is review the SRA’s List of SQE Course Providers. This is the most comprehensive list of organisations providing SQE education. It includes a full-spectrum of educators: from universities with law faculties, to pre-packaged digital courses, to one-man tutoring companies.
Make sure to keep in mind that:
- while the SRA’s List of Training Providers is extensive, it is not necessarily complete. “The List” is not a definitive list of absolutely every SQE training organisation. It only includes those organisations that have asked the SRA to include them. (Having said this, most established providers will have applied to be on The List, for obvious reasons); and
- The List is not always up-to-date regarding active / inactive providers. That is, some of the organisations listed no longer provide SQE-services. A quick click of some links reveals that certain (usually smaller) operations are no longer trading, or at least no longer providing training.
Most importantly, do be aware that a provider’s inclusion on the SRA List is not a stamp of SRA approval. Again, the SRA doesn’t accredit or endorse any training organisations – nor does it officially review any courses, or approve of their quality. The SRA List exists only to help prospective SQE candidates identify training possibilities.
Find out the Institution’s SQE Pass Rates
When looking into different providers, you’ll want to determine which ones have good track records. That is, you’ll want to know what percentage of their students have passed the SQE (on the first try!).
When it comes to reporting SQE results, the SRA has committed to publishing more granular performance data at a later date. Eventually, this data will include pass rates by training provider -helping future test-takers select providers, and helping providers evaluate course effectiveness.
While provider pass rates are not widely known at this time, you’ll find that some organisations will freely publish their SQE pass percentages. If they don’t, make sure to ask them, when you inquire about their course offerings. Their percentages should exceed the average pass rates for SQE1 and 2, as stated on the SRA’s SQE Assessment Results page.
Contact SQE Providers to Clarify Exactly what their Courses Contain
Don’t just read the marketing brochures. Reach out to your short-list of providers for specifics about their course content, teaching methods, and support services.
Here are some of the things you may want to ask:
- What materials are provided? You’ll want to know exactly what you’ll be getting for your money. Specifically:
- Are books included along with lectures? (if so, will you get e-books or hard copies?) Do they provide study notes? What about mock exams? How many practice questions will you get access to? (and are answer explanations included?)
- What are the materials like? (Every provider should have sample materials for you to review, so make sure you get these, and are satisfied with the content and quality).
- Do they have an online study platform? These days, an online platform could be the main way you access your course materials, so find out what it’s like. It should be mobile-friendly and easy to use.
- What happens if you don’t pass SQE1 on the first try? Ask what support is available should you fail the test. Will you continue to have access to the online platform and materials for a second attempt? Will this be free or cost extra?
- Do they provide any 1-on-1 support? Ask if their packages include help from a tutor. If so, find out how often, and how quickly, you can contact this person. Ask if there are set office hours for tutor assistance.
- Do they provide financial help? Ask if the institution offers any financial support – ie. scholarships, discounts or loans to help with costs.
- Do they offer a SQE2 discount? Find out if they offer any incentives for taking both their SQE1 and SQE2 courses. Some places offer “alumni” discounts if you continue your SQE training with them.
Ask Other Students about the SQE Courses You’re Interested In
If you don’t know anyone who has taken the SQE before, join one of the many SQE Groups on social media. On LinkedIn and Facebook, you can find other candidates sharing their SQE experiences, and their feedback on prep courses. (Just be aware that certain SQE Groups are managed by training companies – rather than candidates – and certain “student feedback posts” will be more like ads than honest reflections).
Review these Suggestions from the Law Society and the SRA
You may also find these writeups to be helpful:
- From the Law Society: SQE Preparation Courses; and
- From the SRA: Choosing an SQE training provider
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Best,
Lawyer in London