Most aspiring solicitors who are taking the SQE need to complete QWE as part of their route to qualification. It’s designed to give aspiring solicitors the opportunity to develop the necessary competencies to practise as a solicitor in a professional environment.

You can complete your QWE before, during, or after your SQE assessments, but it must be done before you apply to become a solicitor in England and Wales.

You’ll need to complete at least two years of full-time (or equivalent) QWE to satisfy the SRA requirement and part-time work can also count. Foreign-qualified lawyers are automatically exempt from QWE as the SRA will recognise their existing qualifications and experience.