In 2021, the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) introduced the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE). The SQE is a centralised assessment for all aspiring solicitors in England and Wales, replacing the QLTS for foreign lawyers.

Both the QLTS and SQE exams are divided into two parts, one of which must be passed before you can move onto the next. The SQE is made up of SQE1 (Functional Legal Knowledge Assessment) and SQE2 (Practical Legal Skills). These roughly mirror the two portions of the QLTS, which were the Multiple-Choice Test (MCT) and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

After September 2021, no new candidates will be allowed to start the QLTS. But if you’ve already taken and passed your MCT, you’ll need to pass SQE2 (as an alternative to OSCE) and apply to the Roll of Solicitors on or before 31 March 2024.