As we’ve already seen, both the QLTS and SQE assessments are split into two parts. Let’s take a more detailed look at the way the different exams are structured.

Part one of the QLTS (the MCT) assessed your application of substantiative law. There was only one exam with 180 questions and you would take it during the course of two 2-hour 45-minute sessions on the same day (a total of 5 hours and 30 minutes of assessment time).

In contrast, the SQE1 will assess your application of the functional legal knowledge you need to effectively practise law. It covers more than the MCT, assessing substantive, procedural, and practical law rather than just substantive. The SQE1 exam is also longer, consisting of 360 questions that you’ll sit for two days’ worth of sessions that add up to over 10 hours.

The OSCE, part two of the QLTS, assessed five different skills across three legal practice areas. It took 12 hours and 45 minutes to sit the 15 assessments. SQE2 assesses six different skills and five legal practice areas. You’ll take 16 assessments across 13 hours and 45 minutes.