The SQE1 assessment tests 12 Functioning Legal Knowledge (FLK) areas through 360 multiple choice questions. Understanding the exact question distribution helps candidates allocate study time effectively and develop targeted preparation strategies based on official SRA specifications.

What is the total number of SQE1 questions?

SQE1 contains 360 multiple choice questions split equally across two papers: FLK1 and FLK2, with 180 questions in each paper. These questions test all 12 Functioning Legal Knowledge areas specified by the SRA, with ethics and professional conduct embedded throughout rather than as separate sections.

The 2025 SRA Assessment Specification confirms this structure remains unchanged, maintaining the established format that has been consistent since the SQE's introduction. Each question is worth one mark, making the total possible score 360 marks across both papers.

SQE1 Paper Structure

• FLK1: 90 questions (Part 1) + 60-minute break + 90 questions (Part 2)

• FLK2: 90 questions (Part 1) + 60-minute break + 90 questions (Part 2)

• Total: 360 questions across 12 legal subjects

• Format: Single best answer from five options

• Time allocation: Part 1 (2 hours 15 minutes), break (60 minutes), Part 2 (2 hours 15 minutes)

How many questions per subject in FLK1?

FLK1 contains six subjects with varying question allocations based on their importance to legal practice. Major subjects receive more questions while foundational subjects provide essential knowledge with fewer questions.

FLK1 Subject Breakdown:

• Business Law and Practice: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK1)

• Contract Law: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK1)

• Tort Law: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK1)

• Dispute Resolution: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK1)

• Legal System of England and Wales: 10-14 questions (6-8% of FLK1)

• Constitutional and Administrative Law: 10-14 questions (6-8% of FLK1)

• Ethics and Professional Conduct: 18-36 questions (10-20% of FLK1)

The major subjects (Business Law, Contract, Tort, Dispute Resolution) form the commercial foundation of legal practice, covering client advisory work and litigation essentials. Minor subjects (Legal System, Constitutional Law) provide foundational knowledge of court structures and government powers. Ethics questions are embedded throughout all subjects but can comprise up to 20% of the total paper.

How many questions per subject in FLK2?

FLK2 contains six subjects covering private client work, property transactions, and criminal law. The subjects receive relatively equal weighting with ethics integrated throughout.

FLK2 Subject Breakdown:

• Property Practice: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK2)

• Land Law: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK2)

• Wills and Administration of Estates: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK2)

• Trusts Law: 20-29 questions (11-16% of FLK2)

• Criminal Law: 10-15 questions (6-8% of FLK2)

• Criminal Practice: 10-15 questions (6-8% of FLK2)

• Ethics and Professional Conduct: 18-36 questions (10-20% of FLK2)

The major subjects (Property Practice, Land Law, Wills, Trusts) cover core private client and property work essential for solicitor practice. Criminal Law focuses on substantive offences, defences, and elements of crimes, while Criminal Practice covers procedure, evidence, and sentencing. Ethics questions appear throughout all subjects, focusing on professional conduct principles relevant to each practice area.

How much of SQE1 covers ethics and professional conduct?

Ethics and Professional Conduct questions can comprise 10-20% of questions in both FLK1 and FLK2, according to the 2025 SRA Assessment Specification. This represents 18-36 questions per paper, or 36-72 questions across the entire SQE1 assessment.

Ethics Distribution Rules

• 10-20% range of questions in each paper

• Money laundering questions assessed in FLK1 only

• Professional conduct tested across all subject areas

• Solicitors' Code of Conduct principles integrated throughout

Rather than appearing as standalone questions, ethics content is embedded within substantive law questions, requiring candidates to consider both legal principles and professional obligations simultaneously.

How should I allocate study time based on SQE1 question distribution?

Effective study time allocation should reflect the FLK1 and FLK2 question distribution, with balanced preparation across both papers and dedicated time for ethics and professional conduct.

FLK1 Study Time Allocation (45% of total study time)

FLK1 Subject Time Allocation:

• Business Law and Practice: 18% of FLK1 study time

• Contract Law: 18% of FLK1 study time

• Tort Law: 18% of FLK1 study time

• Dispute Resolution: 18% of FLK1 study time

• Legal System of England and Wales: 14% of FLK1 study time

• Constitutional and Administrative Law: 14% of FLK1 study time

FLK2 Study Time Allocation (45% of total study time)

FLK2 Subject Time Allocation:

• Property Practice: 18% of FLK2 study time

• Land Law: 18% of FLK2 study time

• Wills and Administration of Estates: 18% of FLK2 study time

• Trusts Law: 18% of FLK2 study time

• Criminal Law: 14% of FLK2 study time

• Criminal Practice: 14% of FLK2 study time

Ethics and Professional Conduct (10% of total study time)

Ethics requires dedicated study time separate from subject integration:

• Solicitors' Code of Conduct: 25% of ethics study time

• Professional principles and client care: 25% of ethics study time

• Money laundering prevention: 25% of ethics study time

• Regulatory compliance and reporting: 25% of ethics study time

Does SQE1 question distribution vary between sittings?

Yes, the SRA explicitly states that question distribution is not necessarily even across all subject areas between different sittings. While the blueprint percentages provide guidance, actual question numbers can vary within these ranges.

Candidates should prepare for all topics within the specified ranges rather than expecting exact question counts. The SRA's blueprint percentages represent the most reliable guidance for preparation planning.

What changes have been made to SQE1 question distribution for 2025?

The 2025 SRA Assessment Specification, updated on 30 April 2025, confirmed no substantive changes to the content areas or question distribution structure. The 12 FLK areas and 360-question format remain unchanged from previous years.

The key 2025 update was clarifying that Ethics and Professional Conduct questions can comprise 10-20% of questions in each paper, with money laundering questions confirmed as FLK1 only. This provides candidates with clearer expectations for preparation planning.