SQE1 consists of two Functioning Legal Knowledge assessments, FLK1 and FLK2, each split into two computer-based sessions of 85 single best answer questions in 153 minutes. It is closed book, and questions are randomised across subjects, so stamina and mixed-subject practice matter as much as knowledge. Here is how an LMS helps law schools and prep providers.

What SQE1 looks like

According to the SRA's SQE1 specification, FLK1 and FLK2 are each split into two sessions covering set subjects; FLK1's first session, for example, covers Business Law and Practice, Dispute Resolution and Legal Services. Each question has five possible answers with one correct answer, questions within a session are fully randomised across its subjects, and the assessments are closed book. The SRA's assessment day guidance describes 85 questions per session, each session lasting 2 hours 33 minutes at a computer workstation, with a scheduled break between sessions. Check the SRA's current guidance before each sitting.

Why it is tough to prepare for

  • Volume: four long sessions across two assessments demand serious stamina.
  • Mixed subjects: randomisation means candidates cannot settle into one subject at a time.
  • Closed book: everything must be recalled from memory.
  • Single best answer: several options can look plausible, so careful reading matters.

How a good LMS helps

  • Session-length mocks: build papers with 85 questions and the real 153-minute duration, so candidates rehearse each session under true conditions.
  • Mixed, randomised papers: draw questions across a session's subjects and randomise the order, mirroring the real exam rather than subject-by-subject quizzes.
  • Large tagged banks: tag questions by subject and topic, so you can build both targeted drills and mixed mocks from the same library.
  • Topic results: every result breaks down by topic, so tutors can see that a candidate is strong in contract law but weak in land law.
  • Item analysis: find questions where two options are both arguable, and fix them.
  • Scale: bulk import, cohort scheduling and exportable reports suit providers training large intakes.

Teach active recall for a closed-book exam

Because SQE1 is closed book, retrieval practice is essential. Encourage candidates to test themselves frequently rather than re-reading notes, and to space their practice across subjects. Our guides to active recall and spaced repetition are good reading to share with students.

Watch stamina as well as scores

A candidate who scores well in short quizzes can still fade badly in the second half of a long session. Compare performance early and late in full-length mocks, and build stamina gradually with progressively longer papers. Our guide to exam-day nerves helps candidates manage the day itself.

The bottom line

SQE1 rewards wide legal knowledge recalled accurately at pace across long, mixed sessions. An LMS that runs realistic session-length mocks, randomises across subjects and shows topic-level weaknesses helps prep providers build both knowledge and stamina.

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