FLK1 vs FLK2
FLK1 and FLK2 are the two papers that make up SQE1. They are the same length and standard but cover different subjects, and which one feels harder comes down to your background. Here is what each covers and how to prepare for both.
What each paper covers
FLK1 covers business law and practice, dispute resolution, contract, tort, the legal system of England and Wales, constitutional and administrative law and EU law, and legal services.
FLK2 covers property practice, wills and the administration of estates, solicitors accounts, land law, trusts, and criminal law and practice.
Ethics and professional conduct run through both papers rather than sitting in one — you can be tested on them in any question. The full list is on the SQE1 subjects page.
How they compare
Each paper is 180 single-best-answer questions, sat as two 90-question sessions, at the same day-one solicitor standard. Together they form the 360 questions of SQE1. You must pass both, and you can keep a pass on one while resitting the other.
Which is harder?
There is no universally harder paper. Candidates from a commercial background often find FLK1 more natural, while those stronger on property and private client lean towards FLK2. The usual pain points are solicitors accounts and the numerical parts of business law and tax. The honest approach is to track your accuracy by topic and put your time into whichever paper, and whichever subjects, you are weakest on.
Preparing for both
Treat full coverage as the goal, practise single-best-answer questions at exam pace for both papers, and sit full timed mocks. A readiness read for each paper tells you where you stand before you book. See how to prepare for SQE1.
Common questions
What is the difference between FLK1 and FLK2?
They are the two papers of SQE1, covering different subjects. FLK1 (Functioning Legal Knowledge 1) covers business law and practice, dispute resolution, contract, tort, the legal system, constitutional and administrative law and EU law, and legal services. FLK2 covers property practice, wills and the administration of estates, solicitors accounts, land law, trusts, and criminal law and practice. Ethics and professional conduct are tested across both.
Are FLK1 and FLK2 the same length?
Yes. Each is 180 single-best-answer questions, sat as two 90-question sessions, at the same day-one solicitor standard. Together they make up the 360 questions of SQE1, usually taken across two days in the same assessment window.
Which is harder, FLK1 or FLK2?
It depends on your background. Candidates from a commercial setting often find FLK1 more comfortable, while those stronger on property and private client lean towards FLK2. Solicitors accounts and the numerical parts of business law are common pain points. There is no universally harder paper — the one you are weaker on is the one to prioritise.
Do I sit FLK1 and FLK2 together?
Both are sat within the same SQE1 assessment window, typically on different days. You must pass both. If you pass one and fail the other, you keep the pass and resit only the part you failed.
More: FLK1 in detail, FLK2 in detail, the full syllabus, and how to prepare.
Independent SQE1 preparation for study — not legal or careers advice. The syllabus and assessment structure are set by the SRA; see the official SQE site.