SQE1 dates 2026 and 2027
SQE1 runs twice a year, in January and July. Knowing the windows early lets you plan your revision backwards and book a test centre before it fills. Here are the upcoming sittings and how the deadlines work — confirm the exact day on the official SQE site before you commit.
Upcoming SQE1 sittings
- July 2026: window of 28 July – 7 August 2026 (FLK1 and FLK2 on set days within it).
- January 2027: window of 18 – 29 January 2027.
- July 2027: a summer sitting, following the usual January/July pattern; dates are published by the SRA around 12 months ahead.
SQE1 is two papers, FLK1 and FLK2, each sat as two 90-question sessions. Assessments run at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and internationally, so availability varies by location — another reason to book early.
Booking windows and deadlines
Booking for a sitting usually closes around five weeks before it starts, and demand for popular centres peaks well before that. Treat the booking deadline as a real constraint: miss it and the next chance is six months away. The SRA publishes each year's dates roughly 12 months in advance on the official site.
Plan your revision around the date
Once you have a sitting in mind, work backwards. Set a steady daily habit so you cover the whole syllabus with time to spare, and keep the final weeks for full timed mocks and weak-area drilling. For a complete approach, see how to prepare for SQE1 and how long it takes to study.
Common questions
When is SQE1 held?
SQE1 runs twice a year, in January and July. Each sitting spans roughly two weeks, with the multiple-choice papers (FLK1 and FLK2) on set days within the window. Assessments take place at Pearson VUE test centres in the UK and internationally.
When are the next SQE1 sittings?
The July 2026 SQE1 window runs from 28 July to 7 August 2026, and the January 2027 window runs from 18 to 29 January 2027. The SRA publishes dates around 12 months ahead. Always confirm the exact day on the official SQE site before you plan.
When does SQE1 booking close?
Registration for a sitting typically closes around five weeks before it begins, and popular test centres fill up earlier, so book as soon as your window opens. Missing the booking deadline means waiting for the next sitting.
How far ahead should I book SQE1?
Book once you have a realistic plan to be ready by that sitting, and early enough to get your preferred test centre. Work your revision backwards from the date so the final weeks are for full mocks and weak-area drilling.
Independent SQE1 preparation for study — not legal or careers advice. Dates and booking windows are set by the SRA and can change; always confirm on the official SQE assessment dates page before booking.