This guide is written for solicitors, trainees and law students in England and Wales.
Since September 2021, every aspiring solicitor in England and Wales must qualify through a single regulatory framework set by the SRA: pass the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE), hold a degree or equivalent Level 6 qualification, complete two years of Qualifying Work Experience (QWE) unless exempt, and satisfy the SRA’s Character and Suitability requirements.
What differs between the four routes is how a candidate gets to the start of that process — through self-funded study, an employer-sponsored programme, a levy-funded apprenticeship, or by leveraging an existing legal qualification.
The Legal Practice Course (LPC) is no longer open to new entrants. It survives only as a transitional pathway for those who started before September 2021, with a hard deadline of 31 December 2032.
Route 1: The SQE Standalone Route
Who it is for
The default pathway for most graduates. It suits law graduates, non-law graduates (with or without a conversion course), paralegals working towards qualification, and self-funding career changers.
Entry requirements
A UK degree in any subject, or an equivalent Level 6 qualification, or recognised equivalent work experience. Non-UK degrees must be validated via UK ENIC. There is no requirement for a law degree or for any specific preparation course.
How it works
A candidate prepares for and passes SQE1 and SQE2, completes two years of QWE in one or more legal settings, meets the Character and Suitability requirements, and applies to the SRA for admission. The order of SQE1 and SQE2 is flexible, though most candidates sit SQE1 first.
Cost
SQE1 costs £2,006 and SQE2 costs £3,086 from September 2026. Preparation courses vary widely — from a few hundred pounds for self-study materials to £15,000 or more for full provider programmes at BPP, ULaw, BARBRI and others.
How long it takes
Typically five to seven years from the start of a law degree, or two to three years for a graduate who already holds a qualifying degree and secures funded QWE.
This is the route most law students will follow. It replaced the LPC as the standard path to qualification, giving non-law graduates equal access without a mandatory conversion course requirement — a significant widening of the profession’s entry points.
Route 2: The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship
Who it is for
Post-A-level school leavers who want to qualify as solicitors without a university degree. Also used by paralegals with prior legal qualifications who can enter partway through. Only available in England — not currently available in Wales.
How it works
A six-year programme combining paid employment with structured off-the-job study, typically including four years of LLB study and 18 months of SQE1 and SQE2 preparation. SQE2 is the End-Point Assessment. Time worked as an apprentice automatically counts as QWE.
Funding
From 1 January 2026, government apprenticeship levy funding is restricted to new apprentices aged 21 or under at the start of the programme (or aged 16–25 with an Education, Health and Care plan, or care leavers). Employers can still run programmes for older candidates but must self-fund or use commercial routes.
How long it takes
Five to six years typically, though this can be shorter for entrants with prior legal qualifications.
The age cap on levy funding has significantly reduced the route’s accessibility for career changers and graduates. The Law Society is actively lobbying for the restriction to be reversed. Firms including Bird & Bird and Trowers & Hamlins continue to run programmes, with some self-funding places for older candidates.
Route 3: The Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship
Who it is for
Graduates who already hold a degree in any subject and want to qualify while working. The contemporary equivalent of a training contract for many law firms, combining employment with SQE preparation. Only available in England.
How it works
A two to three year programme. Candidates complete SQE1 and SQE2 preparation as part of the programme, with QWE accruing through seat rotations in the workplace. The same apprenticeship standard (ST0246) as the Level 7 route applies, but the entry point is post-degree.
Funding
Subject to the same January 2026 age restriction as the Level 7 route — levy funding for new starters is restricted to those aged 21 or under. Employers can self-fund places for older candidates.
How long it takes
Two to three years for a graduate with a qualifying degree.
Route 4: CILEX, Barristers and Overseas Lawyers
Who it is for
Chartered Legal Executives (CILEX Fellows and Practitioners), barristers of England and Wales, and overseas-qualified lawyers who want to requalify as solicitors.
How it works
Qualified lawyers in this category can use exemptions from parts of the SQE process:
CILEX Fellows and Practitioners are exempt from the two-year QWE requirement and from the degree validation process. They may apply to the SRA for an individual SQE2 exemption, but must still pass SQE1 and meet Character and Suitability requirements.
Barristers of England and Wales are exempt from QWE and may apply for SQE exemptions depending on their experience and qualifications.
Overseas-qualified lawyers must pass SQE1 and SQE2 (or obtain exemptions) but are not required to complete QWE if they pass both assessments without exemption. There is an important exception: Irish solicitors admitted by the Law Society of Ireland are fully exempt from the SQE and can apply directly to the SRA for admission.
A proposal to transfer regulation of CILEX members from CILEx Regulation to the SRA was approved in principle by the SRA Board in June 2024 and confirmed by the CILEX Board in October 2024. As of May 2026 the Legal Services Board has not yet formally approved the transfer. Any article on this topic should note that the position remains unresolved.
Quick comparison
Route 1 (SQE standalone) — all graduates and career changers — five to seven years — self-funded.
Route 2 (Level 7 Apprenticeship) — school leavers, England only — five to six years — levy funded if under 22.
Route 3 (Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship) — graduates, England only — two to three years — levy funded if under 22.
Route 4 (CILEX and qualified lawyers) — existing legal professionals — varies, QWE exempt — not levy funded.
Wales
The Level 7 Solicitor Apprenticeship and Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship are not available in Wales. Welsh candidates should consider the SQE standalone route, the CILEX route, or paralegal apprenticeships as the live options. The Law Society is campaigning for the apprenticeship standard to be extended to Wales.
Common mistakes to avoid
Assuming you need a law degree — you do not. Any subject qualifies.
Confusing the Level 7 Apprenticeship with the Graduate Solicitor Apprenticeship — they are the same standard but different entry points and durations.
Assuming levy funding is available regardless of age — from January 2026 it is restricted to those aged 21 or under for new starters.
Assuming the LPC is still an option — it is not open to new entrants. If you started an LPC before September 2021 you may continue as a transitional candidate until 31 December 2032.