QLTS explains how it’s supporting students and challenging the traditional providers
The transition to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) has brought new challenges for law firms supporting their future trainees on their path to becoming solicitors. Historically, many firms have relied on traditional LPC training providers to prepare their trainees for practice. However, the SQE demands a different approach, one that traditional providers have often been struggling to meet, particularly when it comes to mock exams.
QLTS, however, offers a comprehensive package of 30 SQE1 mock tests and 300 SQE2 mock exams, focusing on rigorous mock exam practice specifically designed to address these challenges and ensure success.
The need for quality mock exams
Mock exams are a cornerstone of effective exam preparation, particularly in the absence of past papers and a sufficient number of sample exam questions released by the SRA.
Following discussions with our students, it is sadly clear that misinformation is prevalent in the training industry. Students have been provided with inaccurate details regarding the structure of SQE1 and SQE2. Additionally, freely available sample questions online often offer a false sense of security, given the potential for inaccuracies in the content. QLTS urges students against relying solely on such materials for preparation, and encourages all students to invest in reliable sets of mock tests.
QLTS Education Specialist Emma Quinn, emphasises the importance of mock tests:
“Quality mocks are instrumental for success in the SQE. They provide candidates with the opportunity to practice under exam conditions, identify knowledge gaps, and build the confidence needed to excel in the most practical way possible.”
QLTS’ history of student success extends back to the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS), the precursor to the SQE for foreign qualified lawyers. The SQE was substantially modelled on the QLTS. Both exams therefore have very similar formats, structures, and question styles. This cemented our reputation in the training market and gave us our track record of delivering high-quality mock tests that most accurately reflect the format, difficulty, and content of the actual exams.
👉 Access a sample FLK1 mock test
👉 Access a sample FLK2 mock test
The challenge of traditional providers
Feedback from current and past students reveals a consistent pattern: traditional LPC training providers often fall short in preparing their students for the SQE. QLTS consistently receives feedback indicating that current providers either do not offer adequate mock tests or that those provided do not meet the necessary difficulty level of the exam.
Ben Davis, QLTS senior account manager, notes the requests he receives from sponsored candidates:
“On a daily basis we receive requests from candidates who are sponsored by their law firms, however they feel overwhelmingly underprepared by their current training providers. They turn to us for our mock exams to boost their chances of passing the SQE on their first attempt and ensure their training with the firm is secured,” he says.
The QLTS solution: comprehensive mock exam packages
All QLTS courses for SQE1 and SQE2 are designed to fully prepare students and foreign lawyers to pass the exam first time. Our materials include hard copy textbooks, summary notes, videos, digital flash cards, practice questions and mock exams.
In addition, and in response to the requests of sponsored candidates and law firms, QLTS has recently introduced a new package exclusively for law firms’ trainees. This package includes access to our 30 SQE1 mock tests and 300 SQE2 mock exams. It is designed to complement existing training programmes, providing rigorous mock exam practice that ensures first-time success in both SQE1 and SQE2.
Like Lexis and Westlaw provide vital yet distinct legal research benefits, our mock exams are intended to complement the training delivered by the traditional LPC providers, ensuring a robust and comprehensive preparation strategy.
SQE1 mock tests
Our 30 SQE1 mock tests, comprising 15 for FLK1 and 15 for FLK2, are crafted to simulate the real exam environment. Each test includes 90 questions, mirroring the computer-based format and time constraints of the actual SQE1. The questions in the mock tests cover the entire up to date SQE1 Assessment Specification.
SQE2 mock exams
Our 300 SQE2 mock exams are tailored to cover the full breadth of the SQE2 syllabus, focusing on practical legal skills across various practice areas. These exams provide a valuable, authentic practice experience, enabling students to apply their knowledge in simulated real-world scenarios. Students can complete the SQE2 mocks on a unique platform which resembles the SQE2 exam functionality on Pearson VUE for the written assessments so that they can get the feeling of a real exam environment. The mocks also include instructions for interviewers, giving students the opportunity to practise the role-play aspect of the oral assessment.
Feedback from trainees
The effectiveness of our mock exams is reflected in recent feedback from trainees in several leading law firms in the UK who enrolled in our SQE mocks programmes prior to the January 2024 sitting. One trainee tells us, “I found the QLTS mock tests extremely helpful for SQE preparation. The tests helped build my confidence prior to the exam, and many of the questions were representative of the actual SQE level.” Another trainee noted: “The mock tests were very helpful. The length and format of questions were similar to those in the exam, which was useful for familiarisation.”
Trainees consistently report that our mocks are more challenging and representative of the actual exam than those provided by other training providers. Such feedback highlights the tangible benefits of our mocks.
Further feedback from trainees who have benefitted from our mock exams which underscores the value of our mock exams in providing realistic, challenging practice that prepares candidates for the actual exam includes:
“The mocks tested niche topics which I found helpful to fill in gaps in my knowledge. They were also on the more challenging side, so it allowed me to be mentally prepared for challenging exams.”
“I liked how some scenarios matched with questions in the real exam. There were many questions I found familiar, if not the same as QLTS ones.”
“Mock tests were useful in the week leading up to the exam to practice the style of questions that would come up in the exam, to gain more practice and to complete questions under timed conditions.”
“I had several questions in my SQE exam that were very close to QLTS questions, so they are very well drafted.”
In the competitive landscape of the SQE, QLTS mock exams provide a critical edge. With pass rates often in the low 50s, thorough preparation is essential. Our widely acclaimed mock tests significantly increase the chances of passing by providing rigorous, realistic practice.
Emma Quinn adds, “Our mock tests are designed not only to prepare candidates in legal knowledge but also to develop the stamina and concentration needed for the lengthy digital exam. This combination is crucial for first-time success“.
Partnering for success
Investing in QLTS mock exams is a strategic decision that benefits both trainees and law firms. Our nearly 15 years of experience in legal training ensure that our mock tests are finely tuned to the demands of the SQE. This investment not only enhances trainee preparation but also saves costs related to exam retakes and accelerates career progression.
For more information on how we can tailor a training solution to your firm’s specific needs, you can get in touch at info@qlts.co.uk or call us on +44 (0) 207 117 6077.
Join the ranks of leading law firms that have already chosen our SQE1 and SQE2 mock tests and partner with us to set your trainees on the path to SQE success.
For more information, visit the QLTS School website, request a free consultation or get access to free SQE sample materials.
Join the SQE Group of QLTS on LinkedIn (with 40,000+ members)
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