Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme
updated on 26 April 2024
The Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme (QLTS) has been replaced by the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE). Only lawyers who’ve already started qualifying via the QLTS can continue to qualify this way.
The QLTS enables lawyers who qualified in jurisdictions outside of the UK to practise as solicitors in England and Wales, and is governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). The SQE still enables lawyers who are unable to qualify via the QLTS to qualify as solicitors in the UK – there’s more on this below.
Do I fall within the transitional arrangements for the QLTS?
If a qualified lawyer has started the QLTS but not yet passed the multiple-choice test (MCT), they’ll have to qualify via the SQE route as the final MCT has already taken place.
If they’d already passed the MCT, they would have needed to complete their QLTS qualification by taking the SQE2 assessment during 2023. The final opportunity to take the SQE2 assessment for those qualifying this way was in October 2023. If they passed the SQE2, they must then meet the SRA’s requirements and apply for admission to the roll of solicitors by 31 March 2024 (inclusive). Otherwise, they’ll have to qualify via the SQE route – this also applies to those who failed the SQE2 assessment (results were released on 20 February 2024).
More information on the SQE can be found via LCN’s SQE hub.
The SRA has more information regarding transitional arrangements on its website.
"Qualifying by taking SQE1 and applying for an SQE2 exemption"
“I have to qualify via the SQE route, what are the steps?”
“I passed April 2022’s OSCE, what do I do next?”
Qualifying by taking SQE1 and applying for an SQE2 exemption
Candidates who’ve passed the MCT may opt to qualify by taking, and passing, SQE1 and applying for an exemption from SQE2. You must have passed the SQE1 to be eligible to do this. Qualified lawyers opting for this exemption must generally have at least two years of legal experience in their jurisdiction or in English law. If your SQE2 exemption is successful, you’ll qualify via the SQE route.
Given that SQE1 is available internationally, its fees are less expensive than SQE2 and the SQE1 format is less demanding than the assessments that make up SQE2, many QLTS candidates who’ve passed the MCT are choosing the latter option (ie, applying for an SQE2 exemption).
The SRA also stipulates that the QLTS MCT can’t be used in place of SQE1 due to differences between the QLTS day one outcomes and the functioning legal knowledge that’s tested in SQE1.
Bar course graduates can no longer use the system to qualify as a solicitor and must now take the SQE. There’s more information on this below.
Assessment format
The QLTS has now been replaced by the SQE. Previously, the assessments were split into two parts. Part one was the MCT. The last sitting of the QLTS MCT took place in July 2021.
Part two was formerly the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which tested five skills: interviewing, advocacy, online legal research, drafting and writing. As part of the SRA’s transitional arrangements, SQE2 made up part two for candidates who had already passed the MCT and were continuing qualifying via the QLTS.
Kaplan QLTS is the sole assessor for the SRA and accordingly isn’t authorised to provide training courses for the assessments.
QLTS School is a training provider for the QLTS, which previously offered preparation courses for the two parts of the QLTS. Following the introduction of the SQE, QLTS School has introduced SQE preparation courses.
You can find out more about SQE prep courses in LCN’s guide.
You must meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements
Applicants will be subject to a full check on character and suitability when they apply for admission. This means that among other checks, the SRA will require a certificate of good standing from the applicant’s home Bar/professional/regulatory body.
I have to qualify via the SQE route, what are the steps?
Qualified solicitors
The QLTS has been replaced by the SQE. To become a solicitor of England and Wales, qualified lawyers no longer need to be in one of the SRA’s recognised jurisdictions. However, they must:
- have a degree (law or non-law) that’s equivalent to a UK degree or other qualification and/or equivalent experience;
- pass SQE1 and SQE2 (unless exempt); and
- meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
The SRA will recognise lawyers’ existing qualifications and experience so there’s no need to complete qualifying work experience (QWE) in this instance.
Barristers
If a barrister who’s completed pupillage wants to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales, they must:
- pass SQE1 and SQE2 (exemptions are available based on previous qualifications and experience); and
- apply for admission and meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
If they’ve not completed pupillage, the barrister must complete the above steps, as well as register two years’ QWE ahead of applying for admission (ie, qualify via the SQE).
Scottish solicitor
If a Scottish solicitor wants to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales, they must:
- validate their degree (law or non-law) or other level 6 qualification (level 9 or above in Scotland), or apply for an equivalence using other qualifications/experience;
- pass SQE1 or apply for individual exemption;
- apply for the agreed exemption for SQE2;
- apply for screening and retrieve results; and
- apply for admission.
Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland solicitor
If a Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland solicitor wants to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales, they must apply for admission and meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
According to the SRA, they’re exempt from the SQE and its QWE requirements.
CILEX practitioner or chartered legal executive
If a CILEX practitioner or chartered legal executive wants to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors in England and Wales, they must:
- have a UK degree or equivalent (law or non-law);
- pass SQE1 and SQE2;
- apply for admission; and
- meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
The chartered legal executive equivalent means route is still available to qualify through until 31 December 2032 if the applicant accepted an offer on:
- a qualifying law degree by 21 September 2021;
- the Common Professional Examination/Graduate Diploma in Law by 1 September 2021; or
- the Legal Practice Course by 1 September 2021.
They must then apply for admission and meet the SRA’s character and suitability requirements.
I passed April 2022's OSCE, what do I do next?
For those who passed the OSCE in April 2022, the deadline to apply for admission to the roll of solicitors has since passed. The SRA asks anyone in this position to contact them to find out what your options are.
Other circumstances
The SRA also welcomes applications for admission from qualified lawyers who are in jurisdictions where there’s political unrest. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. If you fall within this category, the SRA’s education team is on hand to offer more information and discuss your personal situation so they can provide advice on your next steps. Visit the SRA website to find out how to get in touch.
Admission to the roll of solicitors
The SRA will carry out a full financial check and require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) standard disclosure at the point of admission, so it can check whether the applicant has a criminal background.
The SRA will also conduct a character and suitability check and require a Certificate of Good Standing from the applicant’s home professional body or regulator in which they’re registered. This must have been issued no more than three months before the SRA receives the application for admission.
Once the SRA has received a satisfactory result from these checks, it can process the application for admission to the roll of solicitors of England and Wales and the applicant will receive their certificate of admission and can apply for a practising certificate.
If an applicant doesn’t intend to practise in England and Wales following successful completion of the assessments, they can still maintain their name on the roll.
More information on the changes taking place, the transitional arrangements and steps required can be found on the SRA’s website.
