All the preparation in the world won’t help if exam day goes sideways.

From managing time under pressure to staying calm and focused, your exam-day strategy can be just as important as your revision. In this guide, we cover practical tips to help you perform at your best when it matters most.

Booking your SQE1 and SQE2

The Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) is administered by Kaplan on behalf of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and is offered several times throughout the year. Exams can be taken at a range of Pearson VUE test centres across England and Wales and internationally, and bookings are made through your online SQE account.

It’s important to be aware of the booking window for certain assessment dates, as securing your preferred test centre and date requires early action.

The SQE1 and SQE2 exams have specific assessment date windows. For SQE1, the assessment window typically spans two weeks, while SQE2 is spread across five half-days. Within these periods, you have the flexibility to choose a location and time with the test centre search tool.

These slots can fill up quickly, and booking in good time can make a big difference. Taking your exam at a convenient location helps minimise travel-related stress, allowing you to arrive calm, focused, and ready.

When selecting a test centre, consider practical logistics such as transport links, parking availability and any accessibility needs you may have. These factors all contribute to a smoother experience.

The Pearson VUE Test Centres for Kaplan SQE Assessment

Staying composed on exam day is just as critical as knowing the law, especially given the intensity of the assessment centre environment and the structure of the SQE1 exam itself. It is important to check the test centre information link for details such as directions, parking, and access considerations.

Kaplan enforces strict check-in procedures: you’ll need two valid forms of ID—a primary photo ID (passport or photocard driving licence) and a secondary form bearing your name and signature (e.g. signed bank card). It is also essential to check available test centres and active Pearson test centres as their availability may vary.

The names must match your registration exactly, or you risk being denied entry and losing your exam fee. You’ll also be photographed, sign electronically, and undergo an eyewear inspection.

These steps can feel intrusive or fluster-inducing, so it helps to mentally visualise the whole process in advance—rehearse how you’ll stay calm, steady your breathing, and maintain focus.

Controlling Your Mindset

Once inside, shut out distractions. Don’t fixate on other candidates—how fast they’re working, when they finish, or whether they seem confident. Their pace is irrelevant. Focus on what you can control: your mindset and your answers.

Questions appear in a randomised order, so you might hit a run of tough ones. When that happens, avoid spiralling. 

Perform a micro-reset after every question: take a breath, unclench your jaw, and clear your mind before moving to the next. This keeps you mentally steady and prevents one difficult patch from clouding the rest of the exam.

Check in with yourself regularly—ask: “Am I okay? Am I focused?” If stress creeps in, use grounding techniques like visualisation or short affirmations. Remind yourself of the preparation you’ve put in and that you are capable of handling this.

Most importantly, keep going. It’s easy to feel like the exam is slipping away from you, but it’s never over until it’s over. Many candidates pass even when they’re convinced they’ve failed. Keep answering, stay calm, and trust the work you’ve done.