The volume of material in the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE1) is significant. It’s wise to map out a study schedule as early as possible.

In this guide, we look at how to allocate your time realistically, build in review cycles, and adapt your plan as you go, so nothing falls through the cracks.

Start Early and Plan Thoroughly

Many experts suggest at least 3-6 months of study before the exam. Cramming the SQE1 is generally not feasible given its breadth. Starting early allows time for spaced repetition and avoids last-minute panic.

Create a study plan that maps out all the subjects and topics, allocating more time to those you find difficult. The SRA’s assessment specification (syllabus) is a great roadmap – use it to ensure you’re not skipping any content areas.

Begin by breaking the SQE1 syllabus into manageable chunks. There are 12 subjects (grouped into two sets of six for FLK1 and FLK2), so make sure you block out enough time for each subject.

Establish a Consistent Routine

Consistency beats cramming. It’s more effective to study a bit each day than to do sporadic marathon sessions.

Establish a daily or weekly routine that fits your life. For example, if you’re enrolled in a part-time course and working alongside, let's say you can spare 15 hours a week. In this scenario, you might study 2 hours each weekday evening and 5 hours on the weekend.

Find a schedule you can sustain for months – burning out early will not help. Use a planner or digital calendar to block out your study times and stick to them, but also schedule breaks and rest days to recharge.

You can also make the most of short pockets of time by reviewing flashcards or quick notes—for instance, while commuting, waiting for a train, or during lunch breaks. These mini-sessions add up and help keep the material fresh.

Front-Load Your Studying

Whether you have six months or three, try to front-load your studying if possible, so that you complete learning the bulk of the content at least a few weeks before the exam.

This will give you time for full-length mocks and final review before the SQE exam.

Front-loading doesn’t mean burning out early, but it means being diligent with your schedule from the start so that you’re not scrambling near the end.

If you are studying part-time while working, communicate with your employer if you can about needing some flexibility or days off as the exam approaches.

One candidate who worked two days a week alongside SQE prep recommended ensuring you have “3-4 free days to study during the week” and then ramping up closer to the exam – they took the final two weeks before the exam off work entirely to focus on full-time studying.

Building in a ramp-up like this (for example, taking vacation time or study leave before the exam) can really boost your preparedness in the final stretch when you’ll be doing mocks and intensive review.

Time-Blocking and Micro-Goals

Use time-blocking techniques to maintain focus.

For example, dedicate 90 minutes solely to one task (like “Study Trusts – charitable trusts subtopic” or “Do 20 tort questions and review answers”), then take a short break.

During each block, eliminate distractions and treat that time as non-negotiable study time.

It is also useful to set micro-goals for each session (“Today I will finish revising easements and do 10 practice MCQs on it”).

This gives you a sense of accomplishment and progress. Weekly, set goals like “Finish first pass of Criminal Law content” or “Score at least 60% on a mixed-topic quiz.” Achieving these milestones can keep you motivated and on track.