SQE1 topics explained: how many questions per topic in 2026?

SQE1 topics are organised into 12 Functioning Legal Knowledge areas tested across two papers (FLK1 and FLK2). From January 2027, each FLK paper has 170 single-best-answer questions, sat in two subject-specific sessions of 85 questions (153 minutes each). Each question equals one mark. The SRA’s assessment specification sets a question-count range for every topic rather than a fixed number, so the exact split varies slightly between sittings. The question counts in the tables below were worked out for the 180-question papers used in sittings up to July 2026, so treat them as a guide to the 170-question papers.

Which SQE1 topics appear on FLK1, and how many questions does each get?

FLK1 covers commercial law topics. According to the SRA assessment specification, each substantive subject received 14–20% of questions in sittings up to July 2026:

Subject	Questions	Weighting
Business Law and Practice	25–36	14–20%
Contract Law	25–36	14–20%
Tort Law	25–36	14–20%
Dispute Resolution	25–36	14–20%
Legal Services (Legal System, Constitutional/Admin Law, EU Law)	22–29	12–16%
Ethics and Professional Conduct	18–36	10–20%

Ethics questions are embedded throughout rather than standalone. Money laundering questions appear exclusively in FLK1.

Which SQE1 topics appear on FLK2, and how many questions does each get?

FLK2 covers private client topics. In sittings up to July 2026, each substantive subject received 14–20% of questions:

Subject	Questions	Weighting
Property Practice	25–36	14–20%
Land Law	25–36	14–20%
Wills and Administration of Estates	25–36	14–20%
Trusts Law	25–36	14–20%
Criminal Law and Practice	25–36	14–20%
Ethics and Professional Conduct	18–36	10–20%

Ethics principles are integrated throughout all subjects.

How should you allocate study time across SQE1 topics?

Allocate roughly 45% of study time to FLK1, 45% to FLK2, and 10% to dedicated ethics preparation. Within each paper, major subjects should receive approximately 18% of that paper’s study time, whilst foundational subjects warrant 14%.

Do the question counts change between sittings?

The SRA confirms question distribution varies between sittings within the specified ranges. Exact counts are not guaranteed. Candidates should prepare for ranges rather than exact counts.

The SRA has changed the SQE1 format from January 2027: each FLK paper will have 170 questions, sat in two subject-specific sessions of 85 questions (153 minutes each), instead of 180 questions in two sessions of 90.

For a comprehensive study plan based on these topic weightings, see our essential guide to SQE1 study. To find the right study materials for each topic, explore our best SQE study materials guide, and start practising with 750+ free SQE1 MCQs from Law Drills and other providers.