SQE1 Questions Per Topic: Full 2026 Breakdown Guide

SQE1 comprises 360 multiple choice questions split equally between two papers (FLK1 and FLK2), with 180 questions each. Each question equals one mark, yielding 360 total possible points across 12 Functioning Legal Knowledge areas.

Question Distribution by Paper

FLK1 (Commercial Law Focus)

According to the SRA assessment specification, each substantive subject receives 14-20% of questions (25-36 questions per subject):

• Business Law and Practice: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Contract Law: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Tort Law: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Dispute Resolution: 25-36 questions (14-20%)

Legal Services receives a slightly lower weighting:

• Legal System of England and Wales, Constitutional and Administrative Law, and EU Law (Legal Services): 22-29 questions (12-16%)

Ethics and Professional Conduct: 18-36 questions (10-20%), embedded throughout rather than standalone. Money laundering questions appear exclusively in FLK1.

FLK2 (Private Client Focus)

Each substantive subject receives 14-20% of questions (25-36 questions per subject):

• Property Practice: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Land Law: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Wills and Administration of Estates: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Trusts Law: 25-36 questions (14-20%)
• Criminal Law and Practice: 25-36 questions (14-20%)

Ethics and Professional Conduct: 18-36 questions (10-20%), with ethics principles integrated throughout all subjects.

Study Time Allocation Strategy

Candidates should 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, while foundational subjects warrant 14%.

Key Considerations

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

The 2026 SRA Assessment Specification confirmed no structural changes to the 360-question format or 12-topic framework.

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.