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

SQE1 topics are organised into 12 Functioning Legal Knowledge areas tested across 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. 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.

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 receives 14–20% of questions:

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. Each substantive subject receives 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 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.