Nobody wants to think about failing the SQE2, but the reality is that not everyone passes on their first attempt. The good news? Failing doesn’t mean the end of your solicitor journey. With the right approach, revising for an SQE2 resit can be your chance to regroup, strengthen your preparation, and come back stronger.
This guide covers what you need to know about SQE2 resits — the rules, strategies, and mindset shifts that will set you up for success the next time around.
📜 The Rules Around SQE2 Resits
The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) allows you to:
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Sit each part of the SQE up to three times within a six-year period.
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Resit SQE2 even if you passed SQE1 some time ago (your SQE1 pass remains valid).
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Choose when to book your resit — though exam sittings are limited to a few times per year, so planning is key.
It’s worth remembering that each resit comes with an additional exam fee (currently over £2,500 for SQE2), plus the cost of any further preparation. That makes it even more important to learn from your first attempt and adjust your approach.
🤔 Why Did You Fail the First Time?
Before you dive back into revision, take an honest look at why things didn’t go to plan. Common reasons include:
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Weak structures: Not using clear frameworks in interviews, advocacy, or written tasks.
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Surface-level knowledge: Struggling to recall the law without notes.
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Poor time management: Running out of time in assessments and leaving answers incomplete.
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Not enough practice: Relying on reading notes rather than practicing with timed mocks.
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Exam nerves: Knowing the content but underperforming under pressure.
Pinpointing what held you back is the first step in building a stronger strategy for your SQE2 resit.
🧠 Shifting Your Mindset
Failing hurts — there’s no way around it. But it doesn’t define you as a future solicitor. Many brilliant candidates don’t pass on their first try, and what matters most is how you respond.
Think of your first SQE2 attempt as a mock under exam conditions. Now you know exactly what the assessments look like, how the timings feel, and what the pressure is like. That experience gives you a real advantage going into your resit.
📚 How to Prepare Differently for Your SQE2 Resit
1. Double Down on Active Recall
In SQE1, recognition was enough. In SQE2, you need to know the law cold. Make active recall your core study technique:
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Explain legal principles aloud from memory.
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Teach concepts to a friend.
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Use flashcards to test yourself daily.
The goal is to be able to retrieve and apply legal rules without hesitation.
2. Practise Mocks Under Timed Conditions
You don’t just need to “know” the skills — you need to perform them in exam conditions. That means:
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For the orals, for example, recording yourself doing advocacy and client interviews, watching yourself back to spot any issues or gaps.
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Writing all written tasks to time.
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Comparing your answers to model responses and marking yourself against the SRA criteria.
The more you practise like it’s the real thing, the less daunting your resit will feel.
3. Master the Marking Criteria
SQE2 examiners aren’t looking for perfection — they’re marking against specific criteria. For each skill, ask yourself:
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Did I use a logical structure?
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Did I clearly explain the relevant law?
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Did I apply the law to the client’s facts?
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Did I give clear, practical advice/next steps where relevant?
Build these into every practice task until they become second nature.
4. Get Feedback (and Act on It)
One of the fastest ways to improve is through feedback. Work with a tutor, join a study group, or swap scripts with other candidates. Honest critique highlights blind spots you can’t see yourself.
5. Manage Your Time and Energy
An SQE2 resit is not about starting from scratch — it’s about refining what you’ve already built. Create a balanced schedule that allows for steady progress without burnout. Consistency over intensity is what pays off.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Failing SQE2 is tough, but it’s not the end of your solicitor journey. In fact, many successful solicitors have been exactly where you are now.
Treat your first attempt as a learning experience. Use it to sharpen your strategy, focus on active recall, practise mocks relentlessly, and master the marking criteria. With the right mindset and preparation, your SQE2 resit can be the stepping stone that gets you across the finish line.
Remember: failing once doesn’t mean you won’t qualify. It just means you’re on the same path that many determined solicitors have already walked — and passed.