If you’re preparing for the SQE2, chances are you’ve already been flooded with advice — some helpful, some… not so much. Between social media tips, student forums, and anecdotes from past candidates, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction.
So let’s clear the air. These are some of the biggest SQE2 revision myths that could be holding you back — and what you should be doing instead.
Myth 1: “SQE2 is just about skills — you don’t need to revise the law.”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions out there. While SQE2 does test practical skills — like advocacy, client interviewing, drafting, and legal writing — your performance depends on how accurately you apply legal knowledge.
You can’t give proper advice or construct persuasive arguments if you don’t know the underlying law. For example, in the client interview and attendance note assessment, you’re marked not only on communication but also on the accuracy of your legal analysis in the attendance note.
The best SQE2 candidates combine skill with substance. They practise using structures, but they also review their black-letter law through active recall — regularly testing themselves on key principles until they can apply them under pressure.
Myth 2: “If I practise five mocks, I’ll be fine.”
Practice is essential — but quality matters more than quantity. Doing five random mocks without understanding what you did right or wrong won’t get you very far.
Every mock you complete should be reviewed critically against the SQE2 marking criteria:
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Did you structure your answer logically?
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Did you identify all relevant issues?
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Did you explain the law clearly and apply it accurately?
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Did you manage your time well?
It’s much better to do fewer mocks thoroughly — reflecting, marking, and improving — than to power through dozens without learning from them.
Structured, deliberate practice is what builds consistency and confidence. (I also think 5 mocks is not enough to build that rhythm and time management skill you need to do well on the SQE2).
Myth 3: “You need to quit your job to pass SQE2.”
Not true. Many successful candidates balance SQE2 prep with full-time work. The key is consistency, not intensity.
You don’t need eight hours a day to make progress — you need a sustainable study plan built around the right techniques:
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Use active recall during the week to strengthen legal knowledge.
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Practise mocks on weekends to apply what you’ve learned.
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Stick to clear structures and time schedules for each assessment type so you’re never caught off guard in the real exam.
The students who pass while working full-time aren’t superhuman — they’re consistent. They build habits and stay focused on doing the right things, regularly.
Myth 4: “SQE2 is easier than SQE1.”
This one is dangerous. While some candidates assume SQE2 will be simpler because it’s “skills-based,” the reality is that it’s a completely different skill set — and for many, much harder.
SQE1 tests whether you can recognise the right legal rule among multiple-choice options. SQE2 tests whether you can recall that rule from memory and apply it in a structured, professional way.
The pool of candidates is smaller, too, so competition is often tighter. You’re not just showing you know the law — you’re proving you can think and perform like a solicitor.
The takeaway? Respect the exam. It’s not easier. It’s different.
Myth 5: “You can wing it with general preparation.”
Because SQE2 tests six skills across five practice areas, it’s easy to overlook how specific each task type is. You can’t just “get the gist” — you need to know exactly how to approach each skill.
Each assessment has its own structure and time constraints. For example:
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Advocacy: Introduction → Facts → Law → Application → Conclusion.
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Client Interview: Introduction → Questions → Clarify → Summarise → Next Steps.
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Legal Writing: Identify the purpose, explain the law, apply it clearly, and end with actionable advice.
Knowing these structures and time allocations is what allows you to perform calmly and efficiently under pressure.
Final Thoughts
The SQE2 isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. Forget the myths and focus on what actually moves the needle:
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Solid legal knowledge through active recall.
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Regular mock practice with reflection and feedback.
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Clear structures and effective time management.
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A consistent study routine — even if you’re balancing full-time work.
It’s not easier than SQE1 — it’s a different challenge. But with the right strategy, you can absolutely pass it while managing the rest of your life.
So next time you hear someone say, “SQE2 is just skills,” or “you can cram with a few mocks,” you’ll know better — and you’ll be preparing better.