What to expect – SQE 1 exam day
What to expect – SQE 1 exam day. In today’s issue I’ll break the testing day in three parts; before, during, and after the SQE 1 exam day.
Before – SQE 1 Exam Day
One of the most important things you can do as you approach exam day is to not stress out. Yes, the SQE is a difficult exam. You got this! You have been studying for months prepping. Now is the time to remain focused and put the practice to work.
Check your location and report time. Maybe consider a practice trip for awareness of conditions. I’ve outlined 5 tips before taking the SQE exam.
As you approach the testing center per your reporting time you should expect the following process:
- Depending on the type of building and location you may be asked to show photo ID to enter the building.
- Upon entering the location, the person at reception will ask you what test you are taking. You’ll respond SQE 1. The receptionist will give you a paper with rules to read and a locker key to store your belongings.
- When it’s your turn you’ll be called up for ID verification and potentially a fingerprint scan.
- You’ll be reminded to store all belongings in the locker and head towards the testing room. No food or drinks permitted at your desk.
- Before entering the room you’ll be asked to empty out pockets, put your glasses on the table for inspection, a brief self pat down to verify no items hidden, if hair is covering your ears you’ll be asked to show your ears. Finally, you’ll need to show your ID again to be enter into the room.
- The test administrator will give you the dry erase note sheets (I have heard some people say this was at their desk)
- Chances are you’ll have other people in the room who could be taking the SQE 1 or another test.
- You’ll be escorted to the desk and the test administrator will you set you up and prompt you to the start screen.
During – SQE 1 Exam Day
Once you are settled in and review the beginning screens (rules, NDA, fit to take exam, etc.) you’ll be taken to question 1.
- The time on the exam counts down. If your test prep counted up be aware of how many questions in how many minutes. (I’ll cover more on this separately soon).
- The room likely has camera’s and a test administrator is visible through a glass screen.
- If you need to use the bathroom the SQE clock will NOT stop. Please monitor your liquid intake on the day.
- Upon completing the first 90 questions. You will be given a 60 minute break. During this time my suggestion is to not talk much to other test takers about how you found it so far. Do not second guess yourself by looking up answers / if you answered a question correctly. Use this time to decompress, maybe eat a snack for energy and relax your brain for the next 90 questions.
- Head back to the testing room 10-15 before the start time as you’ll have to go through similar ID checks to get back into the room. Allow time for walking up stairs, bathroom breaks, waiting for lift etc.
After – SQE 1 Exam Day
Congratulations you did it. The weight is off your shoulders and the hard work you put in over the previous month is something to be proud of.
If you sat FLK 1:
- Take some time to relax (maybe the rest of the day) and start preparing for FLK 2.
- During FLK 2 you are likely to experience the above steps similar to what you experienced in FLK 1.
If you sat FLK 2:
- Congratulations that is it for SQE 1. You should be proud of yourself you accomplished something amazing.
In either case:
- It might be tempting to start going through the materials and second guess yourself. Did you answer that question correctly. Did you do enough. Don’t. Take some time to let your mind breathe and relax.
The be an adult section
Your SQE 1 will likely vary slightly as each testing location will have their own process/ way of doing things within the guidelines. The above is one example. If you’e taken the SQE 1 exam – what differences have you experienced?
Read the guidelines provided by the SRA for SQE 1 assessment days.
As a reminder read what is the SQE exam for information on the SQE exam.
