What are the Key Features of the QLTS ? 

The QLTS is aimed at those qualified lawyers who wish to re- qualify in England and Wales as a solicitor. 

This overview of the process may help you in deciding to become an English qualified solicitor.

1. What qualifications do I need ? 

To be admitted as a solicitor via the Qualified Lawyers Transfer Scheme you must be a qualified lawyer in your home jurisdiction. This means that you have

  • a qualification as a lawyer that  gives you rights of audience before the Courts;
  • makes you an officer of the court in the jurisdiction in which you have qualified;
  • and has been awarded as part of a generalist (non-specialist) legal education and training 
    • 2. Do I need to come from a recognised jurisdiction ? 
  • Yes. To come from a 'recognised jurisdiction' means that you have qualified in a jurisdiction where:
  1. to qualify as a lawyer specific education and training at least equivalent to that of an English and Welsh Bachelor's degree has been completed;
  2. members of the qualified lawyers' profession are bound by an ethical code which requires them to act without conflict of interest and to respect their clients interests and confidentiality;
  3.  and qualified lawyers are subject to disciplinary sanctions for breach of the profession’s ethical code, including right to practise;
  4. meet the SRA's requirements for character and suitability. 


3. Why does the SRA consider the character and suitability of future solicitors ? 

  • The SRA has a duty to consider the character and suitability of anyone who  wants to enter the profession, and must ensure that any individual admitted as a solicitor has, and maintains, the level of honesty, integrity and professionalism expected by the public and other stakeholders and professionals, and does not pose a risk to the public or profession.
  • 4. What criteria is taken into account when the SRA assesses the character and suitability issues

The criteria is set out in the Suitability Test and include, inter alia, 

You must:

  • uphold the rule of law and the proper administration of justice;
  • act with integrity;
  • not allow your independence to be compromised;
  • act in the best interests of each client;
  • provide a proper standard of service to your clients;
  • behave in a way that maintains the trust the public places in you and in the provision of legal services;
  • comply with your legal and regulatory obligations and deal with your regulators and ombudsmen in an open, timely and co-operative manner;
  • run your business or carry out your role in the business effectively and in accordance with proper governance and sound financial and risk management principles;
  • run your business or carry out your role in the business in a way that encourages equality of opportunity and respect for diversity; and
  • protect client money and assets.


Further details of the Suitability Test can be found by clicking on the link below.

  • 5. Finally, you need to successfully complete the QLTS assessments: the assessments assess the Day One Outcomes for solicitors.

1. What is involved in the QLTS assessment ?


The QLTS assessment tests the Day One Outcomes which set out the core legal knowledge and skills which all solicitors must have at the point of qualification.

There are two stages to the assessment:

1. the Multiple Choice Test (MCT). The MCT is a 6 hour 180 question test which assesses Part A of the Day One Outcomes.

2. the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)- this assesses part C, D and F of the Day One Outcomes.

OSCE includes the skills of interviewing, advocacy/oral presentations, legal research, legal drafting and legal writing in business, civil and criminal litigation, property and probate.

2. Do I need to pass the MCT before I progress to the OSCE ?

Yes. You must pass the MCT stage before you can progress onto the OSCE stage.

3. Are the assessments done by the Law Society or Solicitors Regulatory Authority ?

No. The final assessments are only available through Kaplan QLTS which is the only SRA approved assessment provider for QLTS assessments. All assessments take place in London and are usually available twice yearly. Full details of the assessment including the dates and the assessment fees are available at Kaplan QLTS. You should contact Kaplan QLTS to register and arrange your assessment programme.

4. Who determines if I am eligible to sit the QLTS.

The SRA needs to be contacted to confirm your eligibility to sit the QLTS assessment.

5. Are there any restrictions on how many times I can attempt the QLTS assessment. 

No under the new regime for the QLTS there is no restriction on the number of times you can attempt the assessments unless you are a transition candidate.

6. How do I know if I come from a Recognised jurisdiction ? 

To see if your jurisdiction is a recognised jurisdictions click on the link below. Furthermore, by virtue of the Directive 2005/36/EC (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) applies are 'recognised jurisdictions' for the purpose of QLTS.

This is the situation until BREXIT becomes effective. 

If your jurisdiction is not listed contact us for further information. 

7.  Do I have to provide evidence of my English language level ?

With the latest amendments, there is no requirement for candidates to provide separate evidence of their English language skills prior to registering for an assessment.

But candidates should ensure that the standard of written, spoken, reading and listening English is appropriate for the assessment otherwise you are unlikely to pass. If you need help with your level of English or need to improve your skills, we have organized special courses for you. 

8.  Are there any exemptions available ? 

Exemptions may be available for lawyers qualified in the EEA/EU/Switzerland and seeking to qualify via Directive 2005/36/EC (Recognition of Professional Qualifications) a lawyer qualified in Northern Ireland or Scotland a barrister who has qualified in England and Wales who has completed a pupillage for some or all of the assessments.

Contact us if you fall within this category of applicants.



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