— Real Experience from Elsa, a Birmingham University Graduate
Let me start with the results: In January's SQE1 (FLK1 + FLK2) exams, first-time candidates achieved only a 60% pass rate, with the overall pass rate dropping to 56%. In other words, one in every two candidates fails. With limited time and intensive preparation required, if you only have three months, you must be "precise and effective" — below is my practical study notes and the efficient pathway I discovered through CELE's PASS SQE learning app, hoping to help you avoid common pitfalls.
1. First, Understand: What Does SQE1 Actually Test?
| Paper | Subject Coverage | Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLK1 | Ethics (10% - integrated throughout), Contract Law, Tort Law, English Legal System, Business Law & Tax, etc. | 90 MCQs each in Part 1 and 2 | 2 hours 33 minutes each |
| FLK2 | Ethics (integrated throughout), Property Law, Trust Law, Wills & Inheritance, Criminal Law & Criminal Litigation, etc. | 90 MCQs each in Part 1 and 2 | 2 hours 33 minutes each |
Key difference: SQE1 contains no essay questions whatsoever, only MCQs (Single Best Answer); speed is crucial.
2. Three-Month "Success Strategy" Overview
Overall principle: Diagnosis → Mastery → Exam Mode
| Phase | Weeks | Objective | Weekly CELE SQE Feature Combination |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1: Diagnosis & Planning | Week 1–2 | Identify weaknesses, create timetable | Set exam dates, obtain detailed daily study plans |
| Phase 2: Foundation Building | Week 3–6 | Complete all topic lectures, 100 questions daily | Watch video lectures + AI question bank + proficiency tests to address weakest areas + flashcards |
| Phase 3: Intensive Practice | Week 7–9 | 2–3 half-length mocks weekly | Use question bank practice mode, 45 questions per session, new questions only, mixed FLK1 and FLK2 practice |
| Phase 4: Full Exam Sprint | Week 10–12 | 4 full mocks + error analysis | Pre-exam simulation (180 questions/paper) + Heat-Map Analytics |
3. Detailed Approach & My Daily Routine
1. Week 1–2: Getting Off to the Right Start
1.1. Begin with Proficiency Diagnostic Test (20 questions, 34 minutes)
The app identifies your "weakest knowledge areas." I discovered my commercial law and equity were below par, so I prioritised these topics in the first 6 weeks.
1.2. Generate AI Study Planner
Simply input your target exam window (e.g., July SQE1), and the system provides detailed daily schedules. There's also study.celesqe.com web version where you can view all learning cards that need completion.
Top tip: Don't blindly practise questions; assess first, then act — this way every hour has ROI.
2. Week 3–6: "Study + Practice" Dual Approach
-
Morning 9:00–11:00
Watch 10-min Micro-Lectures (average 6 segments per topic), combined with learning cards to organise logic. -
Lunchtime 30 minutes
Custom flashcards automatically push yesterday's unmastered concepts, using Ebbinghaus curve for SRS revision. -
Afternoon 2:00–5:00
AI question bank daily practice: 80–100 questions. Incorrect answers automatically enter "weakness basket," prioritised in next sessions. Afternoon is my most productive time, so I tackle the most challenging subjects then. -
Wednesday evenings
Attend CELE live Q&A sessions (every Wednesday evening) — tutors break down high-frequency trap questions, live Q&A is very stress-relieving.
3. Week 7–9: Mini-Mocks Build "Muscle Memory"
At least 2 Mini-Mock sets weekly (45 questions per set, 1h 15min time limit)
Check results immediately: I discovered my Trust Formalities and Constitution unit accuracy dropped to 48%, so I dedicated the next morning to mastering that chapter.
Review focusing on two key points:
- Why was it wrong — unfamiliar legal principle or slow reading speed?
- How to avoid next time — add incorrect questions to "favourites" in the app, and write one trigger phrase (Tip: write in familiar language for better retention. The app allows notes on every question, which appear in the notebook collection for easy review).
4. Week 10–12: Full Exam Mode + 72-Hour Intensive
Exam Engine Full Mocks (180 questions / 5h 5min)
I completed 4 sets before the exam, simulating real exam conditions.
Error "Second Chance"
Using CELE's document notes and question features, annotate reasons on iPad (the app's note function is extremely powerful, allowing annotations on both questions and knowledge points); quick bedtime review.
72-Hour Revision Package
Three days before exam, only review [Error Collection + Knowledge mind maps] to prevent information overload.
4. CELE SQE Feature Highlights (Genuine Recommendation - Really Useful)
| Feature | Why Particularly Helpful for 3-Month Sprint? |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Point Diagnosis | Saves 3–4 days of "blindly browsing syllabus" |
| AI Study Planner | Auto-pacing + auto-buffer, prevents procrastination |
| Adaptive Question Bank | 6,000+ questions with realistic difficulty, ≥80% accuracy auto-advances levels |
| Exam Engine | UI, timer, flag function 100% simulates Pearson VUE computer-based testing |
| 24-hour AI Tutor | Resolve study questions anytime, anywhere - extremely efficient! |
| Weekly Q&A | Direct tutor supervision, prevents "information cocoon" |
5. Common Questions - Quick Q&A
Really only 3 months needed?
Prerequisite is full-time study, investing ~45 hours weekly; if you're working, suggest starting at least 6 months ahead.
What about non-native English speakers?
CELE SQE provides AI questioning in your familiar language, and can translate all content into Chinese or other languages - very convenient.
What mock exam score indicates readiness?
Suggest FLK1 and FLK2 average ≥70% before booking; 60% is just passing, relatively high risk.
Conclusion: What You Might Lack Isn't Effort, But Method
Looking back on these 12 weeks, the secret to efficiency was actually — data-driven + timely corrections. CELE SQE provided me with "visible progress curves": every practice session, every incorrect answer was quantified and fed back into the learning pathway.
If you also want to feel "confident" when sitting the next SQE1 exam, why not download and try PASS SQE (search "PASS SQE" on App Store / Google Play), first get the free study plan overview, then decide whether to enroll in formal courses. Wishing you success - see you in the legal profession!
