How to Plan Your Study for SQE1: A Practical Guide to Passing the First Time
- Alex Ferra
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Preparing for the SQE1 can feel overwhelming. With 13 legal subjects, thousands of pages of content, and hundreds of single best answer (SBA) questions to master, it's easy to spend months studying without making real progress.
The difference between successful candidates and those who struggle is rarely intelligence—it's having a clear, structured study plan.
## 1. Start with Your Exam Date
Work backwards from your SQE1 examination date. Calculate exactly how many weeks you have available and decide how many hours you can realistically study each week.
Be honest with yourself. A consistent 15 hours every week is far more effective than planning for 35 hours and only managing 10.
## 2. Break the Syllabus into Manageable Sections
Rather than thinking about all 13 subjects at once, divide them into weekly goals.
For example:
* Week 1–2: Contract Law
* Week 3–4: Tort Law
* Week 5: Legal System and Constitutional Law
* Week 6–7: Business Law
* Continue until every subject has been covered.
Breaking the syllabus into smaller milestones makes revision much less intimidating.
## 3. Build Weekly and Daily Targets
Instead of saying, "I'll study Property Law this week," decide exactly what you'll complete each day.
For example:
* Monday: Leases
* Tuesday: Easements
* Wednesday: Mortgages
* Thursday: Practice questions
* Friday: Review weak topics
Clear daily objectives help you stay focused and motivated.
## 4. Schedule Regular Review Sessions
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make is studying a topic once and never revisiting it.
Memory fades quickly unless you review material regularly.
Plan weekly revision sessions where you revisit previous subjects, update your notes, and test your understanding.
## 5. Practise SBA Questions Early
Don't wait until you've finished all the content before attempting practice questions.
SBA questions teach you how the exam tests legal knowledge and highlight gaps in your understanding.
Aim to complete practice questions every week, even while learning new material.
## 6. Track Your Progress
Ticking off completed topics keeps motivation high and helps you identify areas that need more attention.
Whether you use a spreadsheet, wall planner, or study journal, tracking your progress ensures nothing is missed.
## 7. Leave Time for Final Revision
The final four to six weeks before the exam should focus on:
* Reviewing notes
* Completing mock exams
* Revising weak subjects
* Improving exam technique
* Building speed and accuracy
Avoid trying to learn completely new material during the final days before the exam.
## Why a Study Planner Makes a Difference
Many candidates know what they need to study—they just struggle with organising it.
A dedicated SQE1 study planner helps you:
* Create realistic weekly schedules
* Monitor your progress
* Stay accountable
* Balance work and study
* Reduce stress by having a clear plan
Having everything organised in one place allows you to spend more time learning and less time wondering what to study next.
## Plan Your SQE1 Success
If you're preparing for SQE1, my **Plan Your Study** planners are designed specifically to help candidates stay organised and consistent throughout their preparation.
Whether you're studying full-time or balancing revision with work, these planners provide a structured way to map your study journey, record your progress, and stay focused until exam day.
You can find them here:
* **Plan Your Study:** https://amzn.eu/d/05K21los
Remember, passing SQE1 isn't about studying harder—it's about studying smarter. A well-planned schedule, consistent revision, and regular practice questions will put you in the strongest possible position on exam day. Good luck with your studies!


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