The assessment provider that runs the Solicitors Qualifying Examination has won a major industry award – describing it as a ‘powerful endorsement’ of how the exam has transformed legal qualification.

The SQE has faced fierce criticism since it was introduced in 2021 as the central route to qualification, with concern over the racial divide in pass rates, the multiple-choice format and a results fiasco in 2024 when 175 candidates were wrongly told they failed their exam.

However, this week Kaplan Assessments, which develops and runs the exam, won an e-Assessment Association award for ‘best summative assessment’. The association is a digital assessment body that provides support and guidance to members.

Kaplan’s announcement quotes association director Matt Wingfield, who said when presenting the award that the judges ‘were particularly impressed by a highly professional and well-executed summative assessment programme. Judges recognised the strong evidence of impact, and the careful attention given to fairness, accessibility, and large-scale delivery. Judges also recognised the project’s thoughtful design, operational strength, and clear understanding of the demands of high-stakes assessment’.

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Kaplan Assessments managing director Zoe Robinson said: ‘This recognition by the e-Assessment Association is a powerful endorsement of the way the SQE has transformed legal qualification. The hard work by everyone on our team has been instrumental in creating a reliable, fair and accessible world-class assessment that broadens participation and increases diversity in the profession. We will continue to innovate to unlock life-enhancing opportunities through assessment.’

Beth Black, the SRA’s director of education and training, said it was fantastic to see the SQE being recognised for the work that has been done so far. ‘The assessment plays an important role in setting a consistent standard for those entering the profession and helps maintain public confidence in legal services. It is achieving what we set out to do and helping to build confidence in the future of the profession,’ Black added.

However, SRA chief executive Sarah Rapson recently acknowledged that candidate confidence in the exam was 'not as high as we would like it to be'. A survey conducted by the National Junior Lawyers Division found an overwhelming majority of candidates did not consider the SQE fit for purpose or good value for money.