IT malfunctions, data issues and delays hit SQE results

Candidates logging into their SQE accounts to view their results were able to view other candidate’s data – however, the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s exam provider confirmed that no breach occurred.

Under the new route to qualifying as a solicitor, nearly all of the 1,090 candidates who took the exam were given access to their results last Thursday. Kaplan, the exam provider, confirmed that the issues for eight candidates were settled last Friday.

Following this, the Solicitors Regulation Authority announced that 53% of candidates passed SQE1, the first of the two sets of assessments under the new qualification route.

Kaplan reported that candidates who took the exam are sent an email notifying them that their results are accessible in their account. A breakdown of their results are found on the results page, including their quintile position in connection to others in the exam.

Asked if results were visible among candidates, Kaplan said: ‘We were made aware by a small number of candidates of inconsistencies in non-exam information displayed on the website, specifically relating to name and candidate ID number. We have investigated and do not believe candidates saw other candidates’ results.’

Pressurised further on the matter, Kaplan noted: ‘Yes, several candidates saw a name and exam ID number of another candidate, but this was on pages outside of the secure log-in part of the platform, and therefore no other information was seen.’

When questioned if any of the issues had been reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office, Kaplan responded: ‘We were made aware by a small number of candidates of inconsistencies in non-exam information displayed on the website. We have investigated to ensure that no sensitive information was released in error. We have determined there was no reportable data breach but the SRA has notified their relationship manager at the ICO as part of their standard process.’