SIE Exam - Key Information

  • Exam content is provided in an adult-learning framework.
  • Content-focused questions help understand concepts.
  • Exam-focused questions maximize exam preparation.
  • Interactive design integrates content with questions to increase retention.
  • SecuritiesProTM QBank exam preparation tools sharpen test-taking skills.
  • Anyone interested in working at the representative level must take the SIE.
  • Passing the SIE alone will not qualify you for registration with FINRA; you will also need to pass the specialized-knowledge exam associated with the registration category required by your job function to be eligible for registration with FINRA.
  • No prerequisite exams to pass before sitting for the SIE.
  • The SIE is a 1 hour and 45 minute (105 minutes), 75-question exam (plus 10 unscored questions) administered by FINRA.
  • There is no penalty for guessing on the exam, so you should attempt to answer all items.
  • A score of at least 70% on the SIE is needed to pass.
  • The questions on the SIE exam don’t appear in any particular order.
  • The computer is programmed to select a new, random set of questions for each exam taker according to the preset topic weighting of the exam.
  • Each SIE candidate will see the same number of questions on each topic but will see a different mix of questions. -The SIE content outline is divided into four major job function areas:
    • Knowledge of Capital Markets: 12 questions, 16% of exam.
    • Understanding Products and Their Risks: 33 questions, 44% of exam.
    • Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities: 23 questions, 31% of exam.
    • Overview of Regulatory Framework: 7 questions, 9% of exam.
  • The LEM (textbook) is designed to be used along with your other Kaplan resources.
  • After each lesson, there is a Knowledge Check.
  • Check the Updates and Corrections link regularly for information about rule and regulation changes and new information regarding your exam.
  • Plan to spend approximately 60 to 80 hours following the Study Plan.
  • If you study diligently, complete all sections of the course, and consistently score at least 85% on the simulated exams, you should be well prepared to pass the exam. However, it’s important for you to realize that merely knowing the answers to our questions will not enable you to pass; you need to understand the concepts behind the questions.
  • Enroll in the exam through FINRA.
  • Exam results and reports are available at the end of the exam.