What is the SIE exam?

What is the SIE Exam?

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam is a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) exam that evaluates a candidate’s understanding of fundamental securities industry knowledge. It serves as an introductory step for individuals seeking to become licensed professionals in the securities industry.

Exam Format and Content

The SIE exam is a multiple-choice exam with 85 questions, including 75 scored questions and 10 pretest questions. Candidates have one hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam. The exam covers various topics related to the securities industry, including:

Key Facts

  1. Purpose: The SIE exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information and is one of the first steps towards becoming a licensed professional in the securities industry.
  2. Exam Format: The SIE exam is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 85 questions, with 75 scored questions and 10 pretest questions. The exam must be completed within one hour and 45 minutes.
  3. Passing Score: To pass the SIE exam, a candidate must score at least 70%.
  4. Exam Content: The SIE exam covers various topics related to the securities industry, including capital markets, products and their risks, trading, customer accounts, prohibited activities, and the regulatory framework.
  5. Eligibility: Anyone who is 18 years of age or older can take the SIE exam. There is no requirement to be sponsored by a member firm to take the SIE exam. However, sponsorship is required for representative level qualification exams.
  6. Exam Fee: The exam fee for the SIE exam is $80.
  7. Exam Preparation: It is recommended to prepare for the SIE exam by registering for a study package or utilizing study materials provided by reputable sources.
  • Capital markets
  • Products and their risks
  • Trading
  • Customer accounts
  • Prohibited activities
  • Regulatory framework

Eligibility and Exam Fee

Individuals aged 18 or older are eligible to take the SIE exam. Sponsorship by a member firm is not required for the SIE exam. However, it is necessary for representative level qualification exams. The exam fee is $80.

Exam Preparation

Adequate preparation is crucial for success on the SIE exam. Candidates can register for study packages or utilize study materials from reputable sources to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the exam content.

Sources

FAQs

What is the SIE exam?

The SIE exam is a FINRA exam that assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information. It is one of the first steps towards becoming a licensed professional in the securities industry.

Who can take the SIE exam?

Anyone who is 18 years of age or older can take the SIE exam. There is no requirement to be sponsored by a member firm to take the SIE exam. However, sponsorship is required for representative level qualification exams.

What is the format of the SIE exam?

The SIE exam is a multiple-choice exam consisting of 85 questions, with 75 scored questions and 10 pretest questions. The exam must be completed within one hour and 45 minutes.

What is the passing score for the SIE exam?

To pass the SIE exam, a candidate must score at least 70%.

What topics are covered on the SIE exam?

The SIE exam covers various topics related to the securities industry, including capital markets, products and their risks, trading, customer accounts, prohibited activities, and the regulatory framework.

How can I prepare for the SIE exam?

It is recommended to prepare for the SIE exam by registering for a study package or utilizing study materials provided by reputable sources.

How much does the SIE exam cost?

The exam fee for the SIE exam is $80.

What are the benefits of passing the SIE exam?

Passing the SIE exam demonstrates to potential employers that you have a basic understanding of the securities industry. It can also increase your marketability in the financial services industry.