How long is the SIE exam?
Verified from FINRA, last checked 2026-04-24. Quick answer below, then the full breakdown.
The SIE exam is 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 minutes) to answer 85 questions. That works out to roughly 74 seconds per question. The clock keeps running through any breaks you take.
SIE exam time allocation:
Total Time: 105 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes)
Total Questions: 85
Time Per Question: ~74 seconds average
Time-management tips:
- Cap any single question at about 90 seconds, then flag and move on
- Use the flag-and-return feature for tough questions
- Plan to finish with 10-15 minutes of buffer for review
- Breaks are allowed but the clock does not pause
Most candidates finish with time to spare. Use leftover time to revisit flagged items.
Verified from FINRA. Last checked 2026-04-24.
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