Getting Started
Everything beginners need to know about the Series 65 exam, including registration, costs, and prerequisites.
How Hard Is the SIE Exam? Pass Rates and What If You Fail
The SIE has a 74% first-time pass rate. Here is what makes it hard, who tends to fail, and exactly what happens if you don't pass on your first try.
SIE and Series 6: When the Mutual Funds Path Makes Sense
The SIE plus Series 6 qualifies you to sell mutual funds and variable annuities. Here is how the two exams overlap, the order to take them, and combined study time.
SIE and Series 63: The Retail Rep Pairing Most States Require
The Series 63 is the state blue sky exam most retail reps pair with the SIE plus a top-off. Here is how the pieces fit, the order, and combined study time.
SIE and Series 65: The IAR Path Without a Top-Off
The Series 65 qualifies you as an investment adviser representative. Here is how it relates to the SIE, who needs both, and how to sequence the prep.
SIE and Series 66: The Dual-Hat Path with the Series 7
The Series 66 combines Series 63 and Series 65 content into one exam. Here is how it pairs with the SIE and Series 7 for dual-hat reps at hybrid firms.
SIE and Series 7: Order, Overlap, and a Combined Study Plan
Take the SIE first, then the Series 7. Here is how the two exams overlap, how long the combined prep takes, and the cheapest path through both.
SIE and Series 79: The Investment Banking Path
The Series 79 qualifies you as an investment banking representative. Here is how it pairs with the SIE, the order, and the combined study time.
How Much Does the SIE Exam Cost? Fee, Prep, and Total Spend
The SIE exam fee is $100, paid to FINRA. Total cost depends on prep: $100 with free study tools, $200-$700 with paid courses. Here is the full breakdown.
SIE Exam Day: What to Bring, What to Expect, and What Comes Next
A practical SIE test-day guide: what to bring, what to expect at check-in, how scoring works, and what to do once you pass (resume, LinkedIn, top-off exam).
SIE and Series 99: The Operations Professional Path
The Series 99 qualifies you as an operations professional at a broker-dealer. Here is how it pairs with the SIE, who needs it, and how to study.
SIE Exam Format: Length, Number of Questions, and How It Works
The SIE has 85 questions (75 scored, 10 unscored), runs 1 hour 45 minutes, and is multiple choice. Here is how it is structured and what to expect on test day.
How to Register for the SIE Exam: FINRA, Prometric, and Scheduling
Anyone 18 or older can register for the SIE through FINRA. Here is how to enroll, pay the $100 fee, and schedule a Prometric test date on your timeline.
SIE Retake Policy: Waiting Periods, Fees, and How Many Attempts
Failed the SIE? You can retake it after a 30-day wait. The third retake jumps to 180 days. Here is the full FINRA retake policy, fees, and reschedule rules.
What Is the SIE Exam? A Plain-English Guide for 2026
The SIE is FINRA's entry-level securities exam. Here is what it covers, who needs it, what it costs, and what passing it actually qualifies you to do.
Where to Take the SIE Exam: Online vs Prometric Test Center
Take the SIE online via ProProctor or in person at a Prometric test center. Here is how each setup works, what each requires, and which one fits you.