The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is an entry-level FINRA exam that, unlike traditional securities exams, does not require broker-dealer firm sponsorship. The exam tests industry fundamentals that are necessary for all registered securities professionals. These include knowledge about various investment products, market dynamics and risk, industry regulatory agencies, and broker-dealer business practices.

The SIE exam is valid for four years after a candidate passes. Within this four-year period, the individual must become associated with a FINRA member broker-dealer and pass a top-off exam (Specialized Knowledge Exam or SKE), such as the Series 6 or Series 7.

Exam Details

Exam Format: 75 multiple-choice questions

Exam Duration: 3 hours, 45 minutes (225 minutes)

Passing Score: 70%

Corequisite: One of FINRA’s top-off exams, which include the Series 6 and 7

Broker-dealer Sponsorship: not required

Exam Outline

Test Center

Prometric is the sole vendor delivering all FINRA-administered exams. Prometric facilities are located in most cities. To schedule an exam, contact Prometric at:

• (800) 578-6273, or
• www.prometric.com

If your local test center does not have favorable availability, consider testing in a neighboring city. Ask about parking when you schedule your exam. Candidates must present valid, current, government-issued photo identification. This includes:

• Passport
• Driver's License
• Military ID

Student IDs are NOT accepted by Prometric.

COVID-19 Considerations: Due to COVID-19 health concerns, all Prometric test centers require face coverings, and that all testers are free from COVID infection and/or exposure during the previous 14 days. See https://www.prometric.com/covid-19-update/test-center-policies for the latest COVID updates.

In addition, many exams allow Remote Proctoring - see https://www.prometric.com/test-takers/search/1finra for more info.

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