Question 1

What is the SIE exam passing score?

Accepted Answer

The SIE passing score is 70%, meaning you need at least 53 correct out of 75 scored questions. The exam also includes 10 unscored pretest questions for a total of 85, but only the 75 operational questions count toward your result.

Question 2

How much does the SIE exam cost?

Accepted Answer

The SIE exam fee is $100, payable to FINRA when you schedule through Prometric. This covers one attempt. If you fail, you pay the full fee again for each retake after the required waiting period.

Question 3

How long is the SIE exam?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

How many questions are on the SIE exam?

Accepted Answer

The SIE exam has 85 total questions: 75 scored questions and 10 unscored pretest questions. The pretest questions are mixed randomly throughout the exam, so you cannot tell which ones count.

Question 5

What sections are on the SIE exam?

Accepted Answer

The SIE has four sections: Knowledge of Capital Markets (16%), Understanding Products and Their Risks (44%), Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities (31%), and Overview of the Regulatory Framework (9%).

Question 6

Do you need a sponsor to take the SIE?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike the Series 6 or Series 7, the SIE does not require sponsorship by a FINRA member firm. Anyone 18 or older can register directly with FINRA and sit for the exam.

Question 7

How long is an SIE pass valid?

Accepted Answer

A passing SIE result is valid for four years. If you do not pass a qualifying representative-level top-off exam (Series 6, 7, 22, 79, 82, 86/87, 99) within four years of passing the SIE, you will need to retake the SIE.

Question 8

What exams come after the SIE?

Accepted Answer

The SIE pairs with a representative-level "top-off" exam: Series 6 for mutual fund and variable contracts reps, Series 7 for general securities reps, and Series 22, 79, 82, 86/87, or 99 for specialized roles. Most candidates pick a top-off based on the role they are targeting.

Question 9

How long do you have to wait to retake the SIE?

Accepted Answer

If you fail the SIE, you must wait 30 days for your first retake, 30 days for your second retake, and 180 days for any subsequent attempts. There is no limit on the number of times you can retake the exam.

Question 10

When do you get SIE results?

Accepted Answer

You get your SIE pass/fail result immediately after finishing the exam at Prometric. A detailed score report showing your performance by section is available through your FINRA account, typically within a few business days.

Question 11

Can you use a calculator on the SIE?

Accepted Answer

Personal calculators are not allowed on the SIE exam. Prometric provides a basic on-screen four-function calculator and a dry-erase board with marker for any scratch work you need to do.

Question 12

Can you reschedule the SIE exam?

Accepted Answer

You can reschedule your SIE exam through Prometric. Changes made 10+ business days before your appointment are free; changes made 3-10 business days out incur a $50 fee; changes within 2 business days forfeit the full $100 exam fee.

Question 13

Where can you take the SIE exam?

Accepted Answer

The SIE is administered at Prometric testing centers nationwide, with roughly 350 locations across the US. You can also take it via Prometric ProProctor online from home if you meet the system and environment requirements.

SIE Exam FAQ

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