200+ Free Series 79 Practice Questions
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Key Facts: Series 79 Exam
68-73%
First-Time Pass Rate
Industry estimate
73%
Passing Score
55/75 questions
80-120 hrs
Study Time
Recommended
49%
Data Analysis
Largest section
$245
Exam Fee
FINRA
2h 30m
Exam Duration
FINRA
The Series 79 exam has an estimated 68-73% first-time pass rate. It requires 73% (55/75 questions) to pass. The exam covers three major functions: Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data (49%), Underwriting/New Financing Transactions (27%), and M&A, Tender Offers, and Financial Restructuring (24%). Plan for 80-120 hours of study over 6-10 weeks.
About the Series 79 Exam
Qualifies representatives to work on investment banking activities including data analysis, underwriting, and M&A transactions. Covers SEC filings, financial analysis, due diligence, valuation, public and private offerings, and financial restructuring.
Questions
75 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours 30 minutes
Passing Score
73%
Exam Fee
$245 (FINRA)
Series 79 Exam Content Outline
Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data
SEC filings, financial statements, due diligence, valuation methodologies, financial modeling, capital structure analysis
Underwriting/New Financing Transactions
Public offerings, private placements, debt financing, syndicate operations, securities regulations
M&A, Tender Offers and Financial Restructuring
M&A transactions, tender offers, defensive tactics, fairness opinions, bankruptcy and restructuring
How to Pass the Series 79 Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 73%
- Exam length: 75 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Exam fee: $245
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
Series 79 Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Series 79 exam cover?
The Series 79 exam covers three major job functions: (1) Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data (49%) - SEC filings, financial statements, due diligence, valuation; (2) Underwriting/New Financing Transactions (27%) - public offerings, private placements, debt financing, syndicate operations; and (3) M&A, Tender Offers and Financial Restructuring (24%) - M&A transactions, tender offers, fairness opinions, bankruptcy.
How many questions are on the Series 79 exam?
The Series 79 exam has 75 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 unscored pretest questions (85 total). You have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam, and you need 73% (55 correct) to pass.
What can I do with a Series 79 license?
The Series 79 license qualifies you to work on investment banking activities including: advising on public offerings and private placements, performing due diligence and financial analysis, working on M&A transactions and tender offers, preparing fairness opinions and valuations, and participating in financial restructuring transactions.
How hard is the Series 79 exam?
The Series 79 exam is challenging with an estimated 68-73% pass rate. It requires understanding of complex financial concepts, SEC regulations, valuation methodologies, and M&A processes. The exam is technical and analytical, requiring strong quantitative skills. Plan for 80-120 hours of study.
How long should I study for the Series 79 exam?
Plan for 80-120 hours of study over 6-10 weeks. Focus on understanding SEC filing requirements, financial statement analysis, valuation methodologies (DCF, comparable companies), M&A transaction structures, and securities regulations. Complete all 200+ practice questions before scheduling your exam.
Do I need the SIE before taking Series 79?
Yes, you must pass the SIE exam and have firm sponsorship before taking the Series 79. The SIE provides foundational securities industry knowledge, while Series 79 focuses specifically on investment banking activities.
What is the difference between Series 79 and Series 82?
Series 79 focuses on investment banking activities including M&A, underwriting, and financial analysis. Series 82 focuses on private securities offerings and private placements. Series 79 is broader and covers both public and private transactions, while Series 82 is specialized for private offerings.