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74% Pass Rate — Be part of those who pass!

Pass the SIE Exam on Your First Try

683+ free SIE practice questions with detailed explanations. Our exam-style questions and AI tutor help you understand concepts deeply — so you can pass your Securities Industry Essentials exam with confidence.

683+ Questions
70% to Pass
100% Free
AI Tutor Included

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Questions by Category

Federal-Regulations104 questions
Debt-Securities93 questions
Packaged-Products81 questions
Customer-Accounts67 questions
Equity-Securities51 questions
Options45 questions
Regulatory-Bodies34 questions
Trading-Securities34 questions
Capital-Markets33 questions
Alternative-Investments30 questions
Suitability28 questions
Economics22 questions
Risk-Return22 questions
Annuities19 questions
State-Regulations9 questions
Life-Insurance8 questions
Portfolio-Management3 questions

About the SIE Exam

Entry-level exam for aspiring securities professionals. The SIE exam pass rate is 74% for first-time test-takers. With the right preparation, you can pass on your first attempt.

Questions

75 scored questions

Time Limit

1 hour 45 minutes

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$80 (FINRA)

SIE Exam Content Outline

16%

Knowledge of Capital Markets

Regulatory entities, market structure, and economic factors

44%

Understanding Products and Their Risks

Equity, debt, packaged products, options, and alternatives

31%

Trading, Customer Accounts, Prohibited Activities

Account types, order handling, and compliance

9%

Overview of Regulatory Framework

SROs, regulations, and industry standards

How to Pass the SIE Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 75 questions
  • Time limit: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Exam fee: $80

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

SIE Study Tips from Top Performers

1Focus on products section (44% of exam) - master equity, debt, mutual funds, and options before moving on
2Master regulatory concepts - know SEC, FINRA, MSRB, and state regulator roles and differences
3Complete at least 500 practice questions before scheduling your exam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SIE exam pass rate?

The SIE exam pass rate is approximately 74% for first-time test-takers and 82% overall. To pass, you need a score of 70% (about 53 correct out of 75 scored questions). With proper preparation using our practice questions, you can be among those who pass on their first attempt.

How can I pass the SIE exam on my first try?

To pass the SIE on your first try: 1) Study for 4-8 weeks, dedicating 2-3 hours daily. 2) Focus heavily on 'Products and Risks' (44% of exam). 3) Complete at least 500 practice questions. 4) Aim to score 80%+ consistently on practice exams before scheduling. 5) Use our AI tutor to understand concepts you miss.

How hard is the SIE exam?

The SIE exam is considered moderately difficult. It covers broad securities industry knowledge including products, regulations, and prohibited activities. Most candidates find the 'Products and Risks' section (44% of exam) the most challenging. With 80-150 hours of study over 4-8 weeks, most candidates are well-prepared.

How many questions are on the SIE exam?

The SIE exam contains 75 scored multiple-choice questions plus 10 unscored pretest questions, for a total of 85 questions. You have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam.

How long should I study for the SIE exam?

Plan for 80-150 hours of study over 4-8 weeks. Study 2-3 hours daily, focusing on understanding concepts rather than memorization. Complete at least 500 practice questions, and don't schedule your exam until you're consistently scoring 80%+ on practice tests.

Can I take the SIE exam without a sponsor?

Yes! The SIE exam is unique because anyone 18 or older can register and take it without being sponsored by a FINRA member firm. The exam costs $80 and can be scheduled at any Prometric testing center.