FINRA Exams

Everything You Need to Know About FINRA Exams and Licenses

If you’re planning a career in the financial services industry, passing a FINRA exam is a crucial step. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) oversees the licensing and regulation of brokers, investment advisers, and other financial professionals in the United States. With a range of required exams, FINRA ensures that industry professionals are qualified to serve and protect investors. Whether you’re preparing for the SIE, Series 7, Series 63, or another exam, understanding what to expect—and how to prepare—is essential.

What Is a FINRA Exam?

A FINRA exam is a qualifying test that individuals must pass to obtain a FINRA license. Each exam assesses knowledge specific to the type of financial work the individual intends to perform. Some exams focus on general securities knowledge, while others concentrate on more specialized areas such as options trading, municipal securities, or compliance supervision.

The most common entry point is the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. This is a foundational test covering basic concepts such as the structure of the securities industry, types of investment products, regulatory agencies, and fundamental economics. Once you pass the SIE, you’ll still need to pass a top-off exam (such as Series 6 or Series 7) to obtain a full FINRA license and begin working in a registered capacity.

Common FINRA Exams

FINRA administers a wide range of exams, including:

• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)
• Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative
• Series 7 – General Securities Representative
• Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam
• Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam
• Series 66 – Combined State Law Exam
• Series 24 – General Securities Principal
• Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative

Each exam has its own scope, prerequisites, and difficulty level, so understanding your career path will help determine which exams you’ll need to take.

How to Register for a FINRA Exam

To take a FINRA exam, you must register through the appropriate channel:

• For the SIE exam, individuals can self-enroll through FINRA’s website using their FINRA account.
• For representative-level exams (like Series 6 or Series 7), you must be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm or another self-regulatory organization (SRO).

Once registered, candidates schedule their exam at a Prometric testing center or, in some cases, online through remote proctoring.

What to Expect on Test Day

FINRA exams are computer-based and consist of multiple-choice questions. Each exam has a different time limit and number of questions, but they are all closed-book and strictly monitored. You’ll need to bring valid photo identification and arrive early to allow time for check-in procedures.

On exam day, you’ll be provided with an on-screen calculator, scratch paper, and writing utensils. You’ll also complete a tutorial and survey before beginning the actual test. After finishing the exam, you’ll receive an immediate pass/fail result, with a performance breakdown by topic.

FINRA Test Prep: How to Prepare

FINRA exams are known for being rigorous, so thorough test preparation is key. A solid FINRA test prep plan should include:

• Official exam outlines: Start by downloading the exam content outline from FINRA’s website. This shows you exactly what topics will be covered.
• Study guides and textbooks: Use reputable, exam-specific materials to build your knowledge base.
• Flashcards and summaries: These are great for reinforcing definitions, formulas, and key concepts.
• Practice tests: Taking full-length, timed practice exams will help you build confidence, identify weak areas, and improve your pacing. Our site offers free FINRA practice tests for many of the most popular exams.
• Study schedules: Plan your study time over several weeks to avoid cramming and to allow for consistent review.

Some candidates also find it helpful to join study groups or enroll in prep courses that offer structured learning environments.

Why Passing a FINRA Exam Matters

Passing a FINRA exam demonstrates your competence and commitment to ethical standards in the securities industry. Once you’re licensed, you’ll be legally allowed to sell investment products, advise clients, or supervise trading activity, depending on your role. It’s a vital milestone in your financial career.

Moreover, FINRA licenses often open the door to new job opportunities, promotions, and higher earning potential. Employers view these licenses as a sign that you’re ready to handle the responsibilities of a registered representative or principal.

Final Thoughts

Earning a FINRA license begins with passing the right FINRA exam—and that starts with strong preparation. With the right resources and dedication, you can meet the challenge and take the next step in your financial services career. Use the free FINRA practice tests on our site to test your knowledge, refine your strategy, and build the confidence you need to succeed.