Entry level
SIE
Securities Industry Essentials
Securities Industry Essentials Exam
The SIE is FINRA’s introductory exam. It covers the vocabulary of the securities industry — how markets work, what products exist, how customer accounts are handled, and the basic rules firms must follow. Think of it as the foundation exam: you can study and pass it before you are hired or sponsored by a broker-dealer.
- Who it is for
- New candidates entering the securities industry, career changers, and students who want to show employers they already understand industry basics before applying for licensed roles.
- Prerequisites
- None. You do not need a job offer or firm sponsorship to take the SIE. You must be at least 18 years old.
- Typical path
- Pass the SIE, get hired and sponsored by a firm, then pass a top-off exam such as Series 7 (broker) or another role-specific qualification.
- Administered by
- FINRA
- Exam format
- 75 multiple-choice questions · 1 hour 45 minutes · 70% to pass (53 correct)
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