SIE Exam Prep

The SIE Exam is your gateway into the securities industry

The SIE Exam tests your understanding of how markets work, how investments are structured, and the ethical standards that guide the industry. By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll gain the confidence and credibility to take the next step toward a successful career in financial services.

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  • SIE Exam Prep

    Master the key topics & pass the SIE Exam on your 1st try with this complete review course.

    START NOW FOR FREE

  • Register for FREE access to:

    • Comprehensive SIE Study Guide
    • 2,200+ practice questions with explanations
    • 150+ Digital Flashcards
    • AI Study Companion
    • Instructor Support
    • SIE Community & more
    • Add full-length SIE Practice Exams for just $29.00

  • Master the Exam Topics with the SIE Study Guide, Flashcards & More

  • Get Hands-On with 2,200+ Practice Questions in the SIE Study Bank

  • Personalized Feedback to Zero-In On Your Weakest Topics with Precision

  • Supercharge Your Exam Prep with a 24/7 AI Study Companion

  • Quickly Get Help from Experienced Instructors When You Need It Most

  • Learn, Share, & Grow Together in the SIE Community

Why Choose Acadio?

Every tool on the platform has been designed to help you make the most out of your study time

A Better Way to Prepare

Build custom quizzes in the SIE Study Bank and test your knowledge with thousands of practice questions. Track your strengths and weaknesses with personal performance data, helping you to optimize your study time.

One-Click Final Review

With a single click, create a custom-tailored final review and target the topics that will have the biggest impact on boosting your exam score.

AI & Instructor Support

Your AI Study Companion is always ready to give clear explanations and examples. And when AI isn't enough, get help from our team of experienced instructors in the SIE Community.

Proven Method for Exam Success

We've helped thousands of students pass their high-stakes exams

Focused Content

Your time is valuable. We've boiled down the SIE Exam content to just the topics you need to know to pass.

Hands-On Practice

Test your understanding by working through thousands of questions with explanations in the Study Bank.

Data-Driven Insights

The Study Bank uses your performance to show you exactly where you should be spending your time.

Support When You Need It

Never get stuck again. Get instant help from your AI Study Companion or ask one of our experienced instructors.

The Only Course You Need to Pass

  • Completely Free

    Use the best SIE Exam Prep tools in the industry for FREE. No strings attached.

  • Study Anytime, Anywhere

    Access your study tools from any device with just a web browser. No app required.

  • Access for 365 Days

    Study at your own pace with a full year of course access & free content updates.

Ready to tackle the SIE Exam?

Start preparing today with the most efficient set of SIE study tools for FREE! No credit card required.

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About the SIE Exam

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam is the entry-level test for anyone starting a career in the securities industry, covering financial markets, investment products, trading, regulatory agencies, and professional ethics. It assesses both general industry knowledge, like bond price-yield relationships and stockholder rights, and rule-based knowledge, such as SAR reporting and Form U4 filing requirements.

Passing the SIE demonstrates a solid foundation of industry knowledge to employers and regulators and is a prerequisite for many FINRA qualification exams. Whether you’re a student, career changer, or aspiring registered representative, the SIE is an accessible first step that requires no firm sponsorship, making it a strong way to show commitment and stand out to potential employers.

SIE Exam Details

Exam Format

75 scored multiple-choice questions & 5 unscored, experimental questions

Exam Duration

1 hour & 45 minutes (105 minutes)

Passing Score

Candidates must score a 70% or higher (answer at least 53 of the 75 scored questions correctly)

Study Time

Approximately 50 - 75 hours, though this can vary for each individual

Location

The exam can be taken at a Prometric testing center or online, where available

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites or corequisites

  • SIE Exam Information

    Learn what it takes to sit for the SIE Exam—eligibility, requirements, exam topics & more.

    Learn More 

  • Securities Courses

    Explore our catalog of Securities prep courses including Series 6, Series 7, & Series 63.

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SIE Exam FAQs

Is this course REALLY free?

Yes! Cost shouldn't be a barrier to starting a new career. The SIE Exam Prep course includes a digital study guide, flashcards, 1,000+ study questions, an AI study companion, instructor support, and access to the SIE Community... all for FREE. No strings attached. No credit card required. Just free :)

We just hope you'll use Acadio when you're ready to pass the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63 exams. And, of course, tell your friends about us.

Full-length SIE Practice Exams, timed and structured like the real exam, can be purchased and added to your course.

What are the eligibility requirements for the SIE Exam?

Anyone 18 years or older can take the SIE Exam. You do not need to be sponsored by a firm, and there are no education or work experience requirements. This makes the SIE an accessible first step for students, career changers, or anyone exploring a career in the securities industry.

How do I register for the SIE exam?

When you're ready to take the real exam, you can register at Finra.org. The registration fee is $80.

How many times can I retake the SIE Exam?

You may take the SIE exam as many times as it takes to pass. Note there is a 30 day waiting period after your first and second failed attempt, and a 180 day waiting period after the third failed attempt and beyond.

How long is the SIE exam valid for after passing?

The SIE exam is valid for four years from the date you pass. During this time, you’ll need to become employed and sponsored by a broker-dealer, or your SIE credential will expire. Once you’re associated with a member firm, you won’t need to retake the SIE or any co-requisite exams—your registration remains active indefinitely as long as you stay affiliated. If you leave a member firm, your registration stays valid for two years before lapsing.

What can I do after passing the SIE Exam?

Passing the SIE is the first step toward becoming a licensed securities professional. After passing, you’ll need to be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm to take additional exams, such as the Series 6, Series 7, or Series 63, depending on your career path. With the SIE under your belt, you’ll be eligible to pursue these specialized licenses and begin working in roles like financial advisor, registered representative, or investment professional.