How Long Is the SIE Test? What to Expect
Get a complete overview of the SIE test. Understand its length and what to expect through every stage of the Securities Industry Essentials exam process.
The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam serves as an introductory assessment for individuals interested in a career within the securities industry. This exam is designed to evaluate a candidate’s foundational knowledge of the securities markets and their operations. The SIE test has a duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Understanding the SIE Test Format
The test consists of a total of 85 multiple-choice questions, with 75 of these questions being scored and 10 being unscored experimental questions. These unscored questions are interspersed throughout the exam and do not contribute to the final score, but they are used by FINRA to test potential new questions for future exams. Candidates will not know which questions are scored and which are unscored, so it is important to treat every question as if it counts. The content of the exam is divided into four main sections, each with a specific weighting:
Knowledge of Capital Markets (16%)
Understanding Products and Their Risks (44%)
Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities (31%)
Overview of the Regulatory Framework (9%)
The passing score for the SIE is 70%.
Preparing to Take the SIE Test
Taking the SIE test does not require sponsorship from a FINRA member firm. To begin the process, individuals must register through FINRA’s website. This initial registration involves creating an account and providing personal information, which should precisely match identification details to ensure results are correctly associated with a Central Registration Depository (CRD) record.
The examination fee for the SIE is $80. Once registered with FINRA and having received a FINRA ID or CRD number, candidates can then schedule their exam appointment through Prometric, FINRA’s third-party testing partner. Candidates have a 120-day window from registration to schedule and take their exam, with options for testing at a Prometric center or remotely online.
The SIE Test Day Experience
On the day of the exam, candidates should plan to arrive at the testing center approximately 30 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. Upon arrival, test takers are required to present one valid, unexpired government-issued identification that includes both a photo and a signature, such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID. The name on the identification must exactly match the name used during registration.
During check-in, the testing center staff will typically take a photo and signature, and may also require an electronic fingerprint or palm scan to verify identity. All personal items, including electronic devices, watches, and study materials, must be stored in a locker; no personal belongings are permitted in the testing room. The exam is administered via computer, and a brief tutorial on navigating the testing software is provided before the exam begins.
Receiving Your SIE Test Results
Upon completing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, an unofficial pass or fail notification is displayed on the computer screen directly at the testing center. While a numeric score is not provided for those who pass, candidates who do not pass will receive a score report indicating their performance across the different sections of the exam. The results are officially recorded by FINRA, and passing the SIE exam is a prerequisite for taking other specialized qualification exams necessary for various roles within the securities industry. The SIE exam results are valid for four years from the date the exam is passed, providing a window for individuals to pursue further licensing and association with a FINRA member firm.