SIE vs Series 7: the facts
| SIE | Series 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Official name | Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam | General Securities Representative Exam |
| Owner | FINRA | FINRA |
| Scored questions | 75 (+5 unscored) | 125 (+5 unscored) |
| Time | 1 hr 45 min | 3 hr 45 min |
| To pass | 70 (scaled) | 72 (scaled) |
| Exam fee | $100 | $395 |
| Sponsor required | No | Yes |
| Prerequisite | None. Must be 18 or older. | Firm sponsorship; SIE is a co-requisite for registration |
| Online testing | Test center or online (remote proctoring open to any SIE candidate) | Test center; online only with an approved accommodation |
| Our prep (12 months) | $79 | $119 |
What each one lets you do
Since FINRA’s 2018 restructuring, the old all-in-one Series 7 was split: general content moved to the SIE, and the Series 7 now tests job functions. The SIE is valid for four years, so you can take it before you are hired.
Which should you take?
| If... | Take |
|---|---|
| Not yet hired | Take the SIE now; it signals commitment to employers. |
| Hired and sponsored | Take whichever the firm schedules first; most do SIE then Series 7. |
Cost of each path (exam fees)
| Path | Note | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| SIE | No sponsor | $100 |
| Series 7 | Sponsor required | $395 |
Total | $495 |
Not sure?
Rep Path bundle: SIE + Series 7 + Series 63 for $149
All three banks for one price (vs $257 bought separately). One-time payment, 12 months, free access extension until you pass.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Series 7 harder than the SIE?
Yes, generally: it is longer (3 hr 45 min vs 1 hr 45 min) and heavier on options, municipals and suitability math.
Can I take the Series 7 before the SIE?
Yes. The SIE is a co-requisite, not a prerequisite; you need both to register, in either order.
Sources
- FINRA - Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam (accessed 2026-09-23)
- FINRA - Series 7 General Securities Representative Exam (accessed 2026-09-23)
- FINRA - SIE Exam and Exam Restructuring FAQ (accessed 2026-09-23)