Does passing the SIE help you get a job? What employers actually look for

Yes: passing the SIE can strengthen your candidacy for a job in finance, especially in financial services or entry-level wealth management. Putting the SIE on your resume signals that you understand core financial and securities concepts, which helps push the needle on your application.

The SIE, or Securities Industry Essentials exam, is an entry-level test with 75 scored questions (plus 5 unscored pretest items) to be completed in 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is often required for early-career finance roles and is the starting point for many licensing tracks. Many candidates use the SIE to enhance their resumes when beginning their careers, helping them stand out among other applicants and build a foundation for pursuing further credentials.

Early-career professionals and job-switchers interested in finance are often advised to take the SIE before they start sending out applications, but does it actually make a difference? Based on recent job listings and testimonials from finance professionals, the SIE continues to have a noticeable impact in the job search. When paired with internship experience and networking, it can boost your employment potential. Passing the SIE won’t guarantee an immediate hire, but it provides a strong foundation for college students, recent graduates, and career changers to understand complex financial concepts.

About the SIE

The SIE exam is an important initial step for those pursuing a career in the securities industry, as many entry-level positions either require it or favor candidates who hold it. Passing the exam also provides an advantage for future certification processes. Open to anyone 18 or older, regardless of employment or educational background, the SIE requires a minimum score of 70% to pass.

Successfully passing indicates that a candidate has foundational knowledge in:

• The basics of investment products
• Key financial regulations and compliance standards
• Processes involved in trading and selling securities
• Rules, responsibilities, and ethical standards

The SIE is particularly important for jobs in financial services and advising, wealth management, investment banking, and research. Basically, any role that requires licensing from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to sell or recommend securities or investment products will likely require the SIE as a starting point.

Even for jobs that do not necessarily need the SIE, like positions in corporate finance, having the exam on your resume can still impress future employers. Especially if you’re taking the exam as an early-career professional or in the process of changing industries, passing the SIE shows initiative, ambition, and dedicated interest. Preparing for the test is like a crash course in investment vehicles, market fundamentals, and rules and regulations, all of which are crucial to know regardless of role.

In the past, virtually all prospective financial services employees needed firm sponsorship to begin the licensing process, because the SIE did not exist until 2018. Now, it represents an important standard and a challenging yet accessible entry point for future financial professionals.

Firms and programs that require or prefer the SIE

If you’ve begun looking for jobs in financial services, it won’t take long to find several opportunities that require or prefer that you have your SIE. Some examples of major companies and training programs that mention the SIE include:

• Vanguard: Its current Financial Advisor Development Program explicitly requires “successful completion” of the SIE before the start date. Its Advance to Financial Planning Advisor program has the same requirement. This is especially useful evidence because these are career-development roles aimed at people entering or progressing within financial planning.
• Bank of America: Merrill’s Advisor Development Program has the same SIE requirement as Vanguard's.
• MFS Investment Management: Entry-level positions, such as Retail Internal Associate, usually cite the SIE as preferred but not required. This provides evidence that licensing progress can be viewed favorably even for an early-career position.
• Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan Chase, and Fidelity are other prominent firms that regularly require or prefer candidates to have the SIE, especially for advisor-track positions.

Take this contributor to Achievable’s online forum, who shared their experience on the job market without the SIE:

“I applied for one of the top five largest wealth management firms (on a path to become a wealth manager). I had an interview with the local office and a Zoom interview with the corporate office. A few weeks later, I got a call back. They said it was really difficult between the other candidate and me. We both basically did perfectly in the interview, and they really liked both of us, but they went with the other candidate because they already had their SIE.”

In this case, both candidates were very similar, but the SIE gave one a clear edge over the other. Digging into specific companies and positions, Fidelity’s Licensing Accelerator Program shares this quote from a member of the client services candidate experience team: “If you’re successful in passing the SIE exam, you’ve got that extra oomph on your resume, making you more of a top candidate for us when we’re thinking about full-time offers.” The SIE puts you in a better position to earn an entry-level role as a customer relationship advocate or similar position across companies. Employers treat the credential both as a positive candidate qualification and an important step toward eventual registration.

The role the SIE plays in licensing and career advancement

The SIE is a critical first step for securing a job in finance and obtaining additional FINRA securities licenses. Whether pursuing roles such as financial advisor, private wealth associate, or trading representative, candidates typically need to pass the SIE exam. It establishes the core knowledge necessary for a successful career. Earning licenses such as the Series 7, which permits the sale of various financial products, requires passing the SIE first. The exam covers key topics, including stocks, bonds, market mechanics, options, and securities regulations, areas every finance professional must understand.

Unlike other financial licensing exams, the SIE can be taken by students, recent graduates, and professionals at any level, regardless of field. This enables people from diverse backgrounds to demonstrate their financial know-how and make a significant career switch. Employers value candidates with the SIE because:

• Instead of paying for employee SIE exams and waiting for them to pass, having candidates complete the SIE beforehand saves time and cuts initial training costs.
• The exam shows that a new hire possesses the finance knowledge required for entry-level duties.
• It indicates they are ready to pursue additional FINRA licensing exams needed for advanced roles.

Preparing for the SIE typically takes two to four weeks of dedicated study, plus the $100 registration fee (which the firm usually pays, and which does not include the cost of prep materials). If you earn your SIE in advance, employers can put you to work immediately instead of waiting for you to complete the exam during onboarding.

Many new hires in the financial sector are, unfortunately, let go each year for not passing FINRA exams. Although the SIE does not designate someone as FINRA-registered, it paves the way for future registration with a firm, broker-dealer, or SRO. Demonstrating that you can pass the SIE before starting can increase an employer’s confidence in your ability to fulfill future licensing requirements, like the Series 6, Series 7, or other tests, required for continued employment.

What’s more, your SIE stays valid for four years after passing, providing ample time and flexibility for your job search. During this period, you can also pursue other exams that do not require employment at a FINRA-registered firm, such as the:

• Series 63: Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam
• Series 65: Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam
• Series 66: Uniform Combined State Law Exam

These exams are crucial for certifying that a financial professional can transact securities, advise clients on products, or perform both activities in a given state. Some job postings will even list them as requirements, especially if the position is meant to fast-track candidates to general representative or related securities roles.

Of course, it all begins with the SIE. Jim Toes, President and CEO of the Security Traders Association (STA), a major professional association representing securities-industry professionals, had this to say after announcing an SIE education initiative: “The SIE Exam … is now the mandatory first step to all securities licensing.” He specifically emphasized its relevance beyond people already employed in securities, noting that finance students do not need sponsorship from a financial institution to take the SIE.

When is the best time to take the SIE?

The best time to take the SIE depends on where you are in your educational or employment timeline. College or graduate students, for example, can take the SIE whenever it’s convenient for them; doing so before applying for full-time positions allows them to include it in their applications.

If you’re aiming for summer internships and new-grad recruiting, then you should aim to have your SIE finished around a year in advance. This may seem like a long time, but it lines up with the timing: summer internships and competitive entry-level finance positions typically begin hiring in the fall, before summer start dates. Focusing on passing the SIE the summer before gives you a major advantage for seasonal hiring.

Many firms also tend to ramp up hiring efforts ahead of or during Q1 (quarter one) of the new year. Having the SIE done by the fall beforehand means you’ll have it in your arsenal when new jobs open up.

The SIE can also be an important step in promotions and career advancement, as it was for Kellie Tillotson, an Investment Operations Associate:

“I was given the opportunity to transition from a risk-focused role in our team to a more investment-focused one. Due to my position change, pursuing my investment licenses became a necessity. [After passing the SIE], I’m excited and motivated to move on to my next exam, the Series 7. Once I complete my exams and become a registered representative, I look forward to becoming a more vital part of the team I work for and an asset to serving our clients.”

For finance professionals who already have roles lined up that depend on the SIE and further testing, time is of the essence. Make sure you’re using your study time efficiently by seeking out study programs that emphasize targeted, self-guided learning.

How hard is the SIE if you’re new to finance?

The SIE exam is designed to be accessible for beginners. Commonly cited pass rates hover around 70%, which suggests moderate difficulty. (Note that FINRA does not publish an official SIE-only pass rate.) Memorizing key details and keeping a consistent study schedule can make the exam seem less intimidating. It does, however, cover a broad range of topics, such as securities laws and the structure of capital markets.

Some questions increase in difficulty by requiring you to apply concepts logically to real-world scenarios, such as choosing the best investment for a fictional client. These questions are designed to evaluate your practical application of financial knowledge rather than simple memorization. The exam itself is non-adaptive and follows a fixed format, which means you won’t have to worry about your exam getting progressively harder based on your previous answers.

What does the SIE allow you to do?

Passing the SIE gets you a foot in the door and qualifies you to take a number of other FINRA licensing exams. It shows employers that you can complete the entry-level responsibilities required in finance roles, like routine reporting and analysis tasks, and that you’re able to successfully pass a FINRA exam.

What the SIE does not allow you to do:

• Sell or recommend securities products
• Provide financial advice or meet with clients independently
• Register as a member of a FINRA firm

You’ll need a “Top-Off” exam, such as the Series 6 or Series 7, to become fully qualified and registered with a FINRA member firm. With proper licensing and experience, you can become a trusted financial professional.

How to put the SIE on your resume and LinkedIn

Include the SIE on your resume and LinkedIn to demonstrate your understanding of fundamental financial concepts, even if your work experience is limited. You can add the credential under the Certifications or Licenses & Certifications section near the bottom of your resume or LinkedIn page. Be sure to include the organization, full name of the license, and date granted, like so:

FINRA — Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam, Passed (Month, Year)

When highlighting skills, back them up with specific examples from real projects or past jobs in your experience section to prove your competence and attract the attention of finance recruiters. Incorporate impactful finance-related keywords that highlight your background and match the skills specified in the job description.

Best entry-level finance jobs you can pursue after passing the SIE

Taking the SIE provides you with a sense of the duties and responsibilities of finance professionals, as well as the regulatory requirements and ethical standards they must follow. The SIE provides a solid baseline, and there are many roles you can explore after passing it.

Here’s a selection of industries, positions, and related licensing requirements:

Wealth management and brokerages

• Financial advisor: Helps clients develop financial plans and make decisions about investments, retirement, insurance, and other financial goals.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 6 (Investment Company Representative), Series 7 (General Securities Representative), or Series 22 (Direct Participation Program Representative) + Series 63, 65, or 66
• Private wealth associate: Supports wealth management teams in serving high-net-worth clients through portfolio analysis, account management, financial planning, and client service.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 6, Series 7, or Series 22 + Series 63, 65, or 66

Financial advising duties cheat sheet:

• SIE + Series 6/7 + Series 63 = Securities sales
• SIE + Series 6/7 + Series 65 = Financial advising
• SIE + Series 6/7 + Series 66 = Combined securities sales and financial advising
• Additional licensing options: Insurance sales, financial planning, accounting

Investment banking and trading

• Trading representative: Executes or facilitates securities transactions for clients while providing trade support and complying with applicable regulations.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 57 (Securities Trader) or Series 7 + Series 63, 65, or 66
• Financial services consultant: Helps clients evaluate financial products and services based on their financial needs, goals, and circumstances.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 82 (Private Securities Offerings), Series 57, or Series 7 + Series 63, 65, or 66
• Investment banking analyst: Performs financial modeling, valuation, research, and presentation preparation to support transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and capital raises.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative)

Operations and research

• Research associate: Conducts financial and market research, analyzes data, and prepares reports to support investment or business decisions.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 86 and 87 (Research Analyst) or Series 57
• Equity research associate: Analyzes companies, industries, financial statements, and market trends to help evaluate stocks and support investment research.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 57, Series 82, or Series 86 and 87
• Operations and compliance analyst: Reviews a financial firm’s operations and communications to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 99 (Operations Professional)

Client services

• Client relationship associate: Supports financial professionals and their clients by handling account administration, service requests, documentation, and ongoing client communications.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 6, Series 7, Series 22, or Series 99 + Series 63, 65, or 66
  • Often a stepping stone to financial advising and wealth management roles
• Relationship banker: Works with bank customers to understand their financial needs and connect them with appropriate banking products and services.
  • Licenses: SIE + Series 6, Series 7, or Series 79 + Series 63, 65, or 66

This list only scratches the surface, and many finance professionals mix and match licenses to offer a diverse array of services. FINRA itself highlights career paths spanning compliance, investment banking, trading, operations, relationship management, research, and sales. Included is information on its principal-level exams, like the Series 9/10, which are taken by representative-level employees advancing to management positions.

How the Financial Industry Networking Directory (FIND) can help in your job search

After passing the SIE, you may wonder where to find the best finance jobs. One resource is the Financial Industry Networking Directory (FIND) on FINRA’s official website. FIND is a free FINRA service that connects registered and formerly registered professionals maintaining their qualifications, including those enrolled in the Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP), with firms recruiting for employment and internship opportunities.

Ways to strengthen your candidacy

As mentioned above, the SIE is a great place to start, but it represents the floor, not the ceiling, for a competitive finance applicant. Here are ways you can improve your chances of being hired for entry-level positions:

1. If you’re still in school or considering taking extra courses, include coursework in finance, business, and economics.
2. Develop expertise in quantitative analysis tools, like modeling software, Excel, and AI prompting for financial analysis.
3. Complete internships in relevant fields, and be prepared to share how your experience fits into your career path.
4. Consider taking on part-time or temporary roles in sales, marketing, or other lower-barrier-to-entry positions at financial institutions to gain exposure.
5. Attend networking and career events.
6. Connect with financial professionals on LinkedIn and share your training and career highlights regularly.

If your experience in finance is limited, frame your background to show you’re ready to take on the field’s challenges, whether through prior technical work, a track record of fostering client relationships, or other relevant experience. For those new to financial services, the SIE acts like a “boot camp” for financial terminology and concepts, enabling you to take on more advanced work in the future.

Final thoughts

When navigating a competitive job market, it’s wise to take steps to make your candidacy as strong as possible. While passing the SIE won’t guarantee you a job in finance, it offers an excellent starting point for college students, new graduates, and career-switchers to gain a foothold in complex financial concepts. If you’ve just begun your preparation, stay focused, be thorough, and be proud of yourself for pursuing this important milestone in your career.