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FINRA Series exams

and pass rates (complete guide)
FINRA Series exams and pass rates

Thinking of getting a job in the finance industry? It's not surprising as it is one of the most high-paying jobs you could have in the United States. But if you plan to delve into the world of securities and insurances, you must pass the qualifying exams administered by FINRA, which will allow you to engage in those areas of the industry.

FINRA doesn't publish pass rate data for every exam, so we've done our best to research and consolidate all the data we could find. The exact pass rates might be a little different from what we've listed here, but you can feel confident that they'll be close.

The following is a list of ALL the exams administered by FINRA with all the details you need to get the right securities training before registering to take the exam. Let's get started.

Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is an introductory-level exam from FINRA for those who want to start a career in the securities industry. This exam evaluates a candidate's knowledge of basic concepts that is fundamental to working in the industry. This includes types of products and their risks; prohibited practices; and the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies, and their functions.

The SIE is open to anyone 18 years old and above. You don't have to be associated with a firm to take the SIE. Results are valid for four years.

The SIE exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $80 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer 75 + 10 unscored questions, multiple-choice questions. The SIE exam is considered to be of easy to medium difficulty.

The SIE exam pass rate is 82%. Candidates must correctly answer 53 of 75 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

SIE exam info and key stats
  • SIE duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • SIE questions: 75 + 10 unscored questions, multiple-choice
  • SIE cost: $80 exam fee
  • SIE passing score: 70%
  • SIE pass rate: 82%
  • SIE difficulty: Easy to Medium
  • SIE exam provider: FINRA
Achievable SIE
Pass the FINRA SIE on your first try with Achievable's online self-study course. Includes everything you need: easy-to-read online textbook, 2,000+ review quizzes, and 35+ full-length practice exams.
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FINRA Representative-level exams

FINRA Series 6

The Series 6 is an exam that assesses the ability of a candidate to perform their job as an investment company and variable contracts products representative. The Series 6 exam covers topics on mutual funds, securities, variable annuities, and tax regulations, as well as retirement plans and insurance products.

Series 6 exam takers should take and pass the SIE exam before taking this test. Candidates must also be associated and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or a Self-Regulatory Organization.

The Series 6 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $75 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored questions. The Series 6 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 6 exam pass rate is 58%. Candidates must correctly answer 35 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 6 exam info and key stats
  • Series 6 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 6 questions: 50 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored
  • Series 6 cost: $75 exam fee
  • Series 6 passing score: 70%
  • Series 6 pass rate: 58%
  • Series 6 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 6 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 6
Pass the FINRA Series 6 on your first try with Achievable's online self-study course. Includes everything you need: easy-to-read online textbook, 800+ chapter review quizzes, and 35+ full-length practice exams.
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FINRA Series 7

The Series 7 is an exam that assesses the ability of a candidate to perform their primary job as a general securities representative, which includes sales of corporate securities, investment company securities, municipal securities, variable annuities, options, direct participation programs, and government securities.

The Series 7 exam covers topics on investment risk, equity, taxation, and debt instruments. It also focuses on packaged securities, retirement plans, and interactions with clients. Ideally, Series 7 examinees should take and pass the SIE exam before taking this test, and must also be associated and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a Self-Regulatory Organization.

The Series 7 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $300 to register. Participants have 3 hours and 45 minutes to answer 125 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored questions. The Series 7 exam is considered to be of medium to hard difficulty.

The Series 7 exam pass rate is 71%. Candidates must correctly answer 90 of 125 questions to achieve a passing score of 72%.

Series 7 exam info and key stats
  • Series 7 duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
  • Series 7 questions: 125 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored
  • Series 7 cost: $300 exam fee
  • Series 7 passing score: 72%
  • Series 7 pass rate: 71%
  • Series 7 difficulty: Medium to Hard
  • Series 7 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 7
Pass the FINRA Series 7 on your first try with Achievable's online self-study course. Includes everything you need: easy-to-read online textbook, 2,000+ review quizzes, and 35+ full-length practice exams.
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FINRA Series 22

The Series 22 exam tests the knowledge and eligibility of professionals who seek to work as direct participation representatives; to solicit and sell interests in Direct Participation Programs such as real estate, agriculture, oil and gas, equipment leasing, and limited partnerships.

The Series 22 exam covers topics on investment, taxation, information and privacy regulations, and analyzing investment profiles. This exam should be taken after passing the SIE exam, and after being associated and sponsored by a FINRA member or a Self-Regulatory Organization.

The Series 22 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $60 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice + 5 unscored questions. The Series 22 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 22 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 60% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 35 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 22 exam info and key stats
  • Series 22 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 22 questions: 50 multiple choice + 5 unscored
  • Series 22 cost: $60 exam fee
  • Series 22 passing score: 70%
  • Series 22 pass rate: Not published, estimated 60% - 70%
  • Series 22 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 22 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 57

The Series 57 exam is required for individuals looking to work as a securities trader representative. It measures their knowledge and competency in executing transactions in equity trading. It covers topics on trading activities, record-keeping and reporting, handling transactions, and general trading practices.

Candidates must be associated and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) to be eligible to take FINRA representative-level qualification exams.

The Series 57 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $80 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions. The Series 57 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 57 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 60% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 35 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 57 exam info and key stats
  • Series 57 duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Series 57 questions: 50 multiple choice
  • Series 57 cost: $80 exam fee
  • Series 57 passing score: 70%
  • Series 57 pass rate: Not published, estimated 60% - 70%
  • Series 57 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 57 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable recommends
STC Series 57
Securities license exam prep designed to help you pass the Series 57.
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FINRA Series 79

The Series 79 exam measures the candidate's knowledge to perform the job of an investment banking representative, including skills on advising on or facilitating debt or equity securities offerings, and mergers and acquisitions.

The Series 79 exam covers topics on data analysis, underwriting, securities registration, SEC rules and regulations, and financial restructuring. Ideally, Series 79 examinees should take and pass the SIE exam before taking this test. Exam takers must also be associated and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a Self-Regulatory Organization.

The Series 79 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $300 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer 75 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 79 exam is considered to be of hard difficulty.

The Series 79 exam pass rate is 87%. Candidates must correctly answer 55 of 75 questions to achieve a passing score of 73%.

Series 79 exam info and key stats
  • Series 79 duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 79 questions: 75 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 79 cost: $300 exam fee
  • Series 79 passing score: 73%
  • Series 79 pass rate: 87%
  • Series 79 difficulty: Hard
  • Series 79 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable recommends
STC Series 79
Securities license exam prep designed to help you pass the Series 79.
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FINRA Series 82

The Series 82 exam measures the candidate's knowledge as a private securities offerings representative, which includes their primary job of solicitation and sale of private placement securities products as part of a primary offering.

The exam's content is focused on private securities and private placement transactions. Topics covered include stocks, corporate securities, investment planning, handling customer accounts, and industry regulations. The Series 82 exam is a corequisite of the SIE exam, which can be taken separately. Exam takers must also be associated and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a Self-Regulatory Organization.

The Series 82 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $60 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored questions. The Series 82 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 82 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 60% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 35 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 82 exam info and key stats
  • Series 82 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 82 questions: 50 multiple choice + 5 additional unscored
  • Series 82 cost: $60 exam fee
  • Series 82 passing score: 70%
  • Series 82 pass rate: Not published, estimated 60% - 70%
  • Series 82 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 82 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 86

The Series 86 exam is a required test for those who want to work as a research analyst for brokers and dealers. It assesses the understanding of the candidate on the topics of financial metrics, earnings modeling methods, and industry dynamics.

To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or self-regulatory organization. The SIE exam is a corequisite for the Series 86 exam. Those who already passed Level I and II of the CFA or CMT exams may request an exemption from this test.

The Series 86 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $225 to register. Participants have 4 hours and 30 minutes to answer 85 multiple choice questions. The Series 86 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 86 exam pass rate is 74.9%. Candidates must correctly answer 63 of 85 questions to achieve a passing score of 73%.

Series 86 exam info and key stats
  • Series 86 duration: 4 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 86 questions: 85 multiple choice
  • Series 86 cost: $225 exam fee
  • Series 86 passing score: 73%
  • Series 86 pass rate: 74.9%
  • Series 86 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 86 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 87

The Series 87 is an exam required for those who want a career as a research analyst for brokers and dealers. It assesses the knowledge of the candidate on the topics of ethics and best practices for the industry.

To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or self-regulatory organization. Like the Series 86, the SIE exam is a corequisite for this exam.

The Series 87 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $150 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 45 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions. The Series 87 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 87 exam pass rate is 89.6%. Candidates must correctly answer 37 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 74%.

Series 87 exam info and key stats
  • Series 87 duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes
  • Series 87 questions: 50 multiple choice
  • Series 87 cost: $150 exam fee
  • Series 87 passing score: 74%
  • Series 87 pass rate: 89.6%
  • Series 87 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 87 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 99

The Series 99 exam is a required test for those who aim to work as an Operations Professional. Topic included in the exam covers the basic functions of an operations professional, which includes customer onboarding, management and distribution of funds, loans and securities lending, and reinvestment and disbursements of funds.

A candidate must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization. The SIE exam is a corequisite to the Series 99 exam, so in order to be registered as an operations professional, candidates must pass the Series 99 and the SIE exams.

The Series 99 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $60 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 50 multiple choice questions. The Series 99 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 99 exam pass rate is 71%. Candidates must correctly answer 34 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 68%.

Series 99 exam info and key stats
  • Series 99 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 99 questions: 50 multiple choice
  • Series 99 cost: $60 exam fee
  • Series 99 passing score: 68%
  • Series 99 pass rate: 71%
  • Series 99 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 99 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Principal-level exams

FINRA Series 4

The Series 4 exam assesses the competency of a candidate to perform their job as a registered options principal. It covers topics such as options strategies and trading, foreign exchange options, best practices and regulatory requirements, and taxation.

Before taking the Series 4 exam, a candidate must have a Series 7 license, and must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a self-regulatory organization.

The Series 4 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $155 to register. Participants have 3 hours and 25 minutes to answer 125 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 4 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 4 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 60% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 90 of 125 questions to achieve a passing score of 72%.

Series 4 exam info and key stats
  • Series 4 duration: 3 hours and 25 minutes
  • Series 4 questions: 125 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 4 cost: $155 exam fee
  • Series 4 passing score: 72%
  • Series 4 pass rate: Not published, estimated 60% - 70%
  • Series 4 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 4 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 9

The Series 9 exam is a required test for professionals who want to work as a general securities sales supervisor. It evaluates their competency in performing tasks that includes supervising sales and trade activities. It covers topics on options sales and trading, regulation, and administration.

Series 9 and 10 are corequisite exams. Candidates must be registered with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test. They must also have passed the SIE and Series 7 exams.

The Series 9 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $130 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 55 multiple choice questions. The Series 9 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 9 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 39 of 55 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 9 exam info and key stats
  • Series 9 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 9 questions: 55 multiple choice
  • Series 9 cost: $130 exam fee
  • Series 9 passing score: 70%
  • Series 9 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 9 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 9 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 9
Pass the FINRA Series 9 on your first try with Achievable's online course. Includes everything you need: easy-to-read online textbook, 2,000+ review quizzes, and 18+ full-length practice exams.
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FINRA Series 10

The Series 10 exam is a test that evaluates the competency of professionals who want to work as a general securities sales supervisor. It assesses their knowledge in approving customer accounts, training of sales and sales supervisory personnel, and the maintenance of records.

Series 9 and 10 are corequisite exams and should be taken and passed within 2 years of each other. Candidates must be registered with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test. They must also have passed the SIE and Series 7 exams.

The Series 10 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $175 to register. Participants have 4 hours to answer 145 multiple choice questions. The Series 10 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 10 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 102 of 145 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 10 exam info and key stats
  • Series 10 duration: 4 hours
  • Series 10 questions: 145 multiple choice
  • Series 10 cost: $175 exam fee
  • Series 10 passing score: 70%
  • Series 10 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 10 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 10 exam provider: FINRA
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STC Series 10
Securities license exam prep designed to help you pass the Series 10.
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FINRA Series 14

The exam is a qualification exam that assesses the knowledge of a candidate in performing the critical functions of a compliance officer, including tasks that involve compliance processes and reporting requirements. Topics in the exam include industry regulatory agencies, operation of primary and secondary trading markets, supervision of sales and customer accounts, and financial responsibilities for FINRA and NYSE-member firms.

The Series 14 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test.

The Series 14 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $350 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 110 multiple choice questions. The Series 14 exam is considered to be of hard difficulty.

The Series 14 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 77 of 110 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 14 exam info and key stats
  • Series 14 duration: 3 hours
  • Series 14 questions: 110 multiple choice
  • Series 14 cost: $350 exam fee
  • Series 14 passing score: 70%
  • Series 14 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 14 difficulty: Hard
  • Series 14 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 16

This exam has two parts both of which assesses the ability of a candidate to perform the critical functions of a supervisory analyst, including tasks that involve rules and statutory provisions applicable to the preparation and approval of research reports. Topics include FINRA and NYSE rules, valuation of securities, financial statement analysis, and economics.

The Series 16 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test. FINRA may grant an exemption on Part 2 of the exam provided the applicant has passed Level I of the CFA exam via a verified CFA Institute ID.

The Series 16 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $245 per part to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes for Part 1 and 2 hours for Part 2 to answer 50 multiple choice (per part) questions. The Series 16 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 16 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 36 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 72%.

Series 16 exam info and key stats
  • Series 16 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes for Part 1 and 2 hours for Part 2
  • Series 16 questions: 50 multiple choice (per part)
  • Series 16 cost: $245 per part exam fee
  • Series 16 passing score: 72% for Part 1 and 74% for Part 2
  • Series 16 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 16 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 16 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 23

The Series 23 exam is for financial professionals who seek to become a general securities principal or sales supervisor. The exam consists of questions on the investment banking process, trading and market-making activities, current FINRA regulations, and managing office staff.

Before taking the Series 23 exam, a candidate must have SIE, Series 7, and Series 9/10 license, and must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a self-regulatory organization.

The Series 23 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $105 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple choice questions. The Series 23 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 23 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 70 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 23 exam info and key stats
  • Series 23 duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 23 questions: 100 multiple choice
  • Series 23 cost: $105 exam fee
  • Series 23 passing score: 70%
  • Series 23 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 23 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 23 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 24

The Series 24 exam is for financial professionals who seek to become a general securities principal. The exam consists of questions on regulatory guidelines, corporate securities, trading, real estate investment trusts, and customer accounts.

Before taking the Series 24 exam, a candidate must have passed the SIE plus one of the following: Series 7, Series 57, Series 79, Series 82, Series 86 and 87, or Series 16. The candidate must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a self-regulatory organization.

The Series 24 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $175 to register. Participants have 3 hours and 45 minutes to answer 150 multiple choice questions. The Series 24 exam is considered to be of hard difficulty.

The Series 24 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 105 of 150 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 24 exam info and key stats
  • Series 24 duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
  • Series 24 questions: 150 multiple choice
  • Series 24 cost: $175 exam fee
  • Series 24 passing score: 70%
  • Series 24 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 24 difficulty: Hard
  • Series 24 exam provider: FINRA
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STC Series 24
Securities license exam prep designed to help you pass the Series 24.
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FINRA Series 26

The Series 26 exam assesses the competency of a financial professional to perform the functions of an investment company and variable products principal. The exam consists of questions on personnel management, securities industry rules, FINRA rules compliance, sales activities, record keeping, and maintenance of customer accounts.

To be eligible to take the Series 26 exam, a candidate must have passed the SIE plus either Series 7 or Series 6. The candidate must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a self-regulatory organization.

The Series 26 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $150 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 45 minutes to answer 110 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 26 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 26 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 77 of 110 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 26 exam info and key stats
  • Series 26 duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes
  • Series 26 questions: 110 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 26 cost: $150 exam fee
  • Series 26 passing score: 70%
  • Series 26 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 26 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 26 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable recommends
STC Series 26
Securities license exam prep designed to help you pass the Series 26.
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FINRA Series 27

The Series 27 exam aims to give license to professionals who want a career as a financial operations manager. It includes questions on capital requirements, record keeping and reporting, customer protection, federal reserve board regulations, and uniform practice rules.

The Series 27 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test.

The Series 27 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $175 to register. Participants have 3 hours and 45 minutes to answer 145 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 27 exam is considered to be of hard difficulty.

The Series 27 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 101 of 145 questions to achieve a passing score of 69%.

Series 27 exam info and key stats
  • Series 27 duration: 3 hours and 45 minutes
  • Series 27 questions: 145 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 27 cost: $175 exam fee
  • Series 27 passing score: 69%
  • Series 27 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 27 difficulty: Hard
  • Series 27 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 28

The Series 28 exam is for finance professionals seeking to become a licensed recordkeeper or operations principal for broker-dealers or securities custodians. Topics covered in the exam include record keeping and financial reporting, net capital requirements, uniform practice rules, customer protection, and regulations.

Like the Series 27 exam, Series 28 does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization to take this test.

The Series 28 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $150 to register. Participants have 2 hours to answer 95 multiple choice questions. The Series 28 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 28 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 66 of 95 questions to achieve a passing score of 69%.

Series 28 exam info and key stats
  • Series 28 duration: 2 hours
  • Series 28 questions: 95 multiple choice
  • Series 28 cost: $150 exam fee
  • Series 28 passing score: 69%
  • Series 28 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 28 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 28 exam provider: FINRA
FINRA Series 39

The Series 39 exam evaluates the competency of a candidate to perform the job of a direct participation programs principal. Topics covered in the exam include structure and regulation of Direct Participation Program offerings, employee management, compliance, and FINRA regulations.

To be eligible to take the Series 39 exam, a candidate must have passed the SIE plus either Series 7 or Series 22. The candidate must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company or a self-regulatory organization.

The Series 39 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $100 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 15 minutes to answer 100 multiple choice questions. The Series 39 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 39 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 70 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 39 exam info and key stats
  • Series 39 duration: 2 hours and 15 minutes
  • Series 39 questions: 100 multiple choice
  • Series 39 cost: $100 exam fee
  • Series 39 passing score: 70%
  • Series 39 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 39 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 39 exam provider: FINRA
Municipal Securities Rulemaking Body (MSRB) exams

MSRB Series 50

The MSRB Series 50 exam is intended to measure the competency and knowledge of candidates to perform the responsibilities of a municipal advisor representative. The multiple choice questions are based on topics that include SEC and MSRB rules, municipal finance, credit analysis, restructuring and pricing debt products, and issuance requirements.

There is no prerequisite for the Series 50 examination. The exam can be taken by a person associated with a municipal advisor and who intends to engage in municipal advisory activities.

The Series 50 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $265 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 100 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 50 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 50 exam pass rate is 84%. Candidates must correctly answer 71 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 71%.

Series 50 exam info and key stats
  • Series 50 duration: 3 hours
  • Series 50 questions: 100 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 50 cost: $265 exam fee
  • Series 50 passing score: 71%
  • Series 50 pass rate: 84%
  • Series 50 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 50 exam provider: FINRA
MSRB Series 51

The Series 51 is an exam required for professionals who want to sell municipal fund securities or manage and supervise such individuals. Topics in this exam include underwriting, trading, and selling of municipal fund securities, maintenance of records, handling customers, and training principals.

Series 51 exam takers must have passed the general securities principal (Series 24) or investment company/variable contracts limited principal (Series 26) exams.

The Series 51 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $255 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 30 minutes to answer 60 multiple choice questions. The Series 51 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 51 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 80%. Candidates must correctly answer 42 of 60 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 51 exam info and key stats
  • Series 51 duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Series 51 questions: 60 multiple choice
  • Series 51 cost: $255 exam fee
  • Series 51 passing score: 70%
  • Series 51 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 80%
  • Series 51 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 51 exam provider: FINRA
MSRB Series 52

The Series 52 is a licensing exam required to transact in municipal securities such as municipal bonds. The exam covers topics that include municipal bond basics, factors affecting interest rates, and monetary and macroeconomic policy.

The SIE exam is a corequisite and must be taken before or after taking the Series 52 exam. Also, candidates must be employed and sponsored by a municipal firm. (source)

The Series 52 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $260 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer 75 multiple choice questions. The Series 52 exam is considered to be of easy difficulty.

The Series 52 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 60% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 53 of 75 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 52 exam info and key stats
  • Series 52 duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 52 questions: 75 multiple choice
  • Series 52 cost: $260 exam fee
  • Series 52 passing score: 70%
  • Series 52 pass rate: Not published, estimated 60% - 70%
  • Series 52 difficulty: Easy
  • Series 52 exam provider: FINRA
MSRB Series 53

The Series 53 exam measures the competency of a financial professional to become a licensed Municipal Securities Principal. The exam questions consist of topics that cover the basics of creation and trading of municipal securities, settlement practices, record-keeping, and sales supervision.

To be eligible to take the exam, candidates must have passed the SIE and Series 52 exams. The candidate must also be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member company.

The Series 53 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $265 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 100 multiple choice questions. The Series 53 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 53 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 70 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 53 exam info and key stats
  • Series 53 duration: 3 hours
  • Series 53 questions: 100 multiple choice
  • Series 53 cost: $265 exam fee
  • Series 53 passing score: 70%
  • Series 53 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 53 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 53 exam provider: FINRA
MSRB Series 54

The Series 54 exam evaluates the competency of individuals that will be directly engaged in the management, direction or supervision of the municipal advisory activities of a municipal advisor firm and its associated persons. Topics covered in the exam include municipal principal transactions and process, regulatory agencies and rules, monitoring of broker-dealer activities, and registration and licensing. (source)

To take the exam, candidates must have taken and passed the Series 50.

The Series 54 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $265 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 100 multiple choice + 10 unscored questions. The Series 54 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 54 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 70 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 54 exam info and key stats
  • Series 54 duration: 3 hours
  • Series 54 questions: 100 multiple choice + 10 unscored
  • Series 54 cost: $265 exam fee
  • Series 54 passing score: 70%
  • Series 54 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 54 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 54 exam provider: FINRA
National Futures Association (NFA) exams

NFA Series 3

The Series 3 exam is a required test for a financial professional to be able to sell commodities, futures contracts, options, and hedging. The exam is made up of questions on market knowledge, theories and terminologies, regulations, and arbitrations procedures.

The Series 3 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm.

The Series 3 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $140 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer 120 multiple choice questions. The Series 3 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 3 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 84 of 120 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 3 exam info and key stats
  • Series 3 duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 3 questions: 120 multiple choice
  • Series 3 cost: $140 exam fee
  • Series 3 passing score: 70%
  • Series 3 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 3 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 3 exam provider: FINRA
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NFA Series 30

The Series 30 exam is for the financial professional seeking to work as a Branch Manager for a futures trading firm. Candidates will need to study topics that include futures trading products, NFA regulations, solicitation rules, employee rules and ethics, account handling procedures, record keeping, disciplinary procedures, net capital requirements, and handling customer's money.

The Series 30 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be associated with a FINRA member firm.

The Series 30 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $90 to register. Participants have 1 hour to answer 50 multiple choice questions. The Series 30 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 30 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 50% - 60%. Candidates must correctly answer 35 of 50 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 30 exam info and key stats
  • Series 30 duration: 1 hour
  • Series 30 questions: 50 multiple choice
  • Series 30 cost: $90 exam fee
  • Series 30 passing score: 70%
  • Series 30 pass rate: Not published, estimated 50% - 60%
  • Series 30 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 30 exam provider: FINRA
NFA Series 31

The Series 31 is an exam that licenses a financial professional to sell managed futures funds or oversee such activities. Candidates will need to study topics that include futures and forward contracts, hedging, yield curve, NFA rules, regulations, and disclosure documents.

The Series 31 exam does not have a corequisite exam, but candidates must be a registered General Securities Representative with a FINRA member firm. (source)

The Series 31 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $90 to register. Participants have 1 hour to answer 45 multiple choice questions. The Series 31 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 31 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 32 of 45 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 31 exam info and key stats
  • Series 31 duration: 1 hour
  • Series 31 questions: 45 multiple choice
  • Series 31 cost: $90 exam fee
  • Series 31 passing score: 70%
  • Series 31 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 31 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 31 exam provider: FINRA
NFA Series 32

The Series 32 exam is offered to individuals who are registered by regulatory authorities outside of the United States. Individuals may take the Series 32 exam if, within the two years prior to filing the application, they have been registered or licensed in the UK or Canada. (source)

Candidates will need to be knowledgeable on topics that cover U.S. regulations and compliance on commodity futures trading and NFA regulations. There is no corequisite exam for the Series 32.

The Series 32 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $90 to register. Participants have 45 minutes to answer 35 multiple choice questions. The Series 32 exam is considered to be of easy difficulty.

The Series 32 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 25 of 35 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 32 exam info and key stats
  • Series 32 duration: 45 minutes
  • Series 32 questions: 35 multiple choice
  • Series 32 cost: $90 exam fee
  • Series 32 passing score: 70%
  • Series 32 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 32 difficulty: Easy
  • Series 32 exam provider: FINRA
NFA Series 34

The Series 34 is an exam that licenses individuals who seek to engage in off-exchange forex transactions with retail customers. The Series 34 exam covers topics on definitions and terminologies, forex trading calculations, trading risks, forex market, and forex regulations and requirements.

There is no corequisite exam for the Series 34. Those who already passed Series 3 or Series 32 exams may be exempted from this test. (source)

The Series 34 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $90 to register. Participants have 1 hour to answer 40 multiple choice questions. The Series 34 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 34 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 70% - 75%. Candidates must correctly answer 28 of 40 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%.

Series 34 exam info and key stats
  • Series 34 duration: 1 hour
  • Series 34 questions: 40 multiple choice
  • Series 34 cost: $90 exam fee
  • Series 34 passing score: 70%
  • Series 34 pass rate: Not published, estimated 70% - 75%
  • Series 34 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 34 exam provider: FINRA
North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) Exams

NASAA Series 63

The Series 63 is a securities exam that qualifies the holder to trade securities in any particular place in the United States. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge on state securities rules and regulations, soliciting customers, record keeping, ethical practices and fiduciary obligations, and technical terminology.

The Series 63 is an entry-level exam, and there are no corequisites or special requirements for the exam.

The Series 63 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $147 to register. Participants have 1 hour and 15 minutes to answer 60 multiple choice questions. The Series 63 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 63 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 80% - 85%. Candidates must correctly answer 43 of 60 questions to achieve a passing score of approximately 72%.

Series 63 exam info and key stats
  • Series 63 duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes
  • Series 63 questions: 60 multiple choice
  • Series 63 cost: $147 exam fee
  • Series 63 passing score: approx. 72% (43/60)
  • Series 63 pass rate: Not published, estimated 80% - 85%
  • Series 63 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 63 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 63
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NASAA Series 65

The Series 65 exam qualifies candidates to become an investment advisor and tests their knowledge on portfolio management, investment advice, retirement investment options, economic trends, ethical business practices, and laws and regulations.

There are no corequisite exams for the Series 65. The candidate's firm can schedule the exam by filing Form U4 and paying the exam fee. If the individual is not connected to any firm, he or she can use Form U10 to request and pay for the exam. (source)

The Series 65 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $187 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 130 multiple choice questions. The Series 65 exam is considered to be of hard difficulty.

The Series 65 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 65% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 92 of 130 questions to achieve a passing score of approximately 71%.

Series 65 exam info and key stats
  • Series 65 duration: 3 hours
  • Series 65 questions: 130 multiple choice
  • Series 65 cost: $187 exam fee
  • Series 65 passing score: approx. 71% (92/130)
  • Series 65 pass rate: Not published, estimated 65% - 70%
  • Series 65 difficulty: Hard
  • Series 65 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 65
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NASAA Series 66

The Series 66 is an exam that qualifies individuals as securities agents or investment advisor representatives. Topics on the test cover Security Exchange Commission (SEC) releases, Uniform Securities Act, federal laws, general business practices, administrative procedures, financial profiles, and portfolio management.

There is no prerequisite to taking the exam, but the SIE and Series 7 are corequisites. This means candidates cannot be granted Series 66 license without passing the SIE and Series 7 exams.

The Series 66 exam is hosted by FINRA and costs $177 to register. Participants have 2 hours and 30 minutes to answer 100 multiple choice questions. The Series 66 exam is considered to be of medium difficulty.

The Series 66 exam pass rate is not published, but is estimated to be 65% - 70%. Candidates must correctly answer 73 of 100 questions to achieve a passing score of 73%.

Series 66 exam info and key stats
  • Series 66 duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Series 66 questions: 100 multiple choice
  • Series 66 cost: $177 exam fee
  • Series 66 passing score: 73%
  • Series 66 pass rate: Not published, estimated 65% - 70%
  • Series 66 difficulty: Medium
  • Series 66 exam provider: FINRA
Achievable Series 66
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