The SIE and the Series 7 are both FINRA securities exams, but they serve different stages of a securities career. The SIE is the entry point — no sponsor required — while the Series 7 is the full representative license. Here is how they compare and which order to take them in.
| SIE Exam | Series 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Exam body | FINRA | FINRA |
| Questions | 75 | 125 |
| Time limit | 105 min | 225 min |
| Passing score | 70% | 72% |
| Topics covered | 4 | 7 |
| CertPractice price | $19/mo | $19/mo |
Take the SIE first: it has no sponsorship requirement and covers the fundamentals the Series 7 builds on. Most candidates pass the SIE, then sit the Series 7 once sponsored by a firm.
Entry point to the securities industry. Required before any FINRA principal exam. No sponsoring firm needed.
Start studying First chapter freeThe gateway license for registered representatives. Required to sell virtually all securities products.
Start studying First chapter free