SIE vs Series 7: Which Securities Exam Should You Take First?
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 |
| AskBoudin price | $11.99/mo | $11.99/mo |
Which should you take?
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.
SIE Exam prep
Entry point to the securities industry. Required before any FINRA principal exam. No sponsoring firm needed.
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The gateway license for registered representatives. Required to sell virtually all securities products.
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