Our small group prep classes are like no other. Instead of watching a lecturer jabber away and cram in as many topics as possible, we prioritize learning.
Class is conducted in a small and intimate setting where you think about the material, collaborate with your peers, ask questions and get answers right away, and receive feedback on your work multiple times per week.
Most importantly, we prepare you to pass the SIE and Series 7 exam on your first try.
Ready to get started?
Sign up for a course now.
Our Prep Courses
All our Securities exam prep courses are online classes, instructor-led and offered only in small group settings.
Course Structure
Both Securities exam prep courses are broken into two distinct parts in order to properly prepare students to sit for the exam.
Part One
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The first half of the class is dedicated to two purposes:
1. Learn the vocabulary
2. Learn the vocabulary’s basic application -
I will walk you through the reading step-by-step and provide exercises that help you learn the vocabulary inside out.
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Only at this point can you move onto Part 2.
Part Two
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The second half of the course has one purpose:
Get you ready for the exam. -
This will include three distinct phases:
Open Book Phase, Closed Book Phase, and Exam Prep Stage. -
I will show you how to dissect questions, problem solve, and translate your fundamental concepts into exam answers.
You are required to complete homework before each class. The class will also walk you through 3 Mock Exams, several mini-mock exams, several mini-case mock exams, and timed trials.
1
hour
x
2
classes
x
8
weeks
Both Securities review courses meet for one hour per class, twice a week, for eight weeks.
Course Successes
Dundee Gouin
Managing Director & Chief Leadership Officer, Northwestern Mutual
Joe is by far the best tutor I’ve ever encountered. His teaching method is super effective, with a focus on making sure to teach you how to take complex problems and make them appear simple. If you’re looking to pass an exam or a certification you don’t have to waste your time searching elsewhere, he is the real deal. Today Joe isn’t just a tutor, but instead, has become a friend of mine. I’m super thankful for the help Joe has provided, and I will continue to use him for future licenses.
Dustin Gorenc, CFP
Managing Director & Chief Development Officer, Northwestern Mutual
I would describe Joe's style as fair, firm and consistent. He has the ability to break the content into small, bite-size pieces and make the complex simple. He will push and challenge you so that you walk into the testing center prepared and confident. His system works if you do. If you want to pass your next exam, working with Joe is a no brainer.
Simply put, he delivered and played a huge role in my ability to pass this exam.
Ian Gordon
Managing Partner, Northwestern Mutual
It’s been almost 3 years now since I met Joe. He is now part of my family and I owe him big-time. He has helped me pass series 7, 9, 10. I’ve introduced him to all the people I love and they all give the same feedback: “Game changer”.
I want to add that I never take the time to comment or give testimonials on experiences or products. I give this man a 10 out of 10 for holding me accountable and pushing/guiding me to get the test completed. If you fail a test using Joe it’s because you didn’t listen and follow his process.
Why Choose Us?
Scientific Based Method
We take you through a
specific method of learning backed by years of scientific studies used by schools and universities around the world.
Learning First,
Testing Second
Learning is prioritized versus just doing hundreds of practice questions with the hope of material "sticking."
Emphasis on Active Learning
Learning happens when you interact with material. This doesn't happen through lectures, but interactive activities.
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What is the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam?The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is an entry-level exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It assesses your basic knowledge of the securities industry and fundamental to working in the Finance industry. Common things that are tested are basic investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc) and their risks, the structure of markets, basic regulatory agencies and their functions, and prohibited practices.
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Who needs to take the SIE Exam?The SIE exam is intended for prospective securities industry professionals. It is open to anyone aged 18 or older. You do not need to be working in the Finance industry to take it. However, if you intend to work with Securities it is necessary to take the exam.
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What are the prerequisites for the SIE Exam?There are no prerequisites to the SIE exam. However, it is a co-requisite for multiple exams, such as the Series 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 26, 39, 52, 53, 57, 66, 79, 82, 86, 87, and 99.
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What topics are covered on the SIE Exam?The SIE exam covers four main areas: Knowledge of Capital Markets (16%): This includes understanding the types of markets and offerings, market participants, and economic factors. Understanding Products and Their Risks (44%): This section covers various securities products, including equity and debt securities, packaged products, options, and their associated risks. Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities (31%): This includes trading processes, customer accounts, and practices that are considered unethical or prohibited. Overview of the Regulatory Framework (9%): This involves knowledge of the regulatory agencies, self-regulatory organizations, and regulations that govern the securities industry.
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How is the SIE Exam structured?The SIE exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, and you have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete it. There are also 10 additional unscored questions that do not count towards the final score but are included to test new questions for future exams. Questions are randomly generated and are in no particular order
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How do I register for the SIE Exam?To register for the SIE exam, follow these steps: Create an account on FINRA’s website. Enroll for the SIE exam through FINRA. Schedule your exam appointment through the Prometric website or by calling Prometric’s registration line.
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What is the cost of the SIE Exam?As of 2024, the exam fee for the SIE is $80. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon registration.
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What should I bring on the day of the exam?On the day of the exam, you should bring: A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Confirmation of the exam appointment (printout or electronic copy). Personal items such as electronic devices, study materials, and bags are generally not allowed in the testing room. Most Prometric centers have lockers which you can store your personal belongings in.
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What is the passing score for the SIE Exam?The passing score for the SIE exam is 70%. This means you must correctly answer at least 53 out of the 75 scored questions.
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What happens if I fail the SIE Exam?If you fail the SIE exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. If you fail the exam 3 times in a row, you must wait 6 months before retaking it.
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How long is the SIE Exam valid?The SIE exam result is valid for four years. During this time, you can take additional qualification exams required for specific securities industry roles, such as the Series 6 or Series 7 exams. If you do not take a top-off exam in that time, you will need to retake the SIE exam.
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What is the Series 7 Exam?The Series 7 exam, also known as the General Securities Representative Exam, is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It is a requirement for individuals who wish to become licensed to trade a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, options, and other investment products. If your role requires trading general securities on behalf of clients, you must complete this exam.
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Who needs to take the Series 7 Exam?Individuals who want to work as general securities representatives, typically at brokerage firms or other financial institutions, need to take and pass the Series 7 exam. This includes roles such as financial advisors, registered reps, financial consultants, brokers, dealers, and investment advisor representatives. This means if you want to trade securities on behalf of a client, you must have your Series 7 exam.
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What are the prerequisites for the Series 7 Exam?First, you must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm, usually a Broker/Dealer. Second, you must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, which is a co-requisite. This means you do not need to take the SIE first, but it is highly recommended that you do.
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What topics are covered on the Series 7 Exam?The Series 7 exam covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Equity securities Debt securities Options Municipal securities Margin Investment company products and variable contracts Direct participation programs Securities markets and market participants Securities trading Customer accounts Regulatory requirements
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How is the Series 7 Exam structured?The Series 7 exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete it. The exam is divided into four major job functions: Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer from Customers and Potential Customers Opens Accounts after Obtaining and Evaluating Customers' Financial Profile and Investment Objectives Provides Customers with Information About Investments, Makes Suitable Recommendations, Transfers Assets and Maintains Appropriate Records Obtains and Verifies Customers' Purchase and Sales Instructions and Agreements; Processes, Completes and Confirms Transactions Questions are randomly generated and are in no particular order.
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How do I register for the Series 7 Exam?To register for the Series 7 exam, you need to: Obtain sponsorship from a FINRA member firm or an SRO. File a Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) through the Central Registration Depository (CRD). Schedule the exam through the Prometric website or by calling Prometric’s registration line.
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What is the cost of the Series 7 Exam?As of 2024, the exam fee for the Series 7 is $300. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon registration. However, this is typically paid by your sponsoring firm.
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What should I bring on the day of the exam?On the day of the exam, you should bring: A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Confirmation of the exam appointment (printout or electronic copy). Personal items such as electronic devices, study materials, and bags are generally not allowed in the testing room. Most Prometric centers have lockers which you can store your personal belongings in.
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What is the passing score for the Series 7 Exam?The passing score for the Series 7 exam is 72%. This means you must correctly answer at least 90 out of the 125 questions.
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What happens if I fail the Series 7 Exam?If you fail the Series 7 exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. If you fail three times, you must wait 6 months before you can take the exam again.
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Does the exam get harder if I fail?No, FINRA does not make it harder for you to pass. The exam format is exactly the same. However, each time you take the exam, it will be different. Therefore the exam you took the first time may be completely different than the exam you take the second time.
