FINRA Exams Compared: SIE, Series 7, 6, 24, 79 & 3
One table for the question count, time limit, passing score, and fee of each exam, with a full guide for each. Figures follow FINRA's published exam pages and can change.
Exam comparison
| Exam | Questions | Time | Passing score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SIE | 75 | 105 min | 70 | $100 |
| Series 7 | 125 | 225 min | 72 | $395 |
| Series 6 | 50 | 90 min | 70 | $100 |
| Series 24 | 150 | 225 min | 70 | $235 |
| Series 79 | 75 | 150 min | 73 | $395 |
| Series 3 | 120 | 150 min | 70% | $140 |
Exam guides
The FINRA SIE exam has 75 scored multiple-choice questions, a 105-minute time limit, and a passing score of 70 on FINRA's 0 to 100 scale. The fee is $100, you must be 18 or older, no firm sponsorship is required, and a passing result is valid for four years.
FINRA General Securities Representative ExamSeries 7 Exam Guide: Format, Passing Score, Cost & How to StudyThe FINRA Series 7 has 125 scored multiple-choice questions, a 3 hour 45 minute time limit, and a passing score of 72. The fee is $395, the SIE is a corequisite, and a FINRA member firm must sponsor you to sit the exam.
FINRA Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products RepresentativeSeries 6 Exam Guide: Format, Passing Score, Cost & ContentThe FINRA Series 6 exam has 50 multiple-choice questions, a 90-minute time limit, and a passing score of 70. The fee is $100, the SIE is a corequisite, and a FINRA member firm must sponsor you. It qualifies you to sell mutual funds and variable annuities.
FINRA General Securities Principal ExamSeries 24 Exam Guide: Format, Passing Score, Cost & ContentThe FINRA Series 24 exam has 150 multiple-choice questions, a 3 hour 45 minute time limit, and a passing score of 70. The fee is $235. Candidates must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm and pass the SIE plus a qualifying representative-level exam such as the Series 7.
FINRA Investment Banking Representative ExamSeries 79 Exam Guide: Format, Passing Score, Cost & ContentThe FINRA Series 79 exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, a 2 hour 30 minute time limit, and a passing score of 73. The fee is $395, the SIE is a corequisite, and a FINRA member firm must sponsor you. It covers data analysis, underwriting, and M&A.
National Commodities Futures ExamSeries 3 Exam Guide: Format, Passing Score & CostThe Series 3 National Commodities Futures exam has 120 multiple-choice questions, a 150-minute time limit, and a passing score of 70%. FINRA lists the fee at $140 and no corequisite exam. Confirm futures registration requirements with the National Futures Association (NFA).
OpenExamHub is not affiliated with FINRA. Exam formats, fees, and passing scores are set by FINRA and can change; confirm them on FINRA's current exam pages before you enroll.