Introduction

Welcome to the Achievable Series 7 Course! The Series 7 exam - The General Representative Qualification Examination (GS) - evaluates the ability of an entry-level registered representative to effectively perform their duties as a general securities representative.

Here is how the FINRA website describes the exam:

The exam measures the degree to which each candidate possesses the knowledge needed to perform the critical functions of a general securities representative, including sales of corporate securities, municipal securities, investment company securities, variable annuities, direct participation programs, options and government securities.

Eligibility

Candidates must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or other applicable self-regulatory organization (SRO) member firm to be eligible to take the series 7. For more information on registration requirements, refer to FINRA Rule 1210 on the FINRA website.

Additionally, candidates must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and the Series 7 exam to obtain the General Securities Representative registration. For more information about the SIE and Series 7 exams, refer to FINRA Rule 1210 and FINRA Rule 1220(b)(2) on the FINRA website.

Exam format

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions. The exam duration is 3 hours and 45 minutes. Most importantly, a passing score for the SEI exam is 72% or higher.

The content outline of the exam is comprised of 4 major job functions:

• (F1) Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer from Customers and Potential Customers (9 exam questions)
• (F2) Opens Accounts after Obtaining and Evaluating Customers’ Financial Profile and Investment Objectives (11 exam questions)
• (F3) Provides Customers with Information about Investments, Makes Recommendations, Transfers Assets and Maintains Appropriate Records (91 exam questions)
• (F4) Obtains and Verifies Customers’ Purchase and Sales Instructions and Agreements; Processes, Completes, and Confirms Transactions (14 exam questions)

Final thoughts

The textbook’s wrapping-up portion contains more details about taking the Series 7 exam, including how to register, exam cost, and test-taking options. Most people schedule their exams about two weeks before their intended test date.

This course is designed to guide you through every aspect of the Series 7 exam. Achievable exam prep includes our online textbook, review questions, full-length practice exams, and videos on key topics. We recommend that you work through the course as prompted, starting with the textbook and continuing to practice problems and exams. Remember that practice makes perfect!