Achievable logoAchievable logo
SIE
Sign in
Sign up
Purchase
Textbook
Practice exams
Support
How it works
Resources
Exam catalog
Mountain with a flag at the peak
Textbook
Introduction
1. Common stock
2. Preferred stock
3. Debt securities
4. Corporate debt
5. Municipal debt
6. US government debt
7. Investment companies
8. Alternative pooled investments
9. Options
10. Taxes
11. The primary market
12. The secondary market
13. Brokerage accounts
14. Retirement & education plans
15. Rules & ethics
Wrapping up
Achievable logoAchievable logo
Introduction
Achievable SIE

Introduction

2 min read
Font
Discuss
Share
Feedback

Welcome to the Achievable SIE course. The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is a FINRA exam for candidates who want to start a career in the securities industry.

Here’s how the FINRA website describes the exam:

This introductory-level exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information, including concepts fundamental to working in the industry, such as types of products and their risks; the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies, and their functions; and prohibited practices.

Eligibility

Anyone 18 years of age or older can take the SIE.

You don’t need to be associated with a firm (“sponsored”) to take the exam. After you take it, your results are valid for four years.

Exam format

The exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. Five of these are experimental questions and aren’t scored.

You’ll have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam. A passing score is 70% or higher.

The content outline of the exam is comprised of 4 major sections:

  • (1) Knowledge of Capital Markets (16% of exam questions, 12 exam questions)
  • (2) Understanding Products and Their Risks (44% of exam questions, 33 exam questions)
  • (3) Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts and Prohibited Activities (31% of exam questions, 23 exam questions)
  • (4) Overview of Regulatory Framework (9% of exam questions, 7 exam questions)

Final thoughts

The textbook’s wrap-up section includes more details about taking the SIE exam, including how to register, exam cost, and test-taking options.

Most people schedule their exam about two weeks before their intended test date.

This course is designed to guide you through the full SIE content outline. Achievable exam prep includes an online textbook, review questions, full-length practice exams, and videos on key topics.

For the most efficient path through the material, start with the textbook and then move into practice questions and full-length exams.

All rights reserved ©2016 - 2026 Achievable, Inc.