How to Pass a FINRA Securities License Exam

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers many securities license exams for financial professionals, including the SIE, Series 6, and Series 7 exams. Different exams cover different securities practices, but many financial professionals typically take more than one.

Whichever exam you’re taking, you need to be prepared if you want to pass and avoid any setbacks to your career. Below are some helpful hints and study tips on how to pass a FINRA securities license exam the first time.

Know What's On the Test

Knowing what is on the test is the best way to prepare for any exam. FINRA offers detailed exam content outlines for many of its securities license exams. These outlines are the perfect study aid because they list each topic covered in each exam section. For example, FINRA’s outline for the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam has pages of detailed information on each of the exam’s four sections.  

These outlines can be used as an additional tool in your study efforts. If it helps, treat the outlines like a checklist to track your progress. A focused approach like this can help make the most of your exam prep time. 

Invest in Securities License Exam Prep

While FINRA outlines what’s on the test, exam prep study aids will explain and apply those topics for a comprehensive understanding. FINRA securities license exams require you to apply what you have learned. Exam prep offers real-world scenarios, context, and examples which will significantly increase your chances of passing. 

Quizzes and exam simulations are also valuable tools. WebCE’s securities exam prep courses include quizzes following each section, allowing you to focus your studying on specific areas and assess your progress. These quizzes also offer a different way to think about the topics to get you in the test-taking mindset. Plus, our Exam Tutor allows you to build an exam similar to what you will encounter on the FINRA exam. 



Set Aside Dedicated Study Times

Whether you’re at work, school, or spending time with family, it can be hard to add more to your busy day. It is important to schedule consistent study time, even if it is just an hour or two a day.  

Finding time can be difficult. Some get up early to study in the morning, while others stay up late to find their quiet study time. Weekend marathon study sessions allow you to dive in and make some significant progress. The right schedule for you will depend on your study habits. Our Study Planner can help you establish a schedule that works for you.  

Take Practice Exams

Practice exams can help assess your knowledge and progress. They can also help boost confidence. Taking a practice test before studying exam prep can help spot knowledge gaps to focus on during study time. Practice exams can also highlight your strengths, which can boost confidence.

After studying, practice exams can also assist you with tracking progress by comparing current and previous results. Practice exams can also help you get comfortable with the exam. This includes the type of questions the exam asks, the topics you need to study, and the different thinking required.

Studying helps, but applying that information in a timed test is a different experience. Creating a similar testing environment during a practice exam is a great way to prepare. Time yourself, keep your study materials closed, and treat it the same as you would the real thing. The more practice tests you take, the more comfortable and confident you will be on test day. 

Review Questions Carefully

Whether you’re taking a practice exam or you’re taking the actual FINRA qualification exam, read the questions carefully. Comfort gained from practice exams and WebCE’s Exam Tutor can drastically increase comfort on test day, which helps you focus.

The boost in confidence afforded by studying and taking practice exams can also increase your recall. Plus, a strong understanding of key concepts can help you catch yourself from making simple mistakes such as misreading a question.  

Feel Good on Test Day

Confidence is key. If you feel off on test day, you may not do your best. This may sound frivolous, but it is one of the most important tips on how to pass a FINRA securities license exam. After all, exam prep was created to boost your knowledge and confidence so you can pass the exam on the first try.  

Make sure you are well rested for test day. Fatigue can disrupt recall and concentration, even squander your exam prep efforts. Exam prep is only effective if the information you learned remains with you on test day. Getting good rest prior to the exam is critical to performing at your best. 

FINRA Securities License Exam Prep from WebCE

WebCE offers comprehensive FINRA exam prep for SIE, Series, 6, Series 7, and more. Our study guides cover all the information you need and are all written by industry experts with decades of experience. 

Learn everything you need to know to launch a successful career in securities with our SIE Exam Prep. Then bolster your solid foundation with Series 7 exam prep or any other of our securities exam prep programs. 

Check out our complete securities license exam prep catalog or reach out to our award-winning team at 877-488-9308 today.