🔁 Series 24 Prep Review – What I’d Do Differently

Preparing for the Series 24 – General Securities Principal Exam is no small task. With 150 questions covering everything from FINRA rules to underwriting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether you passed or came up short, looking back at your study process is the best way to improve.

Here’s a review of what many candidates wish they had done differently — so you can optimize your prep from day one.

❌ Mistake #1: Treating It Like Series 7

Many assume Series 24 is just a supervisory version of Series 7. It’s not.

✅ What I’d Do Differently:
Focus on supervisory responsibilities — like trade approvals, compliance reporting, and regulatory enforcement. This exam is about what managers need to know, not how to sell a product.

❌ Mistake #2: Underestimating FINRA Rule Depth

You’ll face detailed questions on FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision), reporting timelines, written supervisory procedures (WSPs), and disciplinary processes.

✅ What I’d Do Differently:
Create flashcards specifically for FINRA rules and study them in isolation. Memorizing timeframes and triggers for reporting is essential.

❌ Mistake #3: Relying Only on One Provider

Some commercial providers offer too little depth or weak practice questions.

✅ What I’d Do Differently:
Use multiple study sources, especially those with scenario-based practice exams and realistic regulatory simulations.

❌ Mistake #4: Skipping Full-Length Practice Exams

It’s not enough to do 20-question quizzes. The real challenge is maintaining focus over 3 hours and mastering pacing.

✅ What I’d Do Differently:
Take at least three full-length, timed exams and review every explanation — even for the questions you got right.

❌ Mistake #5: Not Reviewing WSP Scenarios

Many test questions revolve around how a principal should respond to red flags, documentation errors, or supervisory failures.

✅ What I’d Do Differently:
Practice with case-study style questions. Ask yourself: “What should the supervisor do in this situation?”

🧠 Final Takeaway

Success on the Series 24 isn’t about knowing every rule — it’s about thinking like a supervisor. Focus on what must be escalated, documented, and reported. Time your study plan to leave room for review and simulated exams.

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