Series 24 – Preparing for a Stronger Second Try

🧾 Series 24 – Preparing for a Stronger Second Try
📘 What to Change After Failing the General Securities Principal Exam

Failing the Series 24 exam is tough—but it’s also fixable. The General Securities Principal Exam is one of FINRA’s most challenging, and a second attempt demands a smarter, more focused study plan. Here’s how to reset, rebuild, and return stronger.

🎯 1. Reflect Without Excuses – What Went Wrong?

Before you dive back into books, ask:

• Did you run out of time on the exam?
• Were you thrown off by the structure of the questions?
• Did you struggle with regulatory detail or procedural nuance?

🔍 Self-check: Review your exam results breakdown if available. Focus on any topic area below 70%.

🧠 2. Double Down on the Heaviest Sections

The Series 24 exam is weighted heavily toward:

📌 Focus first on Investment Banking and Trading sections—they account for over half the test.

📚 3. Use Two Study Formats, Not One

💡 Mistake: Only reading a textbook or passively watching videos.

✅ New strategy:

• Combine textbook + question bank
• Add video tutorials on weaker sections
• Use flashcards for FINRA/SEC rules and deadlines

📝 Tip: Make custom flashcards for things you got wrong—especially rule-specific thresholds (e.g., 10 days to file Form U5, 3-year recordkeeping for complaints).

🧪 4. Simulate the Exam – With Pressure

The Series 24 exam is:

• 150 minutes
• 150 questions
• Passing score: 70%

Practice 3 full-length, timed mock exams before retesting. Review why you got things wrong—not just the answer.

🧠 Use exam day simulations to:

• Build mental endurance
• Improve time management
• Reduce exam-day anxiety

🧭 5. Change Your Note-Taking Approach

Instead of endless notes, build a “Quick Reference Sheet” with:

• Key FINRA and SEC rules
• Reporting timeframes
• Form filing triggers
• Disciplinary actions and escalation

Aim for a 1-page cheat sheet to review daily.

💬 6. Join a Study Forum or Accountability Group

You’re not the only one retaking. Sharing insight with others helps:

• Clarify confusing topics
• Stay motivated
• Spot traps in tricky questions

Popular options: Reddit (r/Series24), ExamFX, or LinkedIn groups

🗓️ 7. Suggested 4-Week Reset Plan

Week 1: Diagnostic review + weak topic immersion
Week 2: Trading, market making, and investment banking
Week 3: Operations, customer accounts, and rules
Week 4: Practice exams, flashcard review, regulation polish

Minimum commitment: 2 hours per day or 15–20 hours/week

🚀 Conclusion: Turn the Loss Into Leverage

Failing once doesn’t define you. Many top compliance officers and supervisors pass on their second or even third try. What matters is that you:

✔ Target your weaknesses
✔ Simulate the real test
✔ Shift your approach

🎓 Ready to take control of your Series 24 prep?
Access updated practice exams, rule summaries, and full course materials at
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com

You failed once. Now, you’re better prepared to pass.