Series 24 Second Attempt – Adjusting Your Prep

Series 24 Second Attempt – Adjusting Your Prep

Didn’t pass the Series 24 on your first try? You’re not alone. The Series 24 General Securities Principal Exam is one of the more difficult FINRA exams, and passing on your second attempt is absolutely within reach—if you adjust your strategy.

Here’s how to refine your preparation, improve weak spots, and walk into your retake with clarity and confidence.

📊 Step 1: Analyze Your Score Report

Your performance breakdown shows which topics need improvement. Focus your second-round prep on the lowest-scoring areas, especially:

• Supervision of Investment Banking & Underwriting
• Trading and Market Making Activities
• Customer Account Supervision
• Broker-Dealer Operations
• Sales Supervision & Associated Persons’ Conduct

🔍 Tip: Group your weak areas and create focused study blocks for each.

📚 Step 2: Upgrade Your Materials

If your first attempt relied on passive reading or outdated sources, it’s time to level up.

✅ Use:

• Interactive video lessons with scenario breakdowns
• Test bank questions that mimic real FINRA phrasing
• Flashcards for definitions and rule distinctions
• PDF summaries for each section

Avoid:

• Relying solely on textbooks
• Taking practice tests without reviewing answers
• Ignoring updates to FINRA regulations

🧠 Step 3: Train for Application, Not Just Recall

The Series 24 is heavy on situational decision-making and compliance application.

Practice:

• Interpreting scenarios involving branch supervision, disciplinary action, and regulatory reporting
• Choosing the best response among technically correct options
• Identifying what to escalate, when, and to whom

🕒 Step 4: Build a Time-Smart Study Plan

Time pressure can derail even well-prepared candidates. For your second attempt:

• Study 90 minutes/day, 5 days/week
• Focus 70% on weak topics, 30% on reinforcement
• Take 2–3 full-length timed exams in your final week
• Use review sessions for every mistake—especially the ones you thought you got right

📝 Step 5: Simulate Exam Conditions

Test anxiety often comes from unfamiliarity. Remove the surprise factor.

• Take at least two 150-minute full simulations
• No breaks, no notes, no distractions
• Focus on timing, stamina, and decision-making under pressure

🚀 Get Back on Track

The Series 24 is not just a content test—it’s a leadership exam. Show you understand the rules, processes, and supervision responsibilities at a principal level.

Join our full Series 24 prep course, featuring:

• Scenario-driven lessons
• Realistic test simulations
• Printable rule charts
• Lifetime access to updated content

👉 Restart Strong at Finra Exam Mastery