What Are FINRA Exams? A Beginner’s Overview
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
🟦 What Are FINRA Exams? A Beginner’s Overview
Your first step toward a career in financial services starts here.
If you’re thinking about a job in the financial industry—especially in securities, trading, or advising—then you’ll likely need to pass one or more FINRA exams. But what exactly are they, and why do they matter? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
🏛 What Is FINRA?
FINRA stands for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. It’s a government-authorized, self-regulatory organization that oversees brokerage firms, financial advisors, and securities professionals in the U.S.
✅ Their goal: Protect investors and maintain fair, honest markets
✅ Their tools: Licensing exams, rule enforcement, and compliance monitoring
🎓 What Are FINRA Exams?
FINRA exams are official tests that determine whether you’re qualified to work in specific roles within the financial services industry.
They ensure that professionals understand:
- Investment products
- Client communication rules
- Ethics and compliance
- Risk management and trading practices
Each exam focuses on a different job role or area of expertise.
📋 Popular FINRA Exams (and What They’re For)
| Exam Name | Who It’s For | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) | Beginners | Basics of investing, market structure, ethics |
| Series 6 | Mutual fund reps | Variable contracts, packaged securities |
| Series 7 | General securities reps | Stocks, options, bonds, mutual funds |
| Series 63 | State registration | State law and ethical practices |
| Series 65 | Investment advisers | Portfolio management, economics, laws |
| Series 66 | Advisors (combined license) | Series 63 + 65 in one exam |
| Series 24 | Supervisors | Management, compliance, firm oversight |
💡 How Do FINRA Exams Work?
- Computer-based testing
- Multiple-choice format
- Time-limited exams
- Administered at approved testing centers or online (in some cases)
- You must register through FINRA or a sponsoring firm (except for SIE, which anyone can take)
📈 Why FINRA Exams Matter
✔ They are legally required to work in regulated financial roles
✔ They protect clients by ensuring you know the rules
✔ They open doors to high-paying careers in finance, sales, and advising
🎯 How to Get Started
- Begin with the SIE exam (no firm sponsorship needed)
- Choose your career path (e.g., advisor, trader, supervisor)
- Register for the right FINRA exam(s)
- Prepare with study guides, video lessons, and practice tests
🚀 Start Your Journey Today
We make FINRA exam prep easy with expert courses, guided study plans, and lifetime access. Whether it’s Series 6, 7, 63, or 65—we’ve got you covered.
👉 Visit finra-exam-mastery.com and take the first step toward your license and your future.