SIE Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
The SIE is scored on a 0–100 scale. You need 70% to pass (52.5 of 75 scored questions). Results are immediate at the testing center.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| SIE | 105 min | 100 |
Section Breakdown
knowledge
Knowledge of Capital Markets — market structure, types of securities, regulatory agencies.
Equity securitiesDebt securitiesPackaged productsMarket structureRegulators
products
Understanding Products and Their Risks.
StockBondsOptionsMutual fundsETFsVariable annuities
trading
Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities.
Order typesAccount typesMarginSuitabilityProhibited practices
regulatory
Overview of Regulatory Framework.
FINRA rulesSEC rulesSIPCRegistration requirementsCustomer protection
Key Facts
- Questions
- 75 scored + 10 unscored
- Duration
- 1 hour 45 minutes
- Passing score
- 70%
- Cost
- $80 USD
- Offered
- Year-round at Prometric
- Pass rate
- ~74%
Study Tips
- 1.Focus on the four exam sections proportionally — Knowledge of Capital Markets is the largest.
- 2.Learn the key FINRA rules by number: 2111 (suitability), 4370 (business continuity), 3110 (supervision).
- 3.Options math is commonly tested — master break-even, max gain, max loss for calls and puts.
- 4.Use Kaplan or Securities Institute of America (SIA) materials.
- 5.Take multiple full-length practice tests — 75 questions in 1h45m is fast-paced.