Varsity Tutors can assist you during your San Diego SIE preparation in two different ways. First, we can enroll you in a comprehensive San Diego SIE prep class that covers everything you need to know heading into the exam. If you would prefer individualized attention, we can also refer you to an expert San Diego SIE tutor to help you pursue academic success. Some students even choose to take advantage of both services to help them feel as prepared as possible when they sit down for the test.
The SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) Exam is a high-stakes test that serves as an introduction to the financial industry for students interested in trading securities for a living. It covers basic topics in the space, such as prohibited practices, types of financial products and their risks, and regulatory agencies. The exam is offered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, or FINRA, as an individual's first step toward obtaining a financial license. However, you will also need to take a qualification test such as the Series 7 or Series 3 in addition to the SIE before you can actually start trading. Keep reading to learn more about how we may be able to help you prepare for the SIE.
What can I review during San Diego SIE prep?
The SIE consists of 75 multiple-choice questions administered over a testing session lasting one hour and 45 minutes. You need to earn a score of at least 70 percent in order to pass the exam, so your instructor might review concepts such as monetary policy, fiscal policy, and equity securities with you to help you prepare.
Since there is a strict time limit in place, your instructor may also teach you time management strategies to help you answer all of the questions within the time available to you. For instance, FINRA is notorious for intentionally writing questions in a deceptive manner. You may be better off skipping a challenging item and coming back to it as opposed to spending a ton of time trying to figure it out. You might also want to consider taking practice exams to get a realistic sense of what the time available to you will feel like, helping you to pace yourself accordingly.
What are the advantages of the San Diego SIE prep options?
Varsity Tutors can place you in a San Diego SIE prep course or find you a private instructor to help you study for the test. If you choose to take a course, you'll meet with a knowledgeable instructor alongside other students at a set time using our proprietary Live Learning Platform. Each instructor is thoroughly interviewed to make sure that their SIE knowledge is up to date, so you don't need to doubt the applicability of anything they say.
Our Live Learning Platform enables you to interact with your classmates in real time, allowing you to work together to create a collaborative learning environment where everyone can work toward their academic goals. If one of your classmates is having a hard time with mutual funds, you can explain it to them while reinforcing your own knowledge of the subject. Studying in a group also gives you great value for your money, as you are sharing the cost of instruction.
If you would prefer to receive individualized attention, we can help you find a private SIE instructor. You'll be able to meet using the Live Learning Platform so that you can take commute time out of the equation. Powerful features such as video chat functionality and a virtual whiteboard ensure that you still get a premium face-to-face study experience.
A private instructor can design study sessions around your preferred learning style to help improve your experience. For instance, a visual learner might want to study an infographic detailing the differences between monetary and fiscal policy, while an auditory learner might get more out of a discussion format. Working with a private instructor also allows you to study at your own pace, as you never need to leave a topic behind until you feel comfortable doing so.
Can I sign up for San Diego SIE prep today?
Absolutely! Please reach out to Varsity Tutors to learn more about each of our San Diego SIE prep options and to get started with whichever method interests you most. If you can't make up your mind, educational consultants are standing by to help you make the best possible decision for your needs. Call today to get started on the path toward understanding the concepts you'll need to know for the SIE.

Nancy: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...MBA, and as former investment banker with many years of experience there (now retired), I enjoy teaching finance, accounting, and econ as well as the various secrutities licensing tests. But my avocations are history and literature and I love teaching them as well--whether through assisting with regular school homework and test preparation, or through SAT/ACT prep, or through AP/SAT subject test prep in English Literature, Human Geography, or American or World History.
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Harvard Business School - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 66
- Series 7
- +81 subjects

Bryan: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...have worked in Financial Services for nearly 10 years, and have specialized in Adult Learning and Development within the industry since 2018. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I especially enjoy helping students with the material covered in FINRA Licensing Exams (SIE, Series 7, Series 63/66). In my experience helping students prepare for Licensing Exams, I have enjoyed seeing learners become more confident in their knowledge of financial products, industry regulations, and market mechanics....
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor in Arts, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Series 66
- Series 63
- +5 subjects

Sarah: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...past 5 years. I am Series 65, 66, and 63 certified. I recently received my MBA, and will be sitting for a CFP this November. I gained my Series 65 a year and a half ago - first try - Have worked with more than 50 students since Oct. 2, 2022 tutoring - I have full content and q-banks. Since then I've had a 95% pass rate. I have a proven method - and the...
Education & Certification
- University of upper Iowa - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- University of Wisconsin-Madison - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting and Business Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- CFP
- Series 65
- +36 subjects

Hal: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...to each individual whether it be economic, intellectual, or spiritual. Learning is unique to each person and each person, who has the interest, will benefit from the best possible learning situation that can be provided and consequently contribute to the whole of society. No one method applies to all. It is my goal to focus on the individual, adapt my methods to their needs, and inspire them to succeed. I enjoyed a nearly thirty-year career...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- CIMA
- Series 87
- Insurance License
- +170 subjects

Ryan : San Diego SIE test prep instructor
Hi, I am a writer of fiction and non-fiction. I worked as an award-winning journalist in Montana and Wisconsin and have been writing in some form for about 20 years. I am currently studying for FINRA's Series 7 exam.
Education & Certification
- The University of Montana - Bachelor in Arts, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Verbal
- +12 subjects

Brendan Daniel : San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...I firmly believe in bringing the practical application of subjects to education. What you are learning isn't all theory, after all. I'll have accomplished my job if I can be a foundational block to getting you closer to your goal. I graduated with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Economics. Since graduation, I worked in asset management as a portfolio manager while pursuing my CFA, and recently founded my own firm. Currently, I...
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 4
- Series 65
- Series 86
- +61 subjects

Harrison: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
Hello, My name is Harrison and I am an economics major at the University of Pennsylvania from Philadelphia. I have experience tutoring in economics, statistics, algebra/pre-calc, and introductory calculus. I typically have the most availability during evening and weekend hours, but will always work to try and work with any schedule. If interested, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 57
- Series 7
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +20 subjects

John: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...Science and Economics from Yale and an MBA from NYU. I have my Series 7 and 57 and work as a proprietary trader on Wall Street. I'm passionate about financial markets, technology and economics. My philosophy towards education is one of efficiency. I believe that time management is the key to accomplishing your academic and professional goals. I'm here to help you not only learn but absorb the material into your skill set.
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- New York University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 4
- Series 9
- Series 72
- +36 subjects

Jennifer: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...my wisdom shines through my positive energy-my students give me the greatest gratification when they are overcoming learning roadblocks-I tutor a broad range of subjects including Professional Certifications, Insurance License, NMLS, SIE, and Series 6. I am a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. I received my Master of Science Degree and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family and Consumer Science with a Minor in Business Administration. I have over 20 Years of sales, leadership, mentoring...
Education & Certification
- Eastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences
- Eastern Illinois University - Master of Science, Family and Consumer Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 6
- Real Estate License
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- +3 subjects

James: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...is James Weber. I am a licensed banker with JPMorgan Chase. I was a college baseball player at the University of Mount Union where I majored in Sport Business and Business management. Since then I have completed my MBA with Walden University in 2018 and will be completing my Masters of Science in Leadership and Management with Purdue Global in 2022. I have a passion for coaching and sharing my experiences in hopes of allowing...
Education & Certification
- University of Mount Union - Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management
- Walden University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 6
- Presentation Skills
- +32 subjects

Jessica: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...comprehensive test sets dependent upon your personal needs. My specialties are FINRA exams: SIE 98.9% pass rate 3 100% pass rate 6 100 % pass rate 7 99.98% pass rate 28 100% pass rate 63 100% pass rate 65 100 % pass rate 66 100% pass rate I also specialize in ADHD, ADD and other learning specialties. * I update my material consistent with FINRA's algorithm update on the first of each month, industry updates, and...
Education & Certification
- Georgia State University - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 22
- Series 66
- +28 subjects

Mark: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...- # 63 - # 65 & # 66 The Life, Health and P&C Insurance test The Real Estate Agent and the Real Estate Broker test TEST TAKING SKILLS are a vital part of passing any test I will demonstrate how. PRACTICE QUESTIONS - The more the better. As you are taking the test... I will show you how to build a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. The key is: HOW TO READ THE QUESTIONS and HOW TO...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Associate in Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 65
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- +73 subjects

Melissa: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
I have 20 years of real world experience in business. I can teach the following licenses: SIE, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66. I am a current licensed senior broker at a large firm. I have assisted with in-person training to pass these licenses and have worked teaching adults my entire career. Cannot wait to work with you!
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Capella University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 7
- Series 66
- +1 subjects

Joshuah: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...7 on the first attempts, and have passed the Level I CFA exam. All of which are completely unimportant because it's not about me, it's about how I can help you (and I can)! Whether you know what you need to know, or are completely lost, I will make sure that we progress with content at a speed that fits you until you are confident for test day. There are no stupid questions, only impatient...
Education & Certification
- Excelsior College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 4
- Series 86
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +10 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 87
- Series 63
- Series 7
- +8 subjects

Aaron: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...finance and minored in economics. I hold over 2 years of experience working in investment banking and private equity. During college, I was a teaching assistant for courses covering investment banking, political economy and macro- and microeconomics, the last of which I also led study groups for. I was further nominated by my professors to lead study groups in statistics and intermediate mathematical microeconomics. I have worked, both formally and informally, providing career advice to...
Education & Certification
- Bucknell University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 79
- Series 63
- College Accounting
- +31 subjects

Karen: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...administration. In addition, I hold an English teaching certificate. Since I graduated, I've taught or coached in several areas. However, my primary focus has been on Series licensing. I help students with all licenses such as SIE, 6, 63, 7 65.66, 24 and many more. Many students struggle with the concepts of the SIE exam. I can break it down for you and relate it to something that makes sense for you.
Education & Certification
- Ashwood University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 87
- Series 65
- Series 99
- +20 subjects
Education & Certification
- Carnegie Mellon University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Statistics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Series 63
- Series 7
- +25 subjects

Ben: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...minor in biblical studies. During my time there, I traveled extensively and was involved in several social service clubs, campus choir, and I also volunteered my time at the local Boys and Girls club to assist the kiddos with their homework assignments. Upon graduation, I began a career as a financial professional, where I advised families, individuals, and businesses by taking complex (and often confusing) financial subject matter and breaking them down into simple steps....
Education & Certification
- Lee University - Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 6
- Series 63
- Social Networking
- +45 subjects

Kevin: San Diego SIE test prep instructor
...I know that learning is a great investment. My passion for teaching comes from a life long passion for learning. Im a Masters Degree graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (Olin School of Business: Finance emphasis) and also received my Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Truman State University. Both students and parents say that I help students succeed and realize their own potential with improved confidence, grades and test scores. Because I have...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- CPA
- Series 7
- Series 65
- +41 subjects