If you have been looking into Series 27 prep courses recently, Varsity Tutors can find you a private Series 27 class to help you build study skills. The Series 27 exam, or Financial and Operations Principal Qualification Examination (FN), is designed to determine whether or not an entry-level FINOP (Financial and Operations Principal) candidate has the requisite skills for their job. Passing it is required to work as a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at member firms around the country. If you feel that you could benefit from taking a Series 27 prep course, reach out to us today!
One of the first topics discussed in a Series 27 course is the structure of the exam. The chart below highlights what you can look forward to on test day:
Question Format | # Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score |
Multiple-Choice | 145 | 3 Hours and 45 Minutes | 69% |
Answering 145 questions without a break can be intellectually draining, so you may want to take practice exams during a Series 27 course to help build up your mental stamina. Taking practice tests can also help you understand how the exam words questions. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) exams are notorious for tricky questions worded in such a way as to intentionally confuse test-takers, so answering practice questions beforehand may help you identify what response the test is looking for.
Your practice tests may also reveal your academic strengths and any areas of opportunity you might want to focus on in Series 27 classes. The bulleted list below includes some of the topics you might want to review in advance of the test:
Series 27 Exam Topics (non-comprehensive)
- General accounting requirements
- Preparation and maintenance of general ledger and sub-ledgers
- Timing and method of filing FOCUS reports
- SEC reporting and filing requirements
- Appropriate response to regulatory inquiries
- Market, liquidity, and credit risks
- Clearance, settlement, and delivery
- General ledger and sub-ledgers
- Records management policy
- Business conduct
- Insider trading regulations
- Purpose of a stock record
- Stock record allocation
- Unsecured and partly secured accounts
- Documentation and requirements for accounts for the exclusive benefit of customers
- Proper transmission of customer assets
- Net capital requirements of brokers and dealers
- Distinction between cash liabilities and deferrals
- Aging and collateralization of receivables
- Deferred taxes
- Subordinated liabilities
- Margin deficits
- Product knowledge for applicable haircut charges
- Ratios for withdrawals of capital
- Margin requirements
- Maintenance of credit
- Balancing purchase and sale (P&S) statements
- Secured demand notes
That is a lot to go over, but a private Series 27 class can break it down into more digestible bits. Working with a private instructor allows you to study at your own pace. If you are comfortable with margin deficits, you don't need to use any prep time on the topic at all. If you're less confident with deferred taxes and subordinated liabilities, you may spend as much time as you want addressing those concepts. The choice is completely up to you.
Likewise, you are your instructor's sole priority during your Series 27 prep class. All of your work may receive immediate feedback so that you understand any mistakes you made while it is still fresh in your mind. You are also free to ask as many questions as you like as you work toward your professional goals.
Your instructor may even be able to design study sessions around your unique needs. If you are a practical learner, your instructor might provide practice problems until you get the hang of any topic. If you have a more pragmatic bent, your tutor may instead relate seemingly abstract concepts to real life use-cases to help them click.
We also try to make our Series 27 prep classes as convenient as possible. You can study on our exclusive Live Learning Platform, giving you the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the logistical headache of trying to arrange a personal meeting. We also try to refer every client to an instructor who fits their scheduling needs to make the whole process a little easier.
If you would like to learn more about our private Series 27 courses, please contact Varsity Tutors for more information. Educational Directors are standing by to help you any way they can!

Karthikeyan: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...I use real-world examples and interactive discussions to foster curiosity and critical thinking. I believe in adapting my teaching methods to suit each student's unique learning style, whether through visual aids, hands-on activities, or structured study techniques like Anki and Quizlet. I find immense fulfillment in helping students not only grasp the material but also...
Education & Certification
- Central Washington University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Series 6
- PE - Principles and Practice of Engineering - Environmental
- CSRM - Certified School Risk Manager
- +1234 subjects

Japhet: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...so I tailor each session to fit individual learning styles and needs. My goal is to break down complex concepts, transforming challenging subjects into manageableand even enjoyablelearning experiences. Seeing my students grow in confidence and mastery is the most rewarding part of my work. If you're looking for a patient, dedicated tutor who is committed...
Education & Certification
- University of Washington-Tacoma Campus - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- Washington University in St Louis - Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Exam PA - Predictive Analytics
- Series 79
- AIFA - Applied Investment and Finance Analyst Certification Exam
- +1414 subjects

Zipporah: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...to grow, and I strive to create an environment where questions are encouraged, mistakes are embraced as part of the process, and progress feels exciting. Whether it's mastering new concepts, preparing for exams, or simply developing better study habits, I am committed to making learning engaging, empowering, and meaningful. Together, we'll achieve your goals and...
Education & Certification
- Brandman University - Bachelor in Arts, Human Resources Management
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Series 53
- CMT - Chartered Market Technician
- Series 4
- +1077 subjects

Ben: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...manager, strategist and published author with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Asset Management, Equities, Bonds, Investment Strategies, and Capital Markets. Strong finance professional with a MBA focused in Finance, General from University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. Series 65, 7, 63, 24, CFA, FRM
Education & Certification
- University of Amsterdam - Bachelor of Economics, Economics
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- CPA
- Series 24
- CFA
- +39 subjects

Hajra: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...the pressure of learning the materials and then passing the exams in the allotted time frames given. I am passionate about helping people pass the professional exams and achieving their goals. I aim to be a resource to people, and letting them set the pace. I enjoy traveling when I can, either locally or internationally....
Education & Certification
- American International College - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- SIE
- Series 86
- Series 82
- +9 subjects

Peter: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...enough confidence in me to elect me to two different FINRA offices. One was regional office and the other a national position. I sat in on the meetings when FINRA changed the Series 7 test from a single 6 hour exam to the present two exams being the SIE and the Series 7 top off....
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Series 6
- Series 87
- Series 9
- +42 subjects

James: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...its subsidiaries, which included a national brokerage firm, a commodity firm, an insurance firm, a market-making brokerage firm, and a facilities company. My responsibilities included all aspects of corporate and financial management, new business development, strategic planning, and tactical operations. After retiring from the Financial Services Industry, I have both consulted as well as managed...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor in Arts, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Series 4
- Series 5 - Interest Rate Options Exams
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +24 subjects

Jim: Vashon Series 27 course instructor
...as examples. Exams I have taken (and passed on the first try): Series 7 (General Securities), Series 24 (General Securities Principal), Series 4 (Registered Options Principal), Series 27 (Financial and Operations Principal), Series 53 (Municipal Securities Principal), Series 66 (Investment Advisor Representative) and PA Life and Health Insurance agent exam. My goal is to have...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 27
- Series 63
- Series 53
- SIE
- +16 subjects