Varsity Tutors can help you prepare for the SIE Exam with an in-depth SIE course. Signing up for an SIE class could help you improve the quality of your test preparation process. You can easily sign up for SIE courses by getting in touch with us today. Or, continue reading to get more information on how private SIE classes can help you get more out of your study sessions.
At Varsity Tutors, we have established ourselves as a market leader by referring students to SIE prep courses that may be adapted to their needs. Other providers might offer SIE classes, but you are stuck with a set curriculum and zero flexibility to concentrate on your unique needs. We earnestly believe that you won't regret booking an SIE course through us!
Can An SIE Prep Course Near Me Help Me Understand The Purpose Of The Test?
The Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE Exam, is a test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that is typically taken by individuals who are interested in working in the securities industry. It is an entry-level exam, and the only requirement to sit for it is that you must be at least 18 years of age.
However, passing the SIE Exam alone will not qualify you for any financial position. For that, you need to pass an additional FINRA qualification exam centered around the unique responsibilities of the position you are seeking, such as the Series 7 (General Securities Representative Qualification Exam). The SIE Exam is a prerequisite for the Series 7 though, so prospective financial professionals may want to invest in an SIE Exam prep course and try to accelerate their career trajectory. In fact, many students take the SIE Exam to demonstrate their commitment to potential employers.
To perform well on this test, you'll need to understand the fundamental aspects of the job of a securities professional. Some of the things you'll need to know include regulatory agencies and their functions, types of securities and their risks, and prohibited practices, among other things. An SIE prep course can help you gain a better understanding of these topics and more.
Can I Review The Formatting Of The Test During SIE Exam Prep Courses Near Me?
One of the first topics discussed in most SIE Exam prep classes is the structure of the test. Below, you'll find more information on the format of the SIE Exam:
Question Format |
# Questions |
Time Allowed |
Passing Score |
Multiple-Choice |
75 |
1 Hour and 45 Minutes |
70% |
Note that the SIE Exam actually contains 85 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are unscored. The unscored items are not labelled in any way, so you should treat the exam as if you need to answer 85 questions within the time allotted. There is no penalty for guessing on the SIE Exam, so you should try to answer every question.
If you're concerned about your ability to complete the test on time, you can go over time management strategies during your SIE Exam course. For example, many students take practice exams during SIE Exam classes to gain firsthand knowledge of how much time they will have on test day. Likewise, completing practice tests can help you learn what the directions are so you don't actually need to read them on test day. Hey, every little bit counts!
Some test-takers also fall into the trap of using the resources available to them too often. You will be provided with a basic four-function calculator and a dry-erase board to help you work out math problems, but you'll probably find that you don't have enough time to double-check every answer. Your tutor can demonstrate when and how to make the most of these resources during your SIE Exam class to help you manage your time effectively.
Likewise, taking practice exams can help you get more comfortable working with the testing environment. If you haven't taken a computer-based exam before, gaining some experience can only help. Chances are you haven't taken a digital test in a testing lab before either. You aren't allowed to take any reference materials with you into the testing center, so you can't count on any last-minute prep time they way you may have in high school or college. Instead, all of your test prep has to happen prior to your testing date.
Similarly, you may review test-taking strategies during your SIE Exam class to prevent yourself from wasting too much time on a particular question. Every question on the exam is multiple-choice, so you might be able to eliminate some of the incorrect responses even if you don't know the right answer. After that, you should probably take a guess and move on to make sure that you have an opportunity to answer every question. Who knows - another question on the exam might contain information that helps you with the item that stumped you!
How Can SIE Exam Courses Near Me Improve My Study Efficiency?
When you sign up to take an SIE prep class, you'll start working with an expert on the material you need to study for your upcoming test. SIE prep courses take place in a one-on-one learning environment where your needs always remain the top priority. Your instructor can set you up with a customized learning plan that is based specifically on your unique academic strengths and areas of opportunity. This can save you the hassle of having to spend time on material that you already understand. In this way, SIE prep classes are one of the most efficient test preparation supplements that you'll find.
Here's some more detailed information on the content of the SIE Exam:
SIE Section |
# Questions |
Percentage of Exam |
Knowledge of Capital Markets |
12 |
16 |
Understanding Products and Their Risks |
33 |
44 |
Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts and Prohibited Activities |
23 |
31 |
Overview of Regulatory Framework |
7 |
9 |
Your SIE Exam prep course can spend as much or as little time on each of these sections as you want it to. For instance, the first section above covers topics such as SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) regulations, the role of Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs), and the role of various market participants. Most of these topics require rote memorization, so your instructor may help you come up with a mnemonic device during your SIE Exam class to remember anything you are having a hard time with.
Alternatively, your instructor could give you a chart that allows you to study all of the pertinent SEC regulations at a glance, or make you flashcards highlighting the role played by different market participants. The important thing is that you study the material you need to study in a manner that works for you.
Similarly, the SIE Exam's second section demands a strong knowledge of how common investment products work. Some of the topics you might review include equity securities, debt instruments, options, annuities, and bonds. You are expected to be able to quantify how these investment types work, so there could be a little bit of math involved. You can review the requisite quantitative skills during your SIE Exam course if you feel that you could benefit from a refresher.
This section also requires you to understand how circumstances can affect an investment product. For example, 529 Plans and ABLE accounts both qualify as "mutual funds," but they do not operate in the same manner. If you grasp the basics but have a harder time with the nuances of the financial sector, you can spend some of your SIE Exam class time to develop a deeper understanding of the difference.
The third section of the SIE Exam is a grab bag of topics ranging from FINRA regulations and the consequences of insider trading to different investment strategies and the type of returns provided by different asset classes. The hardest part about it is probably that you have little if any prior experience working with this type of material, making it feel as though you're studying a foreign language. It's generally not taught at the undergraduate level, and high schools rarely delve into anything financial in nature. The best way to combat this is to be willing to ask questions during your SIE Exam prep class, as nothing good will come of waiting until a minor misunderstanding spirals out of control.
The test's third section also deals with how financial professionals are expected to deal with customers and potential customers. For example, your investment recommendations need to make sense for the client, not you. If you cannot explain why a given product works for a particular customer, you may need to select a more suitable option to meet their needs.
Finally, the fourth section of the SIE Exam covers additional FINRA regulations, limitations on non-cash compensation earned by financial professionals, and how a personal bankruptcy could affect the professional life of somebody in the finance industry. If you have a problem with any of the questions in this section, you can review them during your SIE Exam class even though it isn't as heavily weighted as the others.
Paperwork is also a topic on the final section of the SIE. If you don't know the difference between Form U4 and Form U5, you can talk over it during an SIE class. In fact, your tutor may be able to provide samples of each so that you can compare them directly!
Another advantage of studying in an SIE Exam prep class is the ability to receive individualized attention. Any questions you have can be answered promptly, as you are the only pupil your tutor is responsible for during your study sessions. In fact, many past students say that they found it easier to ask their tutor for help thanks to the personal rapport established over multiple SIE Exam courses!
All of your work can also receive immediate feedback, allowing you to go back and correct any errors before you forget what you were thinking at the time.
Your SIE course can also help you develop your general test-taking skills. For instance, if you've previously dealt with test anxiety, your instructor can show you techniques you can use to promote relaxation while taking important exams like the SIE.
Your tutor may even be able to take the time to get to know you as a person. Your SIE Exam course can be adapted to whether you are a visual or auditory learner. Likewise, your tutor may look for ways to incorporate your outside interests into your test prep to make your SIE prep classes more engaging. After all, students get more out of test prep when they are actively engaged in what they are doing!
Why Should I Choose Varsity Tutors For My SIE Class Near Me
We offer a proprietary Live Learning Platform that allows all of our SIE prep courses to take place online, delivering the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the annoying logistics of trying to arrange an in-person study session. It includes powerful features such as video chat functionality and a virtual whiteboard to make it seem as though you are in the same room as your tutor even if you are miles apart!
We also try to match every student who chooses us with an expert instructor who can best accommodate your scheduling needs. At Varsity Tutors, we believe that no student should need to give up their job, hobbies, or other activities just for SIE test prep!
If you'd like to become a professional in the securities industry, then taking and passing the SIE is one of the first things you should do. Doing well on this exam can signify to employers and clients how qualified you are to help them make investment decisions. Of course, passing the SIE Exam may be easier said than done. That's why a strong test preparation process is vital if you've decided to take this test. Varsity Tutors can help you build a better study plan with an in-depth SIE course. If you think you would benefit from this style of test preparation assistance, then get in touch with us today! We can get you started quickly with a learning option that fits your specific set of needs.

Krista: SIE course instructor
...I currently licensed with the state of NJ for Life/Health Insurance. I am registered with FINRA (Series 7 & 66). I also hold a Certified Financial Planner designation. I help candidates studying for their Life/Health, SIE, Series 7, Series 6, Series 66 (63/65), and CFP designations. I am eager to pass on various tips and tricks I have learned for the various exams. I have various study tips and tricks that I have found helpful...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Capella University - Masters in Business Administration, Project Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- AP Macroeconomics
- Personal Finance
- Professional Certifications
- +18 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Essex - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- English
- Technology and Coding
- +14 subjects

John: SIE course instructor
...a BS in Computer 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...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- New York University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 72
- AP Computer Science Principles
- GMAT Verbal
- +29 subjects

Donald: SIE course instructor
...am excited to share my experiences in order to show that education CAN BE fun and that it can open many doors for you in life.... it's just all about perspective! I attended the United States Naval Academy and was a linebacker for the football team from 2011-2015. I earned my Bachelors of Science in History. The Naval Academy challenged me in ways I did not know were possible. I was tested every single day...
Education & Certification
- United States Naval Academy - Bachelor of Science, History
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Algebra 2
- Professional Certifications
- World History
- +35 subjects

Isaiah: SIE course instructor
...am in my last semester of finishing up my Master's Degree in Mathematics. For four years I taught math in Montgomery Public School system (Montgomery, AL). The subjects ranged from pre-algebra to calculus. I taught grades 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th. During my last year of teaching high school, I began studying for FINRA Series 6 exam. I passed the series 6 exam in May of 2018. Two weeks later I passed the Series...
Education & Certification
- Alabama State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- Alabama State University - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Geometry
- Pre-Algebra
- Series 26
- +29 subjects

John: SIE course instructor
My name is John Walker. I am a seasoned veteran in the financial and insurance industries. I look forward to putting my personal experience, education, and training to work for you. I hope to work with up-and-coming professionals to ensure you meet and exceed your goals!
Education & Certification
- Florida State College at Jacksonville - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 66
- Series 9
- CFP
- +10 subjects

Braden: SIE course instructor
...a recent Chemical Engineering graduate with a minor in economics from the University of Oklahoma living in Overland Park, Kansas. I have a passion for teaching college, high school, and middle schoolers math from Algebra to College Calculus, chemistry, and physics. In high school I took a variety of AP Tests: AP Chemistry-5, AP Physics 1-4, AP Calculus AB-5 AP US History-4, AP English Composition-4. I hope we are a great fit, and I can't...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Economics
- Organic Chemistry
- +64 subjects

Kim: SIE course instructor
...I have had to study constantly in order to maintain my skill set. To this very day, I work upwards of 18 hours per day, five and sometimes six days per week. Because of my diverse background, (heavy in the finance arena, including insurance, securities & investment banking/related) I can relate to people on different levels. I excel in working with those who are learning challenged. This can range from a person who is a...
Education & Certification
- University of Alaska Anchorage - Bachelor of Science, Political Science and Government
- International Seminary for Distance Education in Theology - Bachelor of Theological Studies, Theology
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Academic Coaching
- Public Speaking
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +43 subjects

Barrett: SIE course instructor
...is largely a function of how it's defined, I consider my own success to be helping my students along a journey to attaining their respective goals. But that journey begins with a first step, at times a humbling step. As a coach and mentor, I value my role as your trusted resource in helping you take those initial steps on your journey to passing the securities exam(s) and onward to a bright future!
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural Mechanical College - Doctor of Laws, Law Enforcement Administration
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Business
- Property Law
- Law
- +20 subjects

Ross: SIE course instructor
...a focus on history. Since graduation, worked in government in economic development which caused a love for finance. I have studied for the SIE and passed it and helped other people pass the SIE. I am most passionate about History. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, we always seem to have the most fun. I am a firm proponent of education, believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality...
Education & Certification
- University of New Haven - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Mercy College - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 24
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Excel
- +22 subjects