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.

Sarah: SIE course instructor
...the strategies that get you to your "ah-ha" moment! I also dedicate time to test-taking techniques, including those specifically for the CFP, that increase odds of student's success. I would love to take some time to meet you and learn more about where you are in your CFP journey! If you have any questions or would like to learn more about what our partnership would look like, don't hesitate to contact me so we can...
Education & Certification
- Texas Tech University - Bachelor of Science, Financial Planning
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 26
- Series 6
- +9 subjects

Peter: SIE course instructor
...one of these categories. You may be doing for the fun of it, looking to get a better understanding of investments, and exploring it as a career. You possibly are in college and wanting an internship at an investment firm. You are hired in the business and need to pass the SIE and the other FINRA exams thereafter. Please understand that these tests are NOT EASY. You must be committed to PASSING the test. Your...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 3
- Insurance License
- Series 28
- +37 subjects

Krista: SIE course instructor
...MBA (Capella University). 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...
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
- Series 66
- Series 63
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +18 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Essex - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- CFA
- Series 65
- Series 66
- +14 subjects

Brendan Daniel : SIE course instructor
...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 am a level 3 CFA candidate and portfolio manager for my digital asset hedge fund. I focus on the fund's DeFi investment strategy, blockchain research, and protocol risk management....
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 52
- Series 24
- CFA
- +61 subjects

Brandy: SIE course instructor
...I am a Financial Services Rep at a major Brokerage Firm in which I have been with with for two years. Passed each of my tests on the first try. I'm very skilled at teaching. I was previously licensed as a Life Insurance agent (Life Insurance and Annuities). I have a history in the Financial Industry working with Workers Comp Insurance and other Business Insurance. I have a Bachelors degree in Psychology.
Education & Certification
- Bellevue University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 63
- +1 subjects

Brian: SIE course instructor
...improvement, decision making, financial literacy, and leadership. While I can tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about finance, FINRA exams, decision making, financial literacy, and leadership. I am a firm proponent of higher education as well as career connected training, believing each one respectively is necessary for an improved quality of life depending on the personality of the student. I try to impart this perspective with students or working professionals as...
Education & Certification
- Portland State University - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Series 7
- Six Sigma
- +22 subjects

Scot: SIE course instructor
...2010 and became a licensed financial advisor in June of 2011. In February of 2017, I co-founded my financial planning firm, Providers & Families Wealth Management, with my wife, Lindsey; and in December of that year, I became a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER. The most influential teachers in my life provided an engaging and entertaining learning experience, and I strongly believe that these are very important characteristics of an impactful education! I look forward to helping...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 79
- Series 9
- +12 subjects

Kyle: SIE course instructor
I have a passion for financial and capital markets and love to teach and educate others. I have worked my entire professional career in financial services utilizing series exam information on a daily basis. I have a Masters of Finance from the University of Notre Dame and work as a investment analyst at a private investment firm. Open to giving career mentorship as well!
Education & Certification
- Texas am - Bachelor of Science, Business and Managerial Economics
- University of Notre Dame - Current Grad Student, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 7
- Series 6
- +10 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 63
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +8 subjects
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 66
- College Math
- +22 subjects

Dennis: SIE course instructor
...stock, trader, analyst and writer. I started at the NY brokerage firm Bear Stearns at 17 years old and earned some licenses along the way (7, 63, 55 and 24 supervisory principal). Life is easiest when armed with a variety of skill sets. So learn a little of everything but specialize in something that you feel like learning, even if there will be no test or recognition. Your education is really for yourself and those...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematical Statistics and Probability
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 55
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 24
- +49 subjects

Sarah: SIE course instructor
...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 most up to date material. As important as having the correct content, test taking skills, and study schedule - I understand how important it is, we know how you...
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 65
- Series 63
- Series 6
- +36 subjects

Harrison: SIE course 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 63
- Series 7
- Series 57
- +20 subjects

Ross: SIE course instructor
...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 of life, and I try to impart this appreciation to all of my students. In my spare time, I enjoy reading that which enriches my life, yoga, golf, and...
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 7
- Series 79
- Series 24
- +22 subjects

Mark: SIE course instructor
...# 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 STUDY FROM THE QUESTIONS. Bilingual in SPANISH...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Associate in Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 57
- Series 9
- Series 63
- +73 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth - Bachelor in Arts, Political Economy
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 24
- Series 9
- Series 10
- +16 subjects

Isaiah: SIE course instructor
...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 63. A month later I passed the Series 26. In February of 2019 I passed the Series 65. All together it took me about 6 months to study and...
Education & Certification
- Alabama State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- Alabama State University - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 63
- Insurance License
- +29 subjects

Jennifer: SIE course instructor
...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 and coaching in the Financial Services field-which includes -Mortgage Branch Management, VP of Membership, Top Mortgage Production Sales Performer, Financial Advisor, Life & Health Agent and Medicare Health Agent....
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
- NMLS - Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System
- Insurance License
- +3 subjects

Kim: SIE course instructor
...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 non-native English speaker to someone with ADHD/Autism. If you need to take a certification test, I can quell your nerves. I will tutor/coach/mentor you through the subject at hand...
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
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 79
- Series 63
- +45 subjects