Securities exam study plan: SIE, Series 7 and state law, in order
Last checked October 16, 2026 · Sources: FINRA SIE content outline, Series 7 content outline, qualification exams table and SIE FAQ
A good securities exam study plan follows the order the rules impose: the SIE first, then your top-off exam such as the Series 7, then your state law exam. Weight each block of study by FINRA’s published section sizes, since products and risks are 44% of the SIE and recommendations are 73% of the Series 7. The schedule below is our suggestion; adjust it to your starting point.
The order to take securities exams
No sponsor needed, valid four years, and its content underpins every top-off exam.
Your firm sponsors you for the Series 7 (or Series 6). FINRA says you need both the SIE and the top-off exam for the registration.
Usually the Series 63, or the Series 66 if you'll also be an investment adviser representative. Advisers who won't hold the Series 7 take the Series 65 instead.
SIE study plan (suggested 6 weeks)
| Weeks | Focus | FINRA weight |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Knowledge of capital markets: regulators, market participants, types of markets | 16% (12 questions) |
| Weeks 2-3 | Products and their risks: equities, debt, packaged products, options basics, investment risks | 44% (33 questions) |
| Weeks 4-5 | Trading, customer accounts and prohibited activities | 31% (23 questions) |
| Week 6 | Regulatory framework, then full timed practice exams | 9% (7 questions) |
Section weights from FINRA’s SIE content outline; the weekly plan is our suggestion.
Series 7 study plan (suggested 6 to 8 weeks)
| Weeks | Focus | FINRA weight |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Function 1 (seeking business) and Function 2 (opening accounts) | 7% + 9% (20 questions) |
| Weeks 2-6 | Function 3: products, municipal and debt securities, packaged products, options, suitability and records | 73% (91 questions) |
| Week 7 | Function 4: orders, settlement and confirmations | 11% (14 questions) |
| Week 8 | Full 125-question timed exams and review of weak areas | All |
Function weights from FINRA’s Series 7 content outline; the weekly plan is our suggestion.
State law exam (suggested 2 to 3 weeks)
The Series 63 is short (60 questions in 75 minutes) and focuses on state law, so two weeks is often enough after the Series 7. The Series 65 (130 questions in 3 hours) and Series 66 (100 questions in 2 hours 30 minutes) cover more ground, including investment adviser law. See our Series 63, Series 65 and Series 66 guides.
A sample study week
- Three weekday sessions (about 1.5 hours each): read one topic and do its chapter quiz.
- One weekday session (about 1 hour): redo yesterday’s wrong answers.
- Weekend (2 to 3 hours): a timed practice set, then review every miss.
Tips for timing your exams
- Enroll only when you’re close to ready; the 120-day window starts when enrollment is processed.
- Take FINRA’s free SIE practice test before you start, to set your baseline.
- Book the Series 7 soon after the SIE, while the shared content is fresh.
- From January 19, 2027, FINRA’s retake waits shorten to 15 and 60 days, but passing first time still saves the fee and the wait. See our 2027 exam changes.
Common questions about securities exam study plans
Should I take the SIE before the Series 7?
Yes. The SIE is a co-requisite for FINRA’s representative exams, and its content underpins the Series 7.
Which SIE section matters most?
Products and their risks, which FINRA says is 44% of the exam (33 of 75 questions).
Which part of the Series 7 matters most?
Function 3, providing information and making suitable recommendations, which is 73% (91 of 125 questions).
How long should I study for the SIE and Series 7?
Our suggested plan is about 6 weeks for the SIE, 6 to 8 for the Series 7 and 2 to 3 for a state law exam, but it depends on your background.
See also our SIE exam guide, Series 7 guide and best SIE and Series 7 prep. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with FINRA or NASAA.