The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is an entry-level assessment that covers products, risks, regulatory agencies, prohibited practices, and markets administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The exam has 75 multiple-choice questions, takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete, and it's a tough test, even if you have financial experience. One of the best ways to get ready for it is to enroll in an SIE exam prep course, so you can make sure to make the grade of 70 or above needed to pass. To help us evaluate the best SIE exam prep courses, we looked at factors such as cost, published pass rate, and availability. We also considered the course materials offered, availability of instructors, and whether or not there was a guarantee. Best SIE Exam Prep Courses Best SIE Exam Prep Courses Final Verdict Compare the Best FAQs Methodology Key Specs Why We Chose It SIA, Inc.'s programming is tailored for someone looking for more than just professional enhancement: It's ideal for someone actually looking to move into a financial services career. Pros & Cons Pros Offers a variety of bundled courses In partnership with the largest financial publisher in the world SIA's products are easy-to-use Cons Bundles can get expensive May be best for students with previous experience in the financial sector Overview The Securities Institute of America, Inc. (SIA) offers a variety of bundles if you're looking to get the SIE credential and then pass the requisite top-offs like Series 6 or Series 7. The materials distributed by SIA, Inc. have been created in partnership with John Wiley & Sons, the world's largest publisher of financial information. SIA's products are intuitive and help guide you through the learning process step-by-step so that you feel prepared on the day of your exam. Packages cost approximately $49.95 to $449 depending on whether you want to purchase the textbook, exam prep software, the online video class, the mobile e-book, or bundles. While reviewing SIA's study supplements, you can chat with a representative online or call the company during business hours to ask any questions you might have. Key Specs Why We Chose It ExamFX was our choice for best overall because of its options for SIE exam prep (self-study, video study, and live online), relatively affordable cost, loads of helpful study materials, and the Readiness Exam given at the end of your training session. The Readiness Exam allows you to get a refund on your course if you take the SIE exam within three days and fail. Pros & Cons Pros Money back if you take the SIE and fail (three days after taking the course) Robust set of learning materials Offers three choices of exam prep Cons May be more expensive than other options No in-person classes offered Overview ExamFX has been in business since 1996. It offers three packages for SIE exam prep: Self-Study, Video Study, and Live Online. Pricing varies depending on your package, but it typically ranges from $99.95-$209.95. While the Self-Study tier includes features like an interactive learning portal, a readiness exam, a guaranteed assessment, instructor support, and more, the Video Study package includes on-demand video lectures and online flashcards. If you're looking for the maximum level of service, the Live Online tier includes everything the aforementioned packages have, including live online training. One highlight of ExamFX is its Readiness Exam. At the end of the training, if you score 80% or above on the Readiness Exam—and if you take the SIE exam within three days and fail—the company will refund the cost of the material. Be sure to book your exam time early so you can do it within the three-day window, just in case you think you'll need to take advantage of this offer. Key Specs Why We Chose It We selected the Securities Training Corporation (STC) because it features one of the bigger catalogs of financial services training materials and offers numerous test prep options, including the SIE, Series 7, and Series 63 combination that allows you to become a general securities representative. Pros & Cons Pros You can purchase a single course or a bundle 24/7 tech support Offers virtual and recorded classes Cons Limited refunds Only six months of access to your course May charge administration fees Live classes are only offered for top-tier bundles and cost the most Overview Securities Training Corporation (STC) is based in New York City, and according to its website, it has helped over 1 million professionals pass their exams. It offers manyoptions for SIE exam prep, including live (virtual) classes and recorded ones for those who want to pace themselves. Individuals from all 50 states have passed their licensing exams thanks to STC's prep exams in the financial sector. Courses and bundles run from over $100 to over $750, depending on whether you purchase the bundle or a single course. Because it offers a substantial amount of courses and materials, you may find the most options for prep courses here if you are looking to take more than the SIE exam. One thing to keep in mind is your timeline for studying because STC only offers exam prep access for six months. If you are unhappy with your exam results, understand that at STC, refunds are limited and subject to fees. Key Specs Why We Chose It Kaplan Financial Education is well-known for its exam prep courses, and it offers a wide range of test prep courses and materials for financial exams, such as SIE. Its experience in offering live online test prep makes it one of the best options for training classes. Pros & Cons Pros Sterling reputation for course prep and tutoring services Offers live streaming and on-demand courses Course comes with a pass guarantee Cons Only five months of access to your course Does not offer in-person classroom courses Basic packages may not include multiple practice tests Overview Kaplan has provided a wide range of educational materials, resources, and test prep since 1970, and its reputation is excellent. The company offers SIE exam prep courses ranging from bare-bones to bundles, with various options for live online training sessions. All packages include a study plan to help you prioritize your time, practice exams, a performance tracker, and more. Premium packages offer live online or on-demand courses. Depending on the kind of service you're looking for, prices can range from about $99 to $229 for SIE exam prep, with Series 6 or Series 7 packages ranging up to about $480. Key Specs Why We Chose It Do you want flashcards and audiobooks but no exam guide or video lectures? Then Solomon Exam Prep is the perfect choice for you. We chose this exam prep course due to its simplicity and cost. It offers an unbundled range of materials and resources, making it more affordable and customizable than the other offerings in the SIE exam prep world. Pros & Cons Pros Offers single-item materials at a low price point Allows you to customize your study experience Discounted rate for bundles Cons Fancier packages cost more Support from instructor isn't available for the basic package Overview While it offers unbundled materials, Solomon Exam Prep also encourages users to purchase bundles because they're offered at a discounted rate. There are four packages to choose from: Essentials, Video Premium, Audio Premium, and Total. All tiers include a study guide and exam simulator. Should you opt for one of the pricier packages, add-ons like video lectures, audiobooks, flashcards, and support from your instructor may be included with your purchase, depending on the package you choose. Key Specs Why We Chose It If you're looking for virtual classes, Knopman Marks is a great choice with its comprehensive exam prep bundles that provide students with digital and in-person options and a range of useful materials. Knopman Marks provides access to materials for up to one year so that you can go at your pace. Pros & Cons Pros Great virtual course offerings Access for up to one year Has a 98% pass rate Cons Bundles can get expensive Live online courses cost more Overview Overall, Knopman Marks is a comprehensive option that provides vast resources to its users from start to finish. While it might be pricier than some of the other offerings, the value is incomparable. Plus, if it means you pass on your first try, it'll be well worth the money. While its packages are more expensive than some others in this round-up—it's $250 for the self-study option and $225 more for live virtual courses—Knopman Marks states that it currently has a 98% pass rate for the SIE. If you opt for the bundle, you'll receive diagnostic exams, one assessment, video lectures, digital flashcards, personal instructor access, a textbook, class supplements, and more. You'll also have access to all materials for up to one year. Our best overall SIEexam prep course option isExamFX.It offers a wide range of prep tools and courses, a guarantee that you'll pass, and a refund if you don't. The SIE exam itself is composed of 75 questions, takes an hour and 45 minutes to complete, and a passing grade is 70 or above. In order to pass the SIE exam, you will likely need to dedicate many hours over weeks (or months) to studying the material. If you don’t already have a strong financial background, you should dedicate even more time to your exam prep. There are many SIE exam prep courses to choose from, depending on how much help you need and how you learn best. For example, you can purchase a generic online review course for as low as $40, though it’ll be mostly self-guided. If you want an in-person prep course, you can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $200 to $300 or even more. While it is possible to pass the SIE exam without taking a prep course, students are able to become more efficient in studying for the exam. Courses focus on the topics known to be covered on the exam and can take practice exams to see where their strengths and weaknesses are. In doing so, students don't waste time studying concepts they are already strong in and can focus on improving weak areas. Taking the time to enroll and participate in an SIE exam prep course is an excellent way to prepare for your SIE exam. In addition, sticking to a study schedule, becoming comfortable with financial terminology, and taking practice assessments should help you pass your SIE exam. Yes. The SIE exam is considered difficult because of the wealth of financial knowledge you are expected to understand. If you have a background already in finance before studying for the SIE, you might find it less complicated than someone without it. Overall, the current pass rate of the SIE exam is about 82% overall. To help determine the best SIE exam prep courses, we looked at factors such as cost, published pass rate, and availability. Since different examinees respond to specific class structures differently, it’s important to choose the model that best suits you—whether that’s online, in-person, or in a book. We also looked at what is offered in each course, such as review books, flashcards, practice exams, access to instructors for questions, and the like. Additionally, we took course policies, such as money-back guarantees, into account. Ultimately, using our roundup of the best SIE exam prep courses, you will find the right program to help you pass your exam and advance your career. Article Sources Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in oureditorial policy. Securities Institute of America, Inc. "SIE Exam Prep Study Material." The Securities Institute of America. "About The Securities Institute." ExamFX. "SIE Exam Prep Training." ExamFX. "ExamFX Pass Guarantee." Securities & Insurance Training. "Practice Test for SIE Exam Prep." Securities Training Corporation. "Securities Training Corporation." Kaplan Financial Education. "SIE Exam Prep Classes and Study Materials." Kaplan Financial Education. "About Kaplan." Kaplan Financial Education. "SIE & Series 7 Exam Prep Classes and Study Materials." Knopman Marks Financial Training. "SIE: Securities Industry Essentials Exam Prep." Knopman Marks. "SIE: Securities Industry Essentials Exam Prep." Kaplan Financial. "What Is the SIE Exam Passing Rate?" Related Terms Series 6: Definition, Requirements, Advantages and Disadvantages The Series 6 is a securities license entitling the holder to register as a company's representative and sell certain financial products. more Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Definition The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a nongovernmental organization that writes and enforces rules for brokers and broker-dealers. more What Is an Investment Manager? Roles, Skills, and Salary Investment managers are individuals or organizations who handle activities related to financial planning, investing, and managing a portfolio for their clients. more Chartered Market Technician (CMT): Definition and About the Exams A Chartered Market Technician (CMT) is a professional financial technical analyst who has earned the preeminent CMT designation awarded by the CMT Association. more Associate in Claims (AIC): What It Is, How It Works, and Example An associate in claims (AIC) is a professional designation for professionals with enhanced skill training to handle different types of claims. more Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) Definition, Requirements A Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) provides advice on the buying and selling of futures contracts, options on futures, and certain foreign exchange contracts. moreBest SIE Exam Prep Courses of 2024
Best for Career : Securities Institute of America, Inc.
Best for Materials : ExamFX
Most Informative : Securities Training Corporation
Best for In-Person Classes : Kaplan Financial Education
Best Value : Solomon Exam Prep
Most Comprehensive : Knopman Marks
Final Verdict
Compare the Best SIE Exam Prep Courses
Company Cost Length of Course Materials Provided Securities Institute of America Best for Career $49.95–$449 15-hour training course Textbook, online video class, mobile e-book, and exam prep software ExamFX Best Overall $99.95–$209.95 Access for up to 90 days Interactive learning portal, practice exam, guaranteed assessment, on-demand videos, and online flashcards Securities Training Corporation Most Informative $100-$750 Access for up to six months Varies depending on the course Kaplan Financial Education Best for In-Person Classes $99–$229 Access for up to five months Study plan, practice exams, a performance tracker, online and on-demand classes Knopman Marks Most Comprehensive $250 and up Access for up to one year Various; may include practice exams, video lectures, digital flashcards, access to instructors, and one assessment Solomon Exam Prep Best Value $40 and up Varies Digital flashcards and audio textbook Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do You Need to Study for the SIE Exam?
How Much Does an SIE Exam Prep Course Cost?
Is an SIE Exam Prep Course Worth It?
What Is the Best Way to Prepare for SIE?
Is the SIE Exam Difficult?
Methodology
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See Also
Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) ExamFINRA Top Off Exam | FINRA Top Off Exam MaterialsSecurities Industry Essentials SIE Study MaterialsSeries 63 vs. Series 65 vs. Series 66: What's the Difference?:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Securities_Training_Corporation-31848fc12cc84c4e830bfff09441c827.jpg "Best SIE Exam Prep Courses of 2024 (3)")
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See Also
- How to Get a Series 7 License:fill(white):max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Solomon_exam_Prep-4183f8cf4642432781cd30ded8d1b9be.jpg "Best SIE Exam Prep Courses of 2024 (5)")
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Series 6: Definition, Requirements, Advantages and Disadvantages The Best Online Real Estate Schools for September 2024 Best CMA Exam Prep Courses What To Expect on the CFA Level I Exam CFA vs. CPA: What's the Difference? Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Definition
