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(2) Understanding Products and Their Risks The table below lists the allocation of exam questions for each section. The outline is comprised of the four sections. The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam Content Outline provides a comprehensive guide to the range of topics covered on the exam, as well as the depth of knowledge required. The individual must be associated with a member firm to take a qualification exam. In order to become registered to engage in securities business, an individual must pass the SIE and a qualification exam appropriate for the type of business the individual will engage in. Passing the SIE alone does not qualify an individual for registration with a FINRA member firm or to engage in securities business.
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Association with a firm is not required to take the SIE, and results are valid for four years. The SIE is open to anyone aged 18 or older, including students and prospective candidates interested in demonstrating basic industry knowledge to prospective employers. This introductory-level exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information including concepts fundamental to working in the industry, such as types of products and their risks the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies and their functions and prohibited practices. The Securities Industry Essentials ® (SIE ®) Exam is a FINRA exam for prospective securities industry professionals.
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