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.
Eunpa: SIE course instructor
Business analyst with five years of tutoring and significant corporate strategy experience. Applied BA in math at top ten research university to financial modeling, ROI analyses, marketing, academic research, technology, and higher education.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Math
- +43 subjects
Education & Certification
- Loyola University Maryland - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 66
- CFP
- +4 subjects
Nancy: SIE course instructor
...a college economics major with an MBA, and as former investment banker with many years of experience there (now retired), I enjoy teaching finance, accounting, and econ as well as the various secrutities licensing tests. But my avocations are history and literature and I love teaching them as well--whether through assisting with regular school homework and test preparation, or through SAT/ACT prep, or through AP/SAT subject test prep in English Literature, Human Geography, or American...
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Harvard Business School - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 79
- Series 66
- Series 65
- +83 subjects
Hal: SIE course instructor
...of society and that personal growth and betterment are natural to each individual whether it be economic, intellectual, or spiritual. Learning is unique to each person and each person, who has the interest, will benefit from the best possible learning situation that can be provided and consequently contribute to the whole of society. No one method applies to all. It is my goal to focus on the individual, adapt my methods to their needs, and...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- CPA
- Series 82
- Series 51
- +171 subjects
Ben: SIE course instructor
...receiving my Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration with a minor in biblical studies. During my time there, I traveled extensively and was involved in several social service clubs, campus choir, and I also volunteered my time at the local Boys and Girls club to assist the kiddos with their homework assignments. Upon graduation, I began a career as a financial professional, where I advised families, individuals, and businesses by taking complex (and often confusing)...
Education & Certification
- Lee University - Bachelor of Science, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 6
- Algebra
- +45 subjects
Joshuah: SIE course instructor
...and Political Sciences; passed the SIE, Series 63, 65, and 7 on the first attempts, and have passed the Level I CFA exam. All of which are completely unimportant because it's not about me, it's about how I can help you (and I can)! Whether you know what you need to know, or are completely lost, I will make sure that we progress with content at a speed that fits you until you are confident...
Education & Certification
- Excelsior College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 6
- Series 66
- +14 subjects
Karen: SIE course instructor
...graduated with a master's degree from Ashwood University in business administration. In addition, I hold an English teaching certificate. Since I graduated, I've taught or coached in several areas. However, my primary focus has been on Series licensing. I help students with all licenses such as SIE, 6, 63, 7 65.66, 24 and many more. Many students struggle with the concepts of the SIE exam. I can break it down for you and relate it...
Education & Certification
- Ashwood University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 65
- Series 99
- +22 subjects
Johnathan: SIE course instructor
...tort reform in the health care space, the right to prescribe for first responders, and health care reform for New Jersey State residents in 2010. A few years after that I graduated college and started a career in government with the Office of the Mayor of New York City. Here I demonstrated data driven change by working with the Office of Management and Budget to fine-tune procurement processes and spending for various programs. The following...
Education & Certification
- Rider University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Police Science
- Fordham University - Master of Laws, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Social Studies
- Political Science
- LSAT Reading Comprehension
- +36 subjects
Mary: SIE course instructor
...Associates, the Chicago-based pioneer of options trading and risk management becoming a floor member of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange trading single stock options and futures. My training began in the trading pit, side by side senior traders for whom I would be responsible for tracking delta positions, hedging trades, communicating with the partners, and learning options theory to prepare for a three-week intensive in house options course in Chicago with a peer group. We were...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Northwestern University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 55
- Series 28
- Series 27
- +109 subjects
Donald: SIE course instructor
...to lifelong learning and always improving myself and others. I 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...
Education & Certification
- United States Naval Academy - Bachelor of Science, History
- Louisiana State University-Shreveport - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant
- Series 7
- CFP
- +35 subjects
Valentina: SIE course instructor
...you with the preparation for the FINRA exams. I have been in the financial industry for over 20 years, and I am FINRA licensed in Series 7, Series 66, and of course, in SIE since it is a pre-requisite for Series 7. I have also been FINRA licensed in Series 63 and Series 65. The exams are very challenging, but there is nothing there that you will not be able to comprehend and nail from...
Education & Certification
- Colorado Mesa University - Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 7
- +4 subjects
James: SIE course instructor
...licensed banker with JPMorgan Chase. I was a college baseball player at the University of Mount Union where I majored in Sport Business and Business management. Since then I have completed my MBA with Walden University in 2018 and will be completing my Masters of Science in Leadership and Management with Purdue Global in 2022. I have a passion for coaching and sharing my experiences in hopes of allowing other to realize their own goals.
Education & Certification
- University of Mount Union - Bachelor in Arts, Business Administration and Management
- Walden University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 6
- Series 63
- Business Writing
- +32 subjects
Jessica: SIE course instructor
Avid public speaker and advocate for financial literacy. I am a full-time financial advisor that uses my free time to help others gain the knowledge necessary to learn more about business and finance or make their own way in the financial services industry.
Education & Certification
- SUNY College at Oneonta - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 7
- Series 27
- +79 subjects
John: SIE course instructor
...been working in market-oriented roles for the past 4 years. My most relevant experience is as an equity trader, where I was responsible for executing various equity and equity derivative products on behalf of hedge funds. Part of my background includes analyzing market trends, managing portfolio risk, and developing optimal trading strategies from both a fundamental and technical perspective. In addition to my professional experience, I am highly analytical, detail-oriented, and have a strong product...
Education & Certification
- Marist College - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Marist College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 63
- CFA
- +20 subjects
Braden: SIE course instructor
...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 wait for the opportunity to help...
Education & Certification
- University of Oklahoma Norman Campus - Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 66
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- +64 subjects
Haazim: SIE course instructor
I am your trusted Tutor and financial partner for your educational journey as a financial professional. I look forward to helping you to master the information with a keen attention to detail, with your willingness to approach this learning process with an open mind. I look forward to helping you to meet your specific needs and to foster and environment for continuous growth.
Education & Certification
- Howard University - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 7
- Series 6
- +4 subjects
Peter: SIE course instructor
...am a tutor. You are entering a world where it is a "win win," meaning you help others with their finances and make money doing so. These licenses are so valuable, that you have the potential to make as much money, if not more money than doctors and lawyers. You do not need a secondary degree, you just need to pass the tests. You would want me as at tutor mainly because of my experience....
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 9
- Series 27
- Series 87
- +42 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Missouri-St Louis - Bachelor in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- CFP
- Series 63
- Series 79
- +24 subjects
Jorge: SIE course instructor
...Bachelor of Arts Degree, I had the opportunity to enter the world of Finance and have enjoyed a rewarding career of over 20 years. Along the way, I have earned my Certificate in Financial Planning from Bryant University. Preparing for a certification exam can be a daunting and stressful experience. I strive to help my students isolate their strengths and weaknesses, then help them construct a plan to approach the material in a disciplined and structured...
Education & Certification
- Long Island University-C W Post Campus - Bachelor in Arts, English
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- CFP
- Series 55
- +36 subjects
Melissa: SIE course instructor
I have 20 years of real world experience in business. I can teach the following licenses: SIE, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 66. I am a current licensed senior broker at a large firm. I have assisted with in-person training to pass these licenses and have worked teaching adults my entire career. Cannot wait to work with you!
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Arlington - Bachelor in Arts, Anthropology
- Capella University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 66
- +1 subjects