If you are considering a Series 79 prep course to help build your study skills, Varsity Tutors offers private Series 79 classes that could be a good fit for you. Series 79 is the Investment Banking Representative Qualification Examination (IB), a standardized test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to determine whether or not a financial professional has the requisite knowledge to act as an investment banker. Some of the topics covered include buyouts, mergers, acquisitions, public investment banking, and refinancing. If you feel that you could use help studying these topics, a Series 79 course could be the academic edge you have been searching for!
Most Series 79 prep courses begin by helping students develop a familiarity with the structure and formatting of the test. The exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric Testing Centers nationwide. If you aren't comfortable with this setup, you might want to discuss it with your instructor in a Series 79 prep class for more information. The chart below provides some additional information about the test:
Series 79 Exam Format
Question Format | # Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score | Corequisite |
Multiple-Choice | 75 | 150 Minutes | 73% | SIE Exam |
Answering 75 question in two-and-a-half hours may seem simple at first glance, but remember that this is a FINRA test. FINRA is notorious for deceptive questions that try to trick financial professionals into using their practical work experience rather than the academic concepts the exam is looking for. Many students choose to take practice exams during their Series 79 prep classes so they know how questions might try to trick them on exam day.
Once you are comfortable with the structure of the exam, your Series 79 class might start concentrating on specific content areas. The following list reveals some of the concepts you may wish to review:
Series 79 Topics (Non-Comprehensive)
- Collection of transaction data from various market databases
- Valuation metrics
- Collection cycles and receivables turnover
- Types of organizational structures (C Corp, S Corp, LLCs, etc.)
- Due diligence process of buy-side transactions
- Securities Act of 1933
- Knowledge of syndicate agreements
- Suitability assessments of customers
- Resales of securities by control persons
- Stock versus asset sale
- Tax-free reorganization
- Prospectus disclosures
- Tender offer regulations
- Financial restructuring and bankruptcy
If that seems like a lot, it kind of is. However, a private Series 79 course allows you to go over everything at your own pace. If you understand the difference between stock and asset sales but have a harder time with the modern impact of the Securities Act of 1933, your Series 79 class can concentrate on historical legislation until you give the go-ahead to move on.
Private Series 79 courses also allow you to receive personalized attention. Your instructor may be able to incorporate your passions into your test prep to make study sessions more engaging. Likewise, all of your work can receive prompt feedback since your teacher doesn't have to grade 30 assignments before returning them. If you need to correct a mistake, it is often beneficial to do so while the material remains fresh in your mind.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make standardized test prep as convenient as possible. All students get to work on a Live Learning Platform that facilitates digital study sessions, providing the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the headache of trying to arrange an in-person meetup. We also try to match every client with a knowledgeable instructor who suits your scheduling needs to mitigate scheduling conflicts. Taking a Series 79 class should be something that fits into your life, not the other way around!
If you would like to learn more about our Series 79 prep courses, please contact Varsity Tutors today. Expert Educational Directors are standing by to help you in any way they can!

Angelo: Series 79 course instructor
I love helping students in topics related to math, to finance (public and private equity) and to engineering. I believe that if I can't explain concept, then I don't understand it. By that same token, if a student can't explain a concept back to me, then they don't understand it even if they say they do. I believe in getting to know all students, as their background is intricately connected with how they learn.
Education & Certification
- University of Florida - Master of Science, Electrical Engineering
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
- university of chicago - Master's/Graduate, ma
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 39
- MPJE - Louisiana
- ASCP Board of Certification - American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification
- +325 subjects

Michael: Series 79 course instructor
...simplify complex concepts and make exam content stick. By turning challenging material into engaging lessons, I strive to build not just understanding but also confidence in my students. Seeing my students achieve their goals and succeed in their exams is incredibly rewarding. I am dedicated to providing the support, guidance, and strategies needed to help each student reach their full potential. Together, we can make your path to certification a successful and enjoyable experience. Why...
Education & Certification
- University of Central Florida - Bachelor in Arts, Communication, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 9
- Series 10
- Series 63
- +12 subjects

Michael: Series 79 course instructor
...corporate finance, personal finance, and securities markets, and anything dealing with aviation. I have recently changed my career to move out of in-house financial services firms and focus completely on teaching. The way I prefer to teach and tutor is to work with the student, not lecture them. I try to find their strengths and weaknesses, the focus on increasing their strengths and improving on their weaknesses. I also find various ways to reach the...
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Doctor of Philosophy, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 9
- Series 31
- +16 subjects

Chunhua: Series 79 course instructor
...Tutoring fulfills my passion of sharing my years of experiences and offering guidance to students. I am a visual learning and tutoring using illustrations and examples to improve the recall of information and concepts. I have hosted and participated in my speaking engagements both in public and corporate board. I enjoy challenges and have consistently grown within the industry by enhancing my shills and obtaining additional licenses as well as taking on additional responsibilities. I...
Education & Certification
- Wuhan University - Bachelor of Science, Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Wuhan University - Doctor of Philosophy, Management Information Systems
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Insurance License
- Series 6
- SEE - Special Enrollment Exam
- +7 subjects

Hal: Series 79 course instructor
...began tutoring and realized that it had been decades since I originally passed my securities licensing exams, I took the Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE), and retook the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam (Series 65), and the National Commodities Futures Exam (Series 3), passing each on a single sitting. Over the past two years, I've tutored well over 200 students, balancing that with authoring a couple of investment-related textbooks and teaching aids. I look forward...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 28
- Series 27
- Insurance License
- +171 subjects

Kevin: Series 79 course instructor
...improved confidence, grades and test scores. Because I have over 20 years of "real life" professional experience and have traveled extensively, I am able to provide you real life examples to help understand the value of learning the topics I tutor you with. I specialize in tutoring a broad range of subjects with a focus on math, science, history, government, geography, accounting, finance and related business topics. One of my goals for each tutoring session...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 30
- CPA
- SIE
- +41 subjects

Kim: Series 79 course instructor
...test, I can quell your nerves. I will tutor/coach/mentor you through the subject at hand and in process, impart in you a set of skills you will be able to use the rest of your life. As a certified NLP coach as well as someone who studies neurofeedback, I have seen borderline miracles in learning take place. Bring your desire to learn along with a great attitude & leave the rest up to me.
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
- Series 79
- Series 65
- Insurance License
- Series 63
- +46 subjects

Jacquelyn: Series 79 course instructor
...to do well in class and on tests. 2. Advising employees on how to study to obtain professional licenses to achieve passing scores. It has been a great accomplishment for me. When your children graduate with Honors, and your student employees perform well to obtain professional licenses, it represents how well you were dedicated, coached, trained, and developed during the process. My experience working one-on-one, in small and large groups has proved to be successful....
Education & Certification
- University of Detroit Mercy - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- Southern New Hampshire University - Master of Science, Entrepreneurial Studies
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 7
- ARM-E - Associate in Management-Enterprise Risk Management
- RICP - Retirement Income Certified Professional
- +18 subjects

Ben: Series 79 course instructor
Experienced portfolio manager, strategist and published author with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Asset Management, Equities, Bonds, Investment Strategies, and Capital Markets. Strong finance professional with a MBA focused in Finance, General from University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. Series 65, 7, 63, 24, CFA, FRM
Education & Certification
- University of Amsterdam - Bachelor of Economics, Economics
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 5 - Interest Rate Options Exams
- CFA
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- +39 subjects

Godswill: Series 79 course instructor
...teaching to college-level Physics, Mathematics, and Applied Mechanics, helping students connect complex theories to real-world applications. Throughout graduate school, I served as a teaching and research assistant, tutoring freshmen and sophomores in core subjects such as Algebra, Calculus, Statistics, and Physics. My teaching philosophy is rooted in Educational Essentialism, a structured, progressive approach that equips students to master increasingly difficult concepts while preparing them for higher academic and intellectual challenges. Recognized for academic excellence, including...
Education & Certification
- Rivers State University - Bachelor of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
- Texas Southern University - Master of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- SIE
- Series 7
- PRAXIS
- +155 subjects
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 7
- PMP
- CDR - Commission on Dietetic Registration
- +56 subjects

Joshuah: Series 79 course instructor
...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 for test day....
Education & Certification
- Excelsior College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 65
- Series 4
- +14 subjects

Aaron: Series 79 course instructor
...which I also led study groups for. I was further nominated by my professors to lead study groups in statistics and intermediate mathematical microeconomics. I have worked, both formally and informally, providing career advice to students, particualrly those interested in pursuing a career in finance. I have helped numerous students successfully gain internships and full-time jobs in finance and look forward to continuing to help aspiring professionals achieve their goals. In my free time, I...
Education & Certification
- Bucknell University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Accounting and Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- SIE
- Series 63
- Macroeconomics
- +31 subjects

Nancy: Series 79 course instructor
...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 or World History.
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Harvard Business School - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +85 subjects

Edward: Series 79 course instructor
...year veteran of the Financial Services industry. I have been involved with advising and counseling both clients and advisors, and am passionate about helping others learn how financial markets work. I have passed the Series 6, 7, 24, 26, and 66 exams, and held the Massachusetts Life and Health insurance licenses. I coached basketball and football both at the youth and high school levels. I love music and am an active member of 2 bands.
Education & Certification
- Western New England University - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- Series 65
- Series 7
- Series 63
- +26 subjects
Education & Certification
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Bachelor of Science, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Series 79
- CPA
- CFA
- SIE
- +51 subjects