If you are ready to take your SIE Exam prep to the next level, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare with an in-depth SIE class. Taking an SIE course could help you get more out of the time you had already planned on devoting to studying. You can get started with your own SIE prep program quickly by contacting us today!
We have become a leader in the SIE test prep space because we connect students like you with SIE tutors dedicated to helping you reach for your professional and academic potential. SIE test prep can be a difficult road to cross alone, so bring in the experts to help you pursue success!
Can You Place Me In A SIE Exam Class Near Me That Explains What The Test Is?
Naturally! SIE stands for Securities Industry Essentials, a standardized exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) to measure a prospective financial professional's basic knowledge of the securities industry. It is considered an entry-level exam, so the only requirement to sitting for it is being 18 years of age or older. Many students take it to build their resumes and establish their commitment to a career in the financial field to potential employers, though a passing score only remains valid for four years.
How Can SIE Exam Classes Near Me Improve My Study Efficiency?
Attending private SIE Exam courses allows you to study anything you might need to. You never need to leave a topic behind until you are comfortable doing so, in contrast to many competing SIE Exam courses that follow set curricula regardless of an individual student's needs. Likewise, you can receive help whenever you need it since you are your instructor's sole student during your SIE test prep. In fact, many of the students who have worked with us in the past claim that the personal rapport they were able to establish with their instructor over the course of their SIE classes made it easier to ask questions whenever necessary.
The personal relationship you forge can also help your tutor design SIE prep sessions with your needs in mind. If you are a visual learner who needs to see something in order to understand it, your SIE Exam tutor might create flashcards highlighting the most important things you need to know. Alternatively, an auditory learner could benefit from oral repetitions of key points to help them stick in their mind. Both approaches are viable SIE Exam prep options, but large SIE Exam classes tend to pick one or the other to the detriment of students who would prefer a different method.
Your instructor may even incorporate your outside interests into your SIE tutoring sessions to make them more engaging. If you enjoy game shows such as Jeopardy!, your instructor might structure your SIE test prep in a similar way. Alternatively, you may use high-profile clients as examples to make practice problems more interesting. Research suggests that students who are actively engaged in their SIE test prep end up getting more out of it, so why not spice it up a little bit?
The most challenging part of SIE test prep may be how foreign some of the concepts can seem. Finance isn't covered at all by the average high school curriculum, and most college courses don't delve into the finer points of topics such as options and bonds. Thankfully, you may review these concepts during SIE tutoring sessions. Here are some of the topics you might want to go over during your SIE Exam prep:
SIE Topics (non-comprehensive)
- The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
- Department of the Treasury/IRS
- The Federal Reserve
- Market Participants and their Roles
- Types of Markets
- Monetary vs. fiscal policy
- Business Economic Factors
- International Economic Factors
- Offerings
- Equity Securities
- Debt Instruments
- Packaged Products
- Municipal Fund Securities
- Direct Participation Programs (DPPs)
- REITs
- Hedge Funds
- Exchange-traded Products (ETPs)
- Definition and Identification of Risk Types
- Orders and Strategies
- Investment Returns
- Corporate Actions
- Customer Account Registrations
- Anti-money Laundering (AML)
- Books and Records and Privacy Requirements
- Prohibited Activities
- Registration and Continuing Education
- Employee Conduct
- Reportable Events
What Can SIE Exam Courses Near Me Teach Me About The Structure Of The Test?
The SIE is broken into four sections: Knowledge of Capital Markets (16% of your total grade), Understanding Products and Their Risks (44%), Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities (31%), and Overview of Regulatory Framework (9%). Here is a closer look at how formal SIE prep can help you prepare for each section:
Section One: Knowledge of Capital Markets
This section covers topics such as the role played by various market participants, types of markets (primary, secondary, etc.), how to read economic indicators, Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and how they work, and regulatory filing requirements and exemptions. It's a very broad section, but a lot of it boils down to rote memorization. If something just won't stick in your mind for any reason, you may work with your tutor to come up with a mnemonic device as part of your SIE Exam prep.
Alternatively, you could take advantage of SIE test prep time to write down anything you're having a hard time with. Writing things down forces you to actively think about them, potentially making them easier to remember.
Section Two: Understanding Products and Their Risks
Section Two covers investment products such as mutual funds, options, stocks, hedge funds, and risk mitigation. You will be expected to both understand these concepts on a theoretical level and crunch the numbers to demonstrate how they work in practice. The latter involves math, so your tutor may provide practice problems during your SIE Exam test prep if your quantitative skills aren't up to snuff.
Risk is also a key concept on this section, as you need to understand the different types of risk (liquidity, political, credit, capital, etc.) as well as common strategies to mitigate an investor's exposure to risk (diversification, hedging, portfolio rebalancing). You probably have an intuitive understanding of what risk is, but may not express it in the financial terms used by the exam. If so, your instructor may dedicate some SIE prep time to getting you up to speed with the pertinent terminology.
Section Three: Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities
Topics covered in this section include the different types of orders, investment returns, the difference between trade delivery and settlement, corporate actions (mergers, acquisitions, etc.), and different account types. One of the most important concepts to understand is how to take a customer's financial needs into consideration when recommending products to them. Your SIE tutor may act as different types of customers to give you some practical experience you can eventually draw on with real clients.
This section also includes the ethical components of finance, including the prohibitions on market manipulation and insider trading and the penalties associated with each. You need to be able to cite a lot of specific Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and FINRA regulations here, so the rote memorization techniques discussed for the first section may come in handy again once your SIE Exam prep makes it here.
Section Four: Overview of Regulatory Framework
If you felt that the previous sections of the test didn't have enough rules to memorize, you'll love the fourth section. It covers additional FINRA and SEC regulations, plus those imposed by self-regulatory organizations (SROs). The relatively light weight of this section may make students gloss over it in their SIE test prep, but these are important concepts. If you don't understand anything, make sure to ask your instructor before your testing date.
Likewise, the fourth section includes rules for how to perform various types of paperwork. If you're the type of person who needs to learn by doing, your instructor may provide sample problems for you to complete during your SIE test prep. If you would prefer for your instructor to walk you through the process, a comprehensive tutorial may be incorporated into your SIE preparation as well.
Will SIE Test Preparation Near Me Cover The Formatting Of The Test?
Yes! The SIE consists of 85 multiple-choice questions administered over a testing session lasting an hour and 15 minutes. Only 75 of the questions are scored but the experimental items are unmarked, so you'll just have to do your best on all of them. There is no penalty for guessing on the test, so you should plan to at least attempt every question. Of course, wanting to answer every question and actually having the time to do so can be completely different things.
Thankfully, time management strategies may be incorporated into your SIE test preparation. For example, you might learn how to eliminate obviously incorrect answer choices during an SIE course so that you can take a guess and move on. You might also learn how to leverage the exam against itself by using the information in one item to answer another.
You also have two resources available to you during the exam: a basic scientific calculator and a dry-erase board you may use as scrap paper. Unfortunately, you probably won't have enough time to use these resources for every question. Your instructor may demonstrate how to use these tools during your SIE Exam tutoring sessions to help you utilize them efficiently and effectively.
The SIE Exam is administered on a computer, providing a different test-taking experience from the pencil-and-paper format you are probably accustomed to. If you're a little apprehensive about an unfamiliar process, you may take practice tests during your SIE preparation to develop a familiarity with how it works. You may also learn relaxation techniques during your SIE prep if you have dealt with test anxiety in the past.
What Are The Benefits Of Booking SIE Preparation Through Varsity Tutors?
We try our best to refer every student to an SIE course that meets their scheduling needs. We believe that nobody should allow an SIE class to dictate their lives and design our services with the value of your time in mind.
For instance, our proprietary Live Learning Platform facilitates digital SIE test prep. You may meet with your instructor on our online classroom, giving you the advantages associated with face-to-face SIE prep without the corresponding headache. Our platform also has powerful features such as a virtual whiteboard and video chat functionality to bring your SIE test prep to life! We like to think it's one of the differentiators that help us stand out in a crowded industry.
Passing the SIE Exam would be a major accomplishment (the minimum passing score is 70), but it does not certify you as a financial professional. In order to earn a license, you must pass the SIE and another FINRA qualification exam based on the duties of the position you are gunning for. Here are some of the other qualification exams you may pursue after passing the SIE:
Qualification Exam Choices After Passing the SIE
- Series 6 - Investment Company Representative (IR)
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative (GS)
- Series 22 - DPP Representative (DR)
- Series 57 - Securities Trader (TD)
- Series 79 - Investment Banking Representative (IB)
- Series 82 - Private Securities Offerings Representative (PR)
- Series 86 and 87 -Research Analyst (RS)
- Series 99 - Operations Professional (OS)
Note that many of these tests have prerequisites that go beyond passing the SIE, such as a sponsorship from a FINRA member firm or passing an additional exam. That said, you have to start somewhere. The SIE could be the launching pad that helps your fiance career get off of the ground!
Are you interested in a career in the securities industry? If so, you may have already decided to take the SIE. This is an important exam but it can also be challenging to prepare for without any guidance. Varsity Tutors can help you create a more effective and efficient study plan with SIE prep guidance from expert educators. If you think that you would benefit from this style of SIE test preparation, then consider contacting us today. We'd love to help you pursue your test goals with confidence!
Johnny: SIE test prep instructor
...a math teacher, but changed majors into Finance. Every since my military days I enjoy giving back to the community anyway that I can, so I figured why not teach subjects in Finance. My philosophy in teaching is to try to keep it as simple as I can by using analogies and references that is unique to each person and their way of absorbing information. The subjects I enjoy teaching within Finance are understanding Fundamental...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Victoria - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 57
- Series 6
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +14 subjects
Johnathan: SIE test prep instructor
...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 year, a position was offered to me by the New York City Police Department, to work for the Deputy Commissioner of Management and Budget. This soon...
Education & Certification
- Rider University - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Police Science
- Fordham University - Master of Laws, Prelaw Studies
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- LSAT Reading Comprehension
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- UK A Level Government and Politics
- +36 subjects
Alexander: SIE test prep instructor
...firm. After college, I joined the financial services industry, eventually getting my Series licenses, Certified Financial Planner designation, and insurance licenses. I've passed all of my licensing and certification tests in the financial services field on the first attempt, including the CFP. This is thanks to my mastery of financial concepts and understanding of test-taking logic and strategy. When you work with me, I will show you the best practices, strategies, and techniques that allowed...
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-East - Bachelor in Arts, Creative Writing
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 6
- Series 63
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +37 subjects
Mark: SIE test prep instructor
...Real Estate Agent and the Real Estate Broker test TEST TAKING SKILLS are a vital part of passing any test I will demonstrate how. PRACTICE QUESTIONS - The more the better. As you are taking the test... I will show you how to build a POSITIVE ATTITUDE. The key is: HOW TO READ THE QUESTIONS and HOW TO STUDY FROM THE QUESTIONS. Bilingual in SPANISH P.S. I have multiple testimonials from my students passing their examinations.
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Associate in Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 9
- Real Estate License
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- +73 subjects
Kyle: SIE test prep instructor
I have a passion for financial and capital markets and love to teach and educate others. I have worked my entire professional career in financial services utilizing series exam information on a daily basis. I have a Masters of Finance from the University of Notre Dame and work as a investment analyst at a private investment firm. Open to giving career mentorship as well!
Education & Certification
- Texas am - Bachelor of Science, Business and Managerial Economics
- University of Notre Dame - Current Grad Student, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 66
- Series 63
- Series 65
- +11 subjects
Joseph: SIE test prep instructor
...business coaching positions has allowed me to develop a unique perspective and flexible tutoring style. While I tutor a range of subjects on business and financial topics, I am most passionate about FINRA and Insurance regulatory examinations. I am a firm proponent of continuing education throughout one's lifetime and in sharing knowledge with others as much as possible. I am a Certified Financial Educator (CFEd), and hold the Corporate Trainer Certified, and Remote Workforce Management...
Education & Certification
- University of Phoenix - Associate in Science, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Real Estate License
- Series 63
- Series 66
- +30 subjects
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Firefighter Exam
- EMT - Emergency Medical Technicians
- Series 66
- +6 subjects
Kristin: SIE test prep instructor
I just obtained my licenses within the last year: 6, 63, 66, 7. While my employer provided me with the books, I was not given study support which I think would have been incredibly helpful to me. I look forward to helping you pass on your first try!
Education & Certification
- Eastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Special Products Marketing Operations
- Lewis University - Masters in Business Administration, Agricultural Business
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 66
- +1 subjects
Nancy: SIE test prep instructor
...teaching a variety of subjects. As 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...
Education & Certification
- Rhodes College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Harvard Business School - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 6
- Series 63
- Series 24
- +83 subjects
Ross: SIE test prep instructor
...for finance. I have studied for the SIE and passed it and helped other people pass the SIE. I am most passionate about History. In my experience helping struggling students prepare for Standardized Tests, we always seem to have the most fun. I am a firm proponent of education, believing it to be absolutely necessary for an improved quality of life, and I try to impart this appreciation to all of my students. In my...
Education & Certification
- University of New Haven - Bachelor in Arts, Political Science and Government
- Mercy College - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 79
- Series 24
- +22 subjects
John: SIE test prep instructor
I want to serve the academic needs of students in the areas of history, math, and finance. I have taught middle school math and US History for almost 20 years and am passionate about helping students in those areas. I also would work with people looking for help with exams to gain financial licenses such as the series 6 or 63.
Education & Certification
- Lycoming College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Alvernia University - Masters in Education, Urban Education and Leadership
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- PRAXIS
- Series 63
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +57 subjects
Barrett: SIE test prep instructor
...is largely a function of how it's defined, I consider my own success to be helping my students along a journey to attaining their respective goals. But that journey begins with a first step, at times a humbling step. As a coach and mentor, I value my role as your trusted resource in helping you take those initial steps on your journey to passing the securities exam(s) and onward to a bright future!
Education & Certification
- Florida International University - Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural Mechanical College - Doctor of Laws, Law Enforcement Administration
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 26
- Series 66
- Series 7
- +20 subjects
Raman: SIE test prep instructor
...Life & Health Insurance License, and the CFP Exam. Being a Financial Planner is no different than being an educator or a coach. My passion is to teach my clients on how build a robust financial plan, however my passion goes beyond that. At Varsity Tutors, my vision is to help you achieve your goal of successfully passing the Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66, State Life & Health Insurance License, the CFP...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston-Downtown - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
- Rice University - Certificate, Financial Planning
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 63
- Series 7
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- Purdue University - Bachelor in Arts, Education
- Indiana University - Master of Science, Public Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 24
- Series 65
- Series 79
- +20 subjects
John: SIE test prep instructor
...26-year-old professional in the securities industry, I bring a fresh perspective along with a deep understanding of the SIE and Series 7 exams. Having recently earned my own licenses, I developed a proven strategy that helped me succeed, and I am now offering tutoring services to help others do the same. With a tailored approach that simplifies complex concepts and focuses on key areas of the exam, I am committed to guiding aspiring professionals to...
Education & Certification
- Northeastern Illinois University - Bachelor of Science, Marketing
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- Series 7
- +1 subjects
Hal: SIE test prep instructor
...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 inspire them to succeed. I enjoyed a nearly thirty-year career in financial services where I worked as a financial planner, wire-house broker (stockbroker), trust advisor, and...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 65
- Series 28
- Series 27
- +171 subjects
Bryan: SIE test prep instructor
...Development within the industry since 2018. While I tutor a variety of subjects, I especially enjoy helping students with the material covered in FINRA Licensing Exams (SIE, Series 7, Series 63/66). In my experience helping students prepare for Licensing Exams, I have enjoyed seeing learners become more confident in their knowledge of financial products, industry regulations, and market mechanics. I am enthusiastic about learning and believe that anyone can grasp complex material, no matter how...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelor in Arts, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7
- Series 63
- Series 66
- +5 subjects
William: SIE test prep instructor
...my most enjoyment from assisting students progress through their career by helping to add different licenses. I have experience with a variety of different educational products including (Kaplan, ExamFX, Training Consultants, STC and Achievable) I am Series 7, 9, 10, 24, 63 and 65 (66) licensed and have multiple industry designations (CAS, CMFC, AAMS, CRPC and ARPC). My tutoring approach is tailored to each student's unique learning style and pace, ensuring that they grasp the...
Education & Certification
- Malone University - Bachelor in Arts, Accounting and Business Management
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 57
- Series 22
- Series 53
- +30 subjects
Dennis: SIE test prep instructor
...NY brokerage firm Bear Stearns at 17 years old and earned some licenses along the way (7, 63, 55 and 24 supervisory principal). Life is easiest when armed with a variety of skill sets. So learn a little of everything but specialize in something that you feel like learning, even if there will be no test or recognition. Your education is really for yourself and those you will affect from now on.
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Mathematical Statistics and Probability
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 55
- Series 7
- +49 subjects
Isaiah: SIE test prep instructor
...I taught math in Montgomery Public School system (Montgomery, AL). The subjects ranged from pre-algebra to calculus. I taught grades 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, & 12th. During my last year of teaching high school, I began studying for FINRA Series 6 exam. I passed the series 6 exam in May of 2018. Two weeks later I passed the Series 63. A month later I passed the Series 26. In February of 2019 I passed the...
Education & Certification
- Alabama State University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
- Alabama State University - Master of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SIE
- Insurance License
- Series 6
- Series 26
- +29 subjects