How to Pass the SIE Exam on Your First Try

The SIE exam is pretty easy if you prepare well. But it can seem very foreign if you are new to finance. Here is how you can study well and pass the SIE exam on your first try.
Link to my course- The CFA Study Blueprint:
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If you have an idea of something you want me to cover in depth, please let me know because I take your requests seriously. Will be back with more CFA Exam tips in a couple of weeks so please submit more questions you would like to hear answered. Love you all!
AJ
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** The information in this video is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional financial advice. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your financial or tax professional**

[@dwoodieva]

Was just recently licensed as an insurance producer in my state and now my firm needs me to take the SIE then Series 6/7 before I can start my contract and I am very excited. Thank you for these tips! I'm attempting my firms condensed 6 week study calendar. Best of luck to everyone on their SIE test!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck to you as well!

[@Lamesjuther]

Your firm had you get your life and health, SIE, AND Series 6/7 BEFORE you can start your CONTRACT? Be careful my bro, I hope this all worked out for you

[@TheHot1]

​@@LamesjutherHi, is there a reason why you questioned getting those licenses before starting the contract?

[@Lamesjuther]

@@TheHot1 I guess it matters on the organization, but most places I've seen only require stuff like Life & Health with those other services being acquired once you're on contract and have appointments on the books

[@mamiescott7993]

As a first time subscriber to your channel, I want to say thank you for getting right to the point of passing my series 7 exam. I have been out of the financial industry for quite some time and looking to secure a career with Vanguard which passing my series 7 and 63 is a requirement in my role as a client service representative. Thank you for laying out a roadmap to successfully help me do extremely well in securing my series 7!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Sure thing, thanks for watching!

[@sparkles862]

That's great, I'm actually traying to get a job there too, and I came to this channel for study strategies.

[@LodieDodie88]

Did you pass? I’m currently on my second interview with Vanguard and started studying just in case.

[@krystalboyd1913]

I was just offered a position with Vanguard and am currently working to obtain my SIE, S7 and S63 to secure my position as a Client Services Representative.

[@nikki88tx]

​@krystalboyd1913 congrats! Did you have any other licenses or experience previously

[@pari2244]

Hi can you please recommend where to get the book ?

[@Series7Exam]

Great tips

[@siddharthtrivedi2940]

Thanks AJ for the video. Just last week I was reaching out to industry professional about this exam

[@alibenitez4261]

Thanks for the tips! But you just took 10 minutes and 32 seconds from my 3 hour study session 😅

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Add those minutes on to the end!!! ;)

[@Alexandre.Mendez]

Great video! Shall you do a video about CAIA certification? It would be also interesting to compare CAIA vs CFA. Thanks!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I may do this but I don't know much about CAIA myself so I would need a guest to talk about it.

[@Furby2118]

Beautiful video man, taking my test today super nervous. My one thing is just the inconsistent juggling of studying I’ve done. I recently came to a new firm and they have me working and studying at the same time. So it’s been a challenge getting quality study time vs consistent. Sometimes I’ll go days where it’s too busy to study and just work. Was tricky learning a new position as well

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

When work gets too busy to study during the day, you need to be making time at night! You can make it happen.

[@armongabril7283]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I’ve been studying for almost 2 weeks straight Brian Lee’s content and passed his exam with an 100% I heard from someone in the firm I’m going to to try STC as well, I found the finals exams there much more difficult. Do you think with just TestGeeks course and passing on his Exam that I should be able to pass ?

[@strokdude931]

I have failed the SIE two times :/ The questions are worded weird. Btw….i passed the 215 license and have a bachelor’s degree:((((((

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

You just need to study more hours.

[@ivanmartinez5291]

Great video! Do you have any study or note taking tips? When taking notes I catch myself writing almost the entire chapter and taking way longer than I should per chapter

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Hmmm.. Good question. I might have something about that on my channel already but I'm not sure. I can make a future video about it. Basically my personal strategy was to write down anything that pertained to answering any of the practice questions.

[@shelbymalbrue9785]

Hi , I am studying for the Sie and I am using Pass perfect the pass promise. I am on the last stretch and taking the practice final exams I have already taken four and I have used the methods you’ve said as far as taking the test going over the answers and understanding why that one is right and why that one is wrong … however my scores aren’t reflecting this ……any Advice on how to move forward. I am slightly overwhelmed bc I am seriously trying and I feel like it’s sort of in vain . Thanks !

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Hey Shelby, Learning always feels like failing!!! All you can do is more reps. Practice those same questions over and over until you have taught yourself how to answer them correctly. Its a grind but you can do it.

[@shelbymalbrue9785]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 thanks for the reply I’ll keep at it !!

[@dsnorcalfan]

@@shelbymalbrue9785 did u pass??

[@collineisenbarth8220]

Great video I was just wondering about the SIE exam

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Thanks!

[@blazekaizer9000]

As someone who used to want to get the sie, I am not sure if it still would benefit me. I am working in wealth management and getting better at excel to be an analyst. I think if anything the CFA would help down the line, I am interested in an MBA as well, was a business undergrad

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

SIE can till be useful, if they ask you to talk with clients on the phone.

[@blazekaizer9000]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I see, if anything at least it shows interest. Thank you.

[@tabber87]

The SIE is the coreq for the Series 6 and 7 licensing exams. I also work in wealth management and don’t know many people that don’t have at least a 6 and 7 (unless they’re in operations). Not having the licenses may not hurt you in your current position, but you’re severely limiting your opportunities in the future. I say take the exams if your firm is sponsoring you.

[@blazekaizer9000]

@@tabber87 you're definitely right. But I'm leaning toward more analyst rooms and less toward client/sales like wealth. That's why I'm saying cfa would be more ideal

[@Roger-il8iw]

I career changed and took the sie and series 65. Opened my own RIA whiteout ever working for a broker. The 65 is difficult, but it is doable. Sie is easy

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

How is your RIA going?

[@orlandafowler6067]

Would you be willing to share how you did it. I’m looking to do it part-time

[@lisatrent8451]

Thank you. Super helpful. I am a newby. Iv had my real estate license and mortgage license. Am nervous, but you made it feel doable. What’s your best rec on actual training book. I was given an SIE book 1st addition from securities training corporation

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

That should be fine. I used Kier. Kaplan is also popular. They should all work.

[@Doc-Holiblaze]

Getting ready to start my journey. What is the best/recommended study guide/site? Any info would be greatly appreciate.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I liked Pass Perfect from Kier. I think Kaplan is most popular though.

[@blandchimera8234]

Hey any chance you could link your study book? Just trying to find the best one to buy.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I don't know if it exists anymore. Just look for Kier.

[@zehrafarooqui]

Hey, I'm planning to take the SIE in 8 weeks any course recommendations, Kaplan or examfx?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Kaplan should be good! I didn't use them for the 7 but have for other things.

[@sdn4134]

I needed a 70% or above and I got a 60% so close. I’m going to take it again

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck!!

[@krissifaith6709]

Dont give up

[@spdog3344]

How much does it help to take the SIE practice exam on FINRA website? Potential career changer and that’s the first thing I just did and got a 49/75 or 65.33%

[@whatever6644]

Is SIE a global exam? How is it any different from CFA? Also, relative to the difficulty of CFA?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

No, it is just for the U.S. And it is much much easier than the CFA.

[@junodungula6754]

Hello, book did you use to study for the SIE ? You reference a book with practice tests and chapters. What exact book was it that you used ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Pass Perfect from Kier

[@OzziMoney-gv2vu]

You commented on free online materials, where can I find them?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

That's up to you and Google.

[@gracieperez319]

Name of the book, please...

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I used Pass Perfect from Kier

[@mjcal96]

Hey AJ, what free resources would you recommend for studying?? Most things seem to offer "guaranteed pass" for $250 but I am a capable studier and looking for less "bells and whistles" while still being sure the prep is high quality! Thanks in advance man.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

CFA EOCs and BBs!

[@kapurl]

Thanks for very helpful video, can you please share the book you used .. Pass Perfect.. SiE?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes Pass Perfect

[@nainatewari4246]

Pass perfect is super bad it has lot of things to study .. achievable is good

[@christianjames7423]

Passed CFA Level 1 in 90th percentile. Do you think the SIE takes the amount time you suggest if I already have a solid finance foundation? Curious your thoughts. Great video!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea it will. It tests about weird little rules and regulations you have never heard of.

[@christianjames7423]

Thank you!

[@didemdina]

Thank you for your video. I am a senior, majoring in finance and working full-time as an admin.(I've been an exec assistant for over 18 years. Decided to change my career.) I decided to take the exam before my graduation. How likely is it that I will pass with my fresh knowledge of finance? How effective are my finance classes in helping me to pass my exam?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Finance class may help with 25% - 50% of the SIE exam. But there will also be a lot of new information.

[@Reteet123]

How do you know your score? They don’t give you a score if you pass, only if you fail.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

When I took the exams they gave you a score.

[@Reteet123]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 got it! 😊

[@Nico-ce1eh]

My professor stated in the syllabus if I pass this exam this semester, I get an automatic A in the course. I relied on this too hard, and now I have an D in the class (not very smart, I know). I take the exam in three days and I have no finance experience whatsoever, but I'm going to give blood sweat and tears so my gpa doesnt drop

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

BEST OF LUCK!!!

[@Nico-ce1eh]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 I passed it with 5 days of studying. Did I enjoy my life during those 5 days? Absolutely not. Was it worth it? So worth it

[@suzettebrown454]

Can you kindly say the name of the book you used

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Pass Perfect by Kier

[@RajeshSipahimalani]

what calculator are you allowed to take to the SIE exam ? HP12C ok ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I'm not sure, but FINRA will have that answer on their website.

[@DCH_30]

None, they offer one at the place were you apply for the test. You will barely use it

[@guyanglade4673]

I, too, am working on a career pivot from ux content strategy to finance (I currently work for a bank) and I have an inquiry. During the 3 hour session per night, did you read multiple chapters and took practice and chapter tests OR did you read one chapter (and took a practice and chapter test) per 3 hour session?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Some nights it would all be on one chapter. But for some of the shorter chapters, I could cover 2 or 3 in one 3 hour session.

[@guyanglade4673]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 That makes sense to me. I took your approach reading mainly chapters and taking practice tests nightly from an app. I am on day 5 with studying so wish me luck

[@guyanglade4673]

That’s great. I took your advice and right now clocked in at 63 hrs and 30 mins (the last two days I did one hour nights). Going to hit the 100 minimum by end of month

[@tr5946]

I thought this dude casually said 100 hours of study PER WEEK. I had to do a double take.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

LOL that would take a real grinder.

[@armongabril7283]

⁠I’ve been studying for almost 2 weeks straight Brian Lee’s content and passed his exam with an 100% I heard from someone in the firm I’m going to to try STC as well, I found the finals exams there much more difficult. Do you think with just TestGeeks course and passing on his Exam that I should be able to pass ?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yea that should be enough for the SIE.

[@mjcal96]

That seems very expensive. Both courses are $120. Did you end up doing STC as well or just Brian Lee?

[@armongabril7283]

@@mjcal96 Yeah I did both, ended up missing the SIE by like 2 questions, may have to try again next time. A lot of people said it would be a lot of regulatory questions but that wasn’t what I got, when you get a batch of 5000 random questions anything is possible :P

[@johnruppel6915]

@@armongabril7283same just happened to me missed it by 2 questions I was getting a bunch of options questions on the practice tests and im a trader then I got 1 on the real test

[@silvermine2033]

Any thoughts on Pass Perfect? Or any other recommendations other than Kaplan? Thanks!

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I used Pass Perfect myself and liked it really well.

[@silvermine2033]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thank you!

[@paterinascarlett7784]

Hi did the question on the SIE exam similar to those on the pass perfect quiz or master exam?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yes I felt the questions were pretty similar!

[@JosephAnoya]

Im taking my test Monday and super nervous due to struggling with the bonds and options section any tips lol

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

36 HOURS OF PRACTICE QUESTIONS BETWEEN NOW AND THEN. NO OTHER CHOICE!!!

[@JosephAnoya]

@Angelique Jackson I failed by a point smh

[@valeriainvestmentschool6619]

Hi, can you recommend a specific book to study?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

I liked Pass Perfect by Keir

[@upstateNYfinest]

I started studying 3 days before the exam and passed it

[@usernotfound904]

I never opened the book and passed it 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@BlaineNorman-y5r]

@@usernotfound904how is that possible?

[@BlaineNorman-y5r]

Do you have a finance background?

[@upstateNYfinest]

@@BlaineNorman-y5r i had passed L1, but it didnt help @ all with studying for that exam. I have a back office job, so somewhat I guess. Regardless of ur background, if u grind i cant see this taking more than a week to prep for

[@migtini]

So what book did you use to study with? Because I also like physical books

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Pass perfect by Kier

[@anthonyedwards4146]

Does this help financial analysts

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

It is the first step to being licenses to give investment advice. Analysts don't necessarily need it.

[@anthonyedwards4146]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 do you have any advice for arising analyst

[@anthonyedwards4146]

Aspiring

[@VarietyG4MER]

Hi I’m about to graduate college. I know I want to get a cfa for my future career but I’ve recently been informed about the sie. Should I take the sie first? Does the order in which I take these matter career wise? I want to eventually become a portfolio manager at the peak of my career

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

If you are going to go into anything in wealth management, starting with the SIE can be a good idea. Its cheap and easy.

[@VarietyG4MER]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thank you!

[@TheDerpyEspeon127]

100 study hours is crazy for someone who went through highschool with the "pay attention during lecture and just remember the buzzwords in the test" method lol. I just need to pass the SIE to get a higher position at my job to do things im already doing.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Yep. I also had to learn that real studying is very different from what I did in high school.

[@jonathongeneral3744]

so 4 hours a day 9 days a week studying got it

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

LULZ yes.

[@juanjon915]

SIE is hard if you make it hard , I passed it easily but put in the time to make it feel easy

[@dinogerc318]

Can I take exam online?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

No I don't believe so.

[@dinogerc318]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 Thanks for the reply. I did practice tests and I see I can answer 75% correctly. I dont need to study but I would take test online and be done with it. Hope they can make other licenses available too.

[@docholliday9382]

its easy if you know the terminology on the test that isn't available in the handbook you are supposed to study. its a joke because they want you to retake the test so they can get more money.

[@guitarmaster96ify]

I am really not good at math or algebra. I got a sponsorship from a firm, and I am currently studying for my SIE. Will It be hard to be a financial advisor if my math skills are not the best?

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Being slow at math definitely doesn't help in a job as a financial advisor, but it won't kill you either. Calculators are our friends!

[@BradleyElton-t7r]

Francisca Pine

[@usernotfound904]

Awful “advice”. You need to get STC or Kaplan question banks and performance tracker to see where you’re weak points are, then study those areas

[@LV.vazquez3315]

Oh OPTIONS 😓

[@valdezmaury467]

Currently 26 working on an ambulance. 💩 pay. Gonna pivot my career.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Best of luck man!

[@DustinSusan-e4k]

Jarvis Island

[@carolinewoolgar6457]

Knock knock lol

[@vargas218]

I got zero advise from these 10 mins.

[@user-ii3gz9hh9x]

advice*

[@bluehorseshoe444]

How to pass the SIE: step 1) show up... that's it.

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

Lol

[@bluehorseshoe444]

@@straighttalks-ajsrmek323 what are your thoughts on the new CFA format?... seems to me like they're adopting a lot of the FMVA materials into the new curriculum

[@straighttalks-ajsrmek323]

@@bluehorseshoe444 Working on a video about that now.