How to Study for the SIE
Understanding products and their risks is the biggest part of the SIE at 44%, so it is the natural place to start. Trading, customer accounts and prohibited activities follows at 31%, then knowledge of capital markets at 16% and the regulatory framework at 9%.
Start with the FINRA outline
About the SIE exam
Work through each section
Knowledge of Capital Markets16%
- Regulatory Entities, Agencies and Market Participants
- Market Structure
- Economic Factors
- Offerings
Understanding Products and Their Risks44%
- Products
- Investment Risks
Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts and Prohibited Activities31%
- Trading, Settlement and Corporate Actions
- Customer Accounts and Compliance Considerations
- Prohibited Activities
Overview of the Regulatory Framework9%
- SRO Regulatory Requirements for Associated Persons
- Employee Conduct and Reportable Events
Practice by topic
Mix topics in one practice set
Compare the SIE with other exams
Related guides
More study guides
Practice the SIE
Sources
FINRA
- FINRA SIE Content Outline ↗
- FINRA Rule 3310 (Anti-Money Laundering Compliance Program) ↗
- FINRA Investor Education: Order Types ↗
- FINRA Rule 2341 ↗
- FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) ↗
- FINRA Rule 1240 ↗
- FINRA Rule 1010 ↗
- FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) ↗
- FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) ↗
- FINRA Rule 3280 ↗
Federal regulations
- Securities Act Section 5 (15 U.S.C. 77e) ↗
- 31 CFR 1023.320 (Broker-Dealer Suspicious Activity Reports) ↗
- Securities Act Section 4 (15 U.S.C. 77d, Exempted Transactions) ↗
- 26 U.S.C. § 411 ↗
- Investment Company Act Rule 22c-1 (Forward Pricing of Redeemable Securities) ↗
- 26 U.S.C. § 219 ↗
- 15 U.S.C. § 78o-4 ↗
- SIPA Section 78lll (Definitions) ↗
- Federal Reserve Regulation T Section 220.12 (Supplement: Margin Requirements) ↗
- SEC Rule 15c6-1 (Settlement Cycle) ↗
The official rules and outlines this exam's practice questions cite, last accessed October 2026.
Wondering what comes after the SIE?
Anyone 18 or older can take the SIE without a sponsor. If you join Parsonex, the firm helps you prepare for the SIE, then sponsors the licence exams your role needs.