SIE Exam: Updated Info & Tips

I know there is a lot of threads talking about the SIE but here is an updated version and my advice. I just took the exam this weekend and passed so I’ll add my input and other things I’ve read.

Some info about me: I’m a college senior who is working in IB FT this summer. Had a lot of time this spring semester to just get this out of the way so my firm sent me study materials early so I could get a head start.

1. Make sure to use Knopman Marks for your study prep. Idk if there are other good resources but they have an amazing routine and studying process to do. Follow the action plan, read the textbook, watch the videos, and take A LOT of practice exams. Mixed reviews on weather or not the textbook is useful or not but I thought it was great to skim it in the beginning of my studying so I was familiar with the content before the deep dove into studying.

2. Give yourself time to study for this exam. Some people take only a week or two which is totally fine if you’re good at cramming, but I’m not. I took a solid month with all of my prep and that gave me PLENTY of time to be ready for the test.

3. Knopman exams are meant to be way harder than the actual exam. Reading this advice settled me a lot better before I took the exam and it was true come test day. Knopman goes into very specific questions just to make sure you know everything. The actual exam asked pretty general questions which were high level. I would 100% review the practice exam on the FINRA website because I saw some of those questions that were IDENTICAL to exam questions on test day.

4. Ideal practice exam scores are anywhere between high 70s and low 80s. I was stressed hearing people were waiting to consistently hit 80s on their exams but as long as you hit mid and high 70s you’re chilling. Some people hit lows 70s and pass the exam but I would side with caution and do the best you can

5. If you’re struggling with certain chapters, make sure to review the textbook and the “Knopman Marks” section that are bold and italicized. It’s crazy how important these are because they show up all the time. Also, make sure to REVIEW the questions you get wrong because there is only so many ways that answer could be phrased or asked on the real exam.

6. As long as you study each day for a month and have been hitting these ideal scores, you’re chilling. Stay calm and you’ll be fine.

Add any more info here if you have any other advice but I thought this is a very comprehensive overview of what to expect.