How would you rank these FINRA exams from easiest to hardest?

Studying for the SIE at the moment only to find out that there are apparently 3 more FINRA exams (Series 7, 63, and 79) I would have to take. 

In order of difficulty, how would you rank the SIE, Series 7, Series 63, and Series 79? I need to prioritize and determine if recruiting for PE in my first year is feasible or not given I would have to balance a full-time job, studying for GMAT, and studying for all 3 of these exams. Thank you.

9 Comments
 

Should study for the 7 first then take the 63 - good amount of crossover between the two. 63 is a pretty easy exam - should only take about 10 hours. Can’t speak on 79. GMAT will take up most of your time, but that’s something you can worry about after passing the other exams.

 

I’m planning on taking GMAT before I graduate and start FT. I figure it’s easier to get it done now and then commit to the analyst stint as much as possible, since GMAT scores are good for 5 years anyways. From what I’ve heard the SIE and Series exams are not difficult and your bank will help you out a ton as far as preparing for those.

 

I did SIE, 7, 63 (don’t underestimate this one, it can get tricky) and 79.

In terms of study materials, I used STC for all except 79 for which I used Knopman.

"Whatever needs to happen, always does." - Black Jack Foley
 

Facere atque rem veniam ad enim et corporis magnam. Autem quis perspiciatis autem sit vel. Dignissimos et deleniti ipsam iure.

Dayman?

Career Advancement Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 08 97.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.2%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.2%

Professional Growth Opportunities

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.2%

Total Avg Compensation

August 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (48) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (25) $178
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (83) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (75) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
3
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
7
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
8
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
numi's picture
numi
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”