Series 7
General Securities Representative Qualification Examination
The Series 7 (General Securities Representative Qualification Examination) is a FINRA license that qualifies you to sell a broad range of securities products. It's one of the most widely required exams in the financial-services industry.
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Format
125 scored multiple-choice questions (plus 5 unidentified pretest items)
Testing time
225
minutes
Sections
4
Delivery
Prometric test center (limited online proctoring)
Passing score
72%
Cost
$395 USD
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What the exam covers
Seeks business for the broker-dealer
7%
Opens accounts / evaluates customer profiles
9%
Provides information, makes recommendations, transfers assets
73%
Processes and confirms transactions
11%
About the Series 7 exam
You must also pass the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) exam — a corequisite — and be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm to register.
Who it’s for
Aspiring stockbrokers and registered representatives at broker-dealers.
- Testing time
- 225 minutes (3 hours 45 minutes)
- Validity
- Remains valid while you're registered; lapses ~2 years after leaving a member firm (with some extensions)
- Prerequisites
- Sponsorship by a FINRA-member firm (Form U4) and the SIE exam as a corequisite
Official exam page· Details verified August 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Secure firm sponsorship — you can't register for the Series 7 without it.
02
Pass (or plan to pass) the SIE corequisite exam.
03
Study products in depth: equities, debt, options, packaged products, and municipals.
04
Practice the heavily weighted recommendations/suitability job function.
05
Take full-length, timed practice exams to build stamina for the 3h45m format.
FAQ
Do I need a sponsor to take the Series 7?
Yes. You must be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm, which files a Form U4 to open your enrollment window.
What's the difference between the SIE and Series 7?
The SIE is a broad, no-sponsor-required entry exam. The Series 7 is deeper and applied, requires sponsorship, and both must be passed to register as a General Securities Representative.
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