SIE Exam Format: How Many Questions, How Long, and How It's Scored
The SIE has 75 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest questions — 80 in total, all multiple choice. You get 1 hour 45 minutes (105 minutes), and you need a scaled score of 70 to pass (roughly 70% of the scored items). You can take it at a Prometric test center or from home via online proctoring.
Before you book the SIE, it helps to know exactly what you're walking into: how many questions, how much time, what the questions look like, and how the pass/fail line works. Here's the full format in plain terms.
How many questions are on the SIE?
The SIE has 80 questions total: 75 that count toward your score and 5 unscored "pretest" questions that FINRA is trialing for future exams. The pretest questions are scattered in and look identical to the real ones — you won't know which is which, so answer every question as if it counts. Only the 75 scored questions determine whether you pass.
How long is the SIE exam?
You get 1 hour and 45 minutes — 105 minutes — for all 80 questions. That's a little over a minute per question, which most candidates find comfortable. The SIE rewards knowing the material, not racing the clock; it isn't a speed test. Plan for some extra time on-site for check-in and a short tutorial before the exam timer starts.
What kind of questions does it have?
Every SIE question is multiple choice with four options and one correct answer — no essays, no fill-in-the-blank, no "select all that apply." The questions come in two flavors:
- Recall questions — straightforward definitions and facts ("Which of the following is a feature of a municipal bond?").
- Situational questions — short scenarios that ask you to apply a concept to a specific case.
The questions are drawn from four weighted content areas, so the mix you see reflects how the exam is built. (See the four domains and their weightings →)
Is a calculator allowed?
The SIE involves only light math — accrued interest, current yield, and a few similar calculations — so you won't need anything fancy. A basic on-screen calculator is generally provided at the testing station, so you typically don't need to bring your own. Personal calculators and other materials usually aren't permitted in the testing room, so plan to work with what's offered on screen. Always confirm the current policy with Prometric when you schedule.
Can you take it online or in person?
Both. You can sit the SIE in person at a Prometric test center or take it from home through online proctoring. The exam content is identical either way. Online testing comes with its own setup requirements — a quiet, private space, a working webcam, and a clear desk among them — so check those before you choose remote. Our registration guide walks through booking either option.
How is the SIE scored?
Your result is reported as a scaled score, and you need a 70 to pass. Practically, that means getting about 70% of the 75 scored questions right — so you can miss roughly 22 and still pass. The 5 pretest questions don't affect your score at all. There's no penalty beyond a wrong answer being wrong, so never leave a question blank — an educated guess can only help.