General Securities Representative Exam (Series 7) Study Guide
The General Securities Representative Exam (Series 7) is administered by FINRA and qualifies you to sell a broad range of securities products. Before you build a study plan, it helps to know exactly what you're walking into on test day.
The numbers that define the exam
- 125 scored questions make up the exam.
- You are given 225 minutes (3 hours and 45 minutes) to complete it.
- A score of 72% is required to pass.
- The exam fee is $300.
What the format means for your pacing
With 125 scored questions and 225 minutes on the clock, you have an average of roughly 1.8 minutes per question. That's a comfortable pace for straightforward recall questions, but it leaves a buffer you'll want to protect for the multi-step math and analysis items the Series 7 is known for.
Two practical facts shape how you should approach the Series 7: the score you need and the money on the line.
The passing standard
You must score 72% to pass. Applied to the 125 scored questions, that means you need to answer at least 90 of them correctly, since 72% of 125 is 90. Building your practice-exam goal around consistently scoring above this line — with margin for test-day nerves — is a sound benchmark.
The cost of the exam
The exam fee is $300. Because a retake means paying the fee again, the financial incentive to be fully prepared on your first attempt is real. Treat the $300 as motivation to walk in only when your practice scores comfortably clear the 72% threshold.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Series 7 exam and how long do I have?
The Series 7 exam has 125 scored questions, and you're given 225 minutes (3 hours and 45 minutes) to complete them. That works out to a little under two minutes per question on average, so you can afford to read carefully but should avoid getting stuck on any single item — flag it and move on.
What score do I need to pass the Series 7?
You need a score of 72% to pass the Series 7. Because 125 questions are scored, that means you can miss roughly 35 questions and still pass — but building a cushion above the minimum is wise, since exam difficulty varies and borderline scores leave no margin for error.
How much does the Series 7 exam cost?
The Series 7 exam fee is $300. This is the cost charged for the exam itself; if your firm sponsors you, they typically cover this fee, but you should confirm who pays before you schedule your appointment. Budget for a possible retake fee as well if you don't pass on the first attempt.
How should I pace myself during the 225-minute Series 7 exam?
With 225 minutes for 125 questions, you have an average of about 1.8 minutes per question. A practical approach is to target roughly one minute per straightforward question, banking the extra time for the multi-step calculation and options questions that take longer. Aim to finish an initial pass with time to spare so you can review flagged questions before submitting.