SIE Exam in an 18 day timeline

FINRA FINRA SIE
1

Hello everyone,

I’m brand new to the securities industry and I’m planning to take the SIE on July 21, 2025. So far I haven’t done much formal studying, and I have no work experience in finance. In total I’ll have 18 days to prepare for the exam, and I will have all day to study. I plan to use purely Achievable. I have a few questions for all of you.

  1. Has anyone here cleared the SIE on a similarly tight timeline, and is this timeline appropriate to secure a pass?
  2. What study tips resources would you recommend for a complete beginner?
  3. Any shortcuts for memorizing key rules and terminology?
  4. I plan to study everyday 6-8 hours. Will this be enough?
  5. How many practice exams should I ideally take before the exam?

Any guidance, success stories, or pit‑falls to watch out for would be hugely appreciated.

2

Hello @Ohhey_jaz,

Thank you for sharing your plan. It’s great that you have a clear target and dedicated study time. Here are the answers to your questions:

  1. Yes, many people have passed the SIE on a similar 18-day timeline. It’s definitely doable with consistent effort and a focused approach.
  2. Follow the Achievable program step by step and don’t skip the review questions. They’re essential for retention and reinforcing what you’ve learned.
  3. We have dump sheets available under the “Resources” tab, which are helpful for quick review and memorization. The system will also automatically resurface material you need more help with as you study, allowing for extra drill time to master more complex concepts.
  4. Studying 6–8 hours a day is enough if you stay focused. Be sure to set your exam date under the “Study Plan” section on your main dashboard. Set the target date to July 21, 2025, so the program can properly pace your study schedule.
  5. It is recommended that students aim to pass at least five practice exams consistently to feel confident before the actual exam. We suggest aiming for scores in the mid-80s on these exams to ensure you’re truly prepared for the SIE. Achievable’s exams closely mirror the actual test, and this buffer helps account for exam day stress or a difficult question set.

You’ve got this! Please let us know if there is anything else we can do to support you as you continue to study.

Thank you,
-Mataia

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