The FINRA Series 7 examination, which must be completed by brokers to engage in securities transactions, assesses key competencies in areas like industry regulations and mutual funds. The exam lasts six hours, includes 260 questions, and requires a minimum passing score of 72 percent. It is also a prerequisite for obtaining other FINRA series licenses for financial professionals.

1. The FINRA Series 7 Examination
Darin Pastor

2. Introduction
• A former senior investment manager at JPMorgan Chase, Darin
Pastor draws upon years of financial experience to head Capstone
Affluent Strategies as CEO and principal. Complementing this role,
Darin Pastor maintains a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
(FINRA) Series 7 license.
Brokers and other registered representatives must obtain a Series 7
license before they may engage in various securities transactions,
including those involving mutual funds and stocks. In order to
obtain this designation, financial professionals must first complete
the Series 7 examination, or General Securities Representative
Examination (GSRE). Professionals may not take this test until they
have obtained sponsorship from a member firm of FINRA.

3. FINRA Series 7
• During the Series 7 exam, participants demonstrate their
expertise in key securities competencies such as industry
regulations, annuities, and hedge funds. Held over the
course of six hours, the test features a total of 260 multiple-
choice questions, 10 of which do not contribute to the final
score. Participants must achieve a minimum score of 72
percent in order to pass and earn their Series 7 license.
The Series 7 exam is not only beneficial for those looking to
join the securities industry. Professionals must also pass the
exam if they wish to obtain other FINRA Series licenses.
Individuals who work at FINRA member companies must
also take the Series 7 exam before they can obtain their
own registration with the association.