The FINRA Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam tests fundamental securities-related knowledge and is a co-requisite to representative-level “top-off” exams such as the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 79. Passing the SIE is a great way to get started in the securities industry because anyone 18 years or older can take the exam – you do not need to be employed or sponsored by a broker-dealer. Once you pass the SIE and are hired by a broker-dealer, you can take a representative-level exam and become a registered representative in the securities industry.