
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 24, 2026 against FINRA
The Series 79 exam is a FINRA-administered test that assesses a finance professional’s ability to perform investment banking duties. It covers topics such as types of offerings, registration of securities, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, and financial restructuring transactions. The exam also covers responsibilities of an investment banker and the regulatory aspects associated with it. The Series 79 is different from the Series 7 in that it is more focused on investment banking and not equity trading. Practice with the free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
The exam is computer-administered and contains 75 scored questions plus 10 unscored questions. The exam lasts two and a half hours, and candidates must earn a score of at least 73% to pass. The Series 79 exam is one of FINRA’s more difficult exams, and experts recommend spending 60-100 hours preparing for it. This preparation should include a mix of practice questions, reference materials, and in-class time.
Many study programs provide a Series 79 practice test to help you prepare for the actual exam. These tests can help you determine your weak points and areas of improvement. However, they are not a substitute for a full-length prep course. These courses will cover more material than the practice test, and will teach you skills such as DCF, M&A, LBO, and Comps.
The Series 79 exam is a 75 question multiple choice test. Five of the questions are unscored, and there is a 2.5 hour time limit for the test. It is important to use the time wisely, especially for the math questions. A good pacing strategy is to do 20 questions every 30 minutes, so you can finish the exam with plenty of time left for review.
Many of the questions on the Series 79 exam are paragraph long, so it’s important to read them carefully before answering. It’s also helpful to read the explanation of the answer choices, but don’t rely on it too much. Instead, try to formulate what you believe is the correct answer before looking at the answers.
Investing in the right study materials is crucial to passing the Series 79 exam on your first attempt. Choose a vendor with a high pass rate and ask for the latest version of their training material. The rules for this exam are dynamic, so it’s best to avoid using outdated information.
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Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Study Tools
Interactive Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Due Diligence & Deal Structuring 1 — 7 questions with answer explanations
- Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
Series 79: upcoming dates and official changes
- Updated Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility is now Sponsorship by a member firm; SIE corequisite (previously Member-firm association and sponsorship; SIE corequisite).
- Updated Oct 25, 2026: Validity is now Two years after registration terminates; MQP can extend to five years (previously Generally two years after registration terminates; MQP exception).
- Updated Oct 25, 2026: Testing window is now 120-day window after enrollment (previously 120-day individual testing window after enrollment).
Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against FINRA. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
- A passed Series 79 exam is valid for two years after the person's registration has been terminated, and eligible individuals in the Maintaining Qualifications Program may have up to five years to re-register. (FINRA)
- The Series 79 exam is taken at a test center, and online delivery requires an approved accommodation. (FINRA)
- Candidates for the Series 79 exam must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm, and the SIE exam is a corequisite. (FINRA)
Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against FINRA. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Series 79 Exam at a Glance
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | Two years after registration terminates; MQP can extend to five years | FINRA |
| Delivery | Test centers; online only with approved accommodation | FINRA |
| Eligibility | Sponsorship by a member firm; SIE corequisite | FINRA |
| Testing window | 120-day window after enrollment | FINRA |
Facts verified Oct 25, 2026 against FINRA. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.

Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representat...
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Exam Questions covering Banking Operations & Products. Master Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test concepts for certification prep.
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representat...
Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Test featuring Capital Markets & Underwriting. Improve your Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Exam score with mock test prep.
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representat...
Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Mock Exam on Due Diligence & Deal Structuring. Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test Prep for Economic Concepts & Market Indicators. Practice Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Quiz questions and boost your score.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Questions and Answers on Equity Markets & Valuation. Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam practice for exam readiness.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Mock Test covering Financial Analysis & Reporting. Online Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test practice with instant feedback.
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Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Quiz on Financial Planning & Advisory. Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Questions for Fixed Income Securities & Markets. Build confidence for your Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam certification exam.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test Online for Insurance Products & Principles. Free practice with instant results and feedback.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Study Material on Investment Products & Strategies. Prepare effectively with real exam-style questions.
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Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test covering Mergers & Acquisitions Transactions. Practice and track your Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam exam readiness.
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Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Exam Questions covering Portfolio Management & Asset Allocation. Master Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Test concepts for certification prep.
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Free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Test featuring Regulatory Compliance & Ethics. Improve your Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Exam score with mock test prep.
Many series 79 exam questions are lengthy, so it is important to manage your time well. It is also a good idea to read the question and answer choices before selecting one. This will save you time and increase your speed. Additionally, many questions have an explanation. It can be tempting to read the explanation and assume that you understand the concept, but it’s important to review each topic until you’re sure that you do.
The Series 79 exam is a difficult and highly-regulated test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It covers topics at a more advanced level than the corequisite Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. It covers topics related to collection, analysis, and evaluation of data as well as underwriting/new financing transactions, types of offerings, and registration of securities. It also covers M&A, tender offers, and financial restructuring transactions.
If you want to pass the Series 79 exam, it’s best to purchase a study guide and practice as much as possible. Many companies offer online practice tests and video lessons that can help you prepare for the exam. These resources will help you learn the necessary concepts and help you pass the exam.
The Series 79 exam is a 75-question, multiple-choice test that lasts 150 minutes and requires a score of 73% to pass. It covers three topic areas: M&A, financial restructuring, and securities registration and underwriting. The exam is administered via a computer and is not split into sections. The questions are designed to be difficult and cover a broad range of topics.
To pass the Series 79, it is important to have a comprehensive study plan. This can include a combination of self-study materials and instructor guidance. Knopman’s Series 79 exam prep package includes exam-focused study materials, unlimited practice exams, and a live virtual class that provides expert guidance from an instructor.

To take the Series 79, candidates must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm or an SRO. The sponsoring firm must file a U4 form through the Central Registration Depository (CRD). Once the application has been processed, the candidate will be given a 120-day window to schedule their exam. The exam is administered at Prometric testing centers around the country.
The Series 79 exam is an investment banking representative exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It contains 75 questions, including 10 unscored ones, and lasts two and a half hours. Candidates must pass the test with a score of 73% or higher to become licensed as investment bankers. They can then participate in debt and equity offerings, M&A activity, tender offers, and asset sales.
The exam structure is similar to the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) test and it consists of multiple-choice questions. It is a computer-based test and you can take it at various Prometric testing centers in the United States. You can register for the exam via a U4 form or through FINRA’s Test Enrollment Services System (TESS).
There are many different ways to prepare for the Series 79 exam, but the best method is to attend a specialized Series 79 exam prep course. These courses will help you understand the test’s format and content. They will also provide you with practice exams that include detailed answer explanations.
- ✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
- ✓Bring required identification documents
- ✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
- ✓Read each question carefully before answering
- ✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
- ✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
- ✓Review flagged questions before submitting

The Series 79 exam is an important step in becoming a registered investment banking representative. However, many candidates struggle to pass the exam on their first attempt. To increase your chances of passing the Series 79 exam, you should prepare using a combination of study tools, practice questions, and an instructor.
The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of two hours and 30 minutes. A score of 73 percent or higher is required to pass the exam. The exam covers topics such as types of offerings, underwriting, and registration of securities. It also includes questions on mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, and financial restructuring.
In addition to practice tests, you should also read the study materials provided by your selected vendor carefully. Ensure the materials cover up-to-date rules and regulations. Ask the vendor about their exam pass rate and how frequently they update their study materials. Also, find out if the company provides interactive learning tools and an instructor. If possible, select an exam preparation package that includes all of these features.
The Series 79 exam assesses the ability of an investment banking representative to perform critical job functions. These include advising on or facilitating debt or equity securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions. The exam also tests knowledge of the underwriting process and types of new financing. The exam contains 75 questions and 10 unscored questions. It can be taken online or in person. Exam facilities supply four-function calculators, scratch paper, pencils, and headphones with noise cancellation.

The first step in preparing for the Series 79 exam is to study extensively. Most experts suggest spending 60 to 100 hours studying. This includes a combination of reading, practice questions, and in-person training. The best way to prepare is to take a class that offers both self-study materials and instructor guidance.
When choosing a class, find out how many students have passed the course and if it provides a practice test that simulates the exam. Some Series 79 classes, such as those from the Securities Institute of America (SIA), even offer a Greenlight Exam Guarantee, which means that you will pass the exam or get your money back.
If you want to pass the Series 79 exam, you must study hard and commit to passing it on your first attempt. Fortunately, most investment banks will provide new hires with preparation materials, and you can also take a course or self-study with online tools. Many of these tools offer practice exams that allow you to see your weak areas and structure future tests around them.
If your employer doesn’t sponsor a course, try a private tutor who can customize your training to fit your learning style. For example, if you’re a visual learner, your tutor may review charts to help you visualize the different ways you can register securities. They can also file sample transactions so you can gain hands-on experience.
The Series 79 exam is a computer-based, multiple-choice test that covers a variety of topics. It is slightly harder than the corequisite Series 7 exam, and requires more complex questions, including those requiring you to interpret financial statements and evaluate M&A deals. The best Series 79 exam prep is focused on learning concepts that apply to real-world investment banking.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
What common challenge do professionals face when applying Banking Operations & Products principles?
- A. Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
- B. Finding the relevant textbook chapter
- C. Obtaining permission to use the principles
- D. The principles are too simple to present any challenge
Answer: A. Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
Professionals commonly face the challenge of adapting theoretical best practices in Banking Operations & Products to the practical constraints and varying conditions encountered in real-world settings.
What is the relationship between Investment Products & Strategies and ethical professional conduct?
- A. Ethical considerations are integrated into all aspects of professional practice in this area
- B. Ethics applies only to separate, unrelated decisions
- C. There is no connection between technical knowledge and ethics
- D. Ethics is relevant only when legal issues arise
Answer: A. Ethical considerations are integrated into all aspects of professional practice in this area
Ethical considerations are deeply integrated into Investment Products & Strategies, as professional conduct and integrity underpin all aspects of practice in this field.
What is the relationship between Banking Operations & Products and ethical professional conduct?
- A. Ethical considerations are integrated into all aspects of professional practice in this area
- B. Ethics applies only to separate, unrelated decisions
- C. There is no connection between technical knowledge and ethics
- D. Ethics is relevant only when legal issues arise
Answer: A. Ethical considerations are integrated into all aspects of professional practice in this area
Ethical considerations are deeply integrated into Banking Operations & Products, as professional conduct and integrity underpin all aspects of practice in this field.
What common challenge do professionals face when applying Investment Products & Strategies principles?
- A. Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
- B. Finding the relevant textbook chapter
- C. Obtaining permission to use the principles
- D. The principles are too simple to present any challenge
Answer: A. Balancing theoretical best practices with practical constraints and real-world conditions
Professionals commonly face the challenge of adapting theoretical best practices in Investment Products & Strategies to the practical constraints and varying conditions encountered in real-world settings.
Take the full Series 79 – Investment Banking Representative Exam practice test
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- finra.org — Test delivery, test dates, score validity, eligibility · verified Oct 2026