Series 79 Exam Guide 2026: Complete Blueprint, Pass Rates & Study Playbook
Everything you need to pass the Series 79 — 2026 FINRA blueprint weights, study strategy, and practice resources.
Quick answer: The 2026 Investment Banking Representative Examination (Series 79) (Series 79) tests 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored pretest) in 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) with a 73% scaled (at least 55 of 75 scored questions) passing standard. Explore every Series 79 study guide, course comparison, pass-rate analysis, and practice set in one place.
Key facts
- Passing score:
- 73% scaled (at least 55 of 75 scored questions)
- Structure:
- 3 domains (S79-1: 49%, S79-2: 27%, S79-3: 24%)
- Question count:
- 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored pretest)
- Time limit:
- 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes)
- Official body:
- FINRA
Overview
Preparing for the Investment Banking Representative Examination (Series 79) (Series 79) requires mastering 3 official FINRA blueprint domains across 85 multiple-choice questions (75 scored, 10 unscored pretest) within 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes). Candidates who rely on passive reading frequently fall short of the 73% scaled (at least 55 of 75 scored questions) threshold because exam items test applied regulatory exceptions, multi-step calculations, and scenario judgment under time pressure.
How to Structure Your Series 79 Study Plan
Most successful candidates invest 60 to 90 hours over 3 to 5 weeks of active retrieval practice, weighting their daily question blocks proportionally across Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data (Financial Statements, Valuation, DCF, Comps) (49%), Underwriting and New Financing Transactions, Types of Offerings and Registration of Securities (27%), Mergers and Acquisitions, Tender Offers and Financial Restructuring Transactions (24%). Start with our Best Series 79 Review Courses comparison, benchmark your target score against historical Series 79 pass rates, and drill free Series 79 practice questions before sitting for full-length timed mock exams.
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