How to Pass the Series 79 Exam
Passing the Series 79 means weighting your prep the way FINRA weights the exam: half data analysis and valuation, the rest underwriting and M&A mechanics — drilled under time pressure.
How do you pass the Series 79 exam?
Pass the Series 79 by matching your reps to the official weights: about 37 of 75 scored questions cover data collection, analysis, and valuation; 20 cover underwriting and new financing; and 18 cover M&A, tender offers, and restructuring. You need roughly 73% to pass in 150 minutes, so drill mixed timed sets until you consistently score above the line — not just re-read outlines.
Source notes for this answer
Official format: 75 scored questions plus 5 unscored, 150 minutes, firm sponsorship required.
1,000 free Series 79 questions with answers and explanations across all three content areas.
Format facts, study guide, and comparison pages for Series 79 prep.
- Half the exam is data analysis and valuation — if you drill only deal trivia, you are studying the smaller half.
- Regulation is embedded everywhere: filing windows, tender-offer rules, and communication restrictions show up inside every content area.
- Readiness is a score trend, not a feeling: consistent mixed-set scores above 73% beat one good topic-drill day.
A company reports total assets of $500 million and total liabilities of $300 million. What is the company's total stockholders' equity?
Assets = Liabilities + Stockholders’ Equity, so equity is $500M − $300M = $200M. Section 1 rewards fast, accurate fundamentals like this — speed here buys time for the harder deal-mechanics questions.
Free Series 79 practice questions for this topic
Every Series 79 question below is free with the answer and a full explanation — no signup to read them.
- How hard is the Series 79 exam?
- How many questions are on the Series 79?
- What happens if you fail the Series 79?
Practice this before it fades
Read the explanation once, then answer questions while the distinction is still fresh. That is where the learning sticks.