This article provides an overview of some of the most important, yet often overlooked, study strategies and habits that make all the difference in passing or failing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. Different content providers have pros and cons like anything else, but regardless of which SIE study resource you choose, it is paramount that you rely upon a proven a curriculum instead of attempting to utilize the internet (or a friend’s outdated SIE book) as your primary study guide. The best SIE self-study resources out there come from Kaplan Financial Education, providing a bank of exam practice questions and a physical or online textbook along with other additional materials.
Professional CertificAtion NEws and Exam Strategy
Stay current with the latest FINRA and other professional certification news and proven test prep strategies.
Posts by Mark Skoskiewicz:
How to Prepare for Your Real Estate Exam
If you want to become a realtor, you need to pass your real estate exam. It might seem a bit daunting, but with good preparation, you’ll have a great chance of passing.
CAIA vs. CFA: Similarities, Differences, and Implications for Aspiring Finance Professionals
We provide both CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) tutoring and CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analysis) tutoring. In most cases, students come to us having already decided which exam is for them and why they want to earn one designation or the other. On the other hand, many of our CFA tutors also hold the CAIA.
When Should You Start Studying for the CFA?
Preparing for the CFA exam: Financial reporting of defined benefit pension plans
The financial reporting and analysis section is one of the more heavily weighted topics on levels 1 and 2, making up 20% and 15-20% of each exam, respectively.
Therefore, it is very important to spend a considerable amount of time on this entire section in order to have success on exam day.
The employee compensation reading falls within the scope of financial reporting and analysis and is one of the more challenging sub-topics for many students. The reading is separated into two further sub-topics: pensions and other post-employment benefits, and share-based compensation. The former topic is much more difficult for students and will be the focus of this blog post.