FoxExams
USA
Investment Banking Representative Qualification Examination (Series 79)
600 questions
Session complete
Keep going in the FoxExams app for adaptive practice, mocks, and Ask Fox.
See you tomorrow
About this exam
The Investment Banking Representative Qualification Examination (Series 79) is a FINRA qualification exam for people whose securities work involves investment banking activities. It is relevant to professionals supporting or conducting securities offerings, advising issuers on financing, and working on mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, or restructurings. The exam assesses whether candidates can apply the rules and analytical skills needed in these roles; it is not a general finance or tax credential. Candidates should check with their firm about the registration category and required exams for their duties.
Series 79 study areas include capital markets and issuer financing, equity offerings such as IPOs and follow-on offerings, debt offerings and bond structures, and private placements and exempt offerings. Candidates also need to understand due diligence, disclosures, valuation, transaction processes, and applicable regulations, including relevant tax considerations. Questions require both knowledge of concepts and their application to transaction scenarios. Use the current FINRA content outline to guide review, since exam and registration information can change. Online multiple-choice practice can help identify gaps, but reviewing the reasoning behind each answer is essential.
How to prepare for the Series 79 exam
- Use the current FINRA Series 79 content outline to organize a checklist by function and topic, including issuer financing, offering structures, transaction analysis, and applicable rules.
- Review equity, debt, and private placement scenarios. For each, practice identifying the issuer’s financing needs, the transaction structure, key disclosures, and relevant regulatory or tax considerations.
- Take timed multiple-choice practice sets and keep an error log. Revisit the concepts behind missed questions, and verify rules and registration requirements against current FINRA materials rather than relying on outdated notes.
FAQ
Who is eligible to take the Series 79 exam?
The Series 79 is intended for people seeking qualification for investment banking activities through a FINRA member firm. A firm generally must sponsor or request the qualification exam, and candidates should confirm their registration requirements with their firm. The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is a separate prerequisite for registration.
How many questions are on the Series 79 exam, and how long is it?
The exam has 75 scored multiple-choice questions and includes 10 unscored pretest questions. Candidates have 150 minutes to complete it. Check FINRA’s current exam information for the latest format and administration details.
What subjects are covered on the Series 79 exam?
The exam covers investment banking activities such as capital markets, issuer financing, equity and debt offerings, private placements, and mergers and acquisitions. It also tests knowledge used in transaction analysis, due diligence, disclosures, and applicable securities rules. The FINRA content outline is the best guide to the current scope.