How to Pass the FINRA Series 82 Exam

By IIC Lakshya

06 Jan 2026

Others

Are you preparing for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Series 82 exam? Learn about the exam, understand the aspects in which professionals can gain their license, expertise, and explore career opportunities.

What is the FINRA Series 82 Exam?

The Private Securities Offerings Representative Examination is the official name of the FINRA Series 82 Exam. Candidates who qualify for this exam get the license to participate in the sale of private placement securities.

With the various FINRA exams levels and study plan, candidates can qualify effectively. After they qualify for this exam, candidates can work as Private Securities Offerings Representatives. Professionals who work in the private offerings will gain more after they qualify for this FINRA exam.

The exam is specifically designed to educate about Regulation D Securities compared to the public offerings. Below are other content areas from which professionals can learn and develop a depth of knowledge through the Series 82 exam.

Venture capital fundraising
Private equity placements
Institutional private securities sales
Hedge fund offerings

Topics Covered Under FINRA Series 82 Exam

As a candidate, your knowledge and understanding of core functional sections, such as investor protection, ethical sales practices, and private placement regulations. The syllabus is more focused on sales practices and legal frameworks, which are related to private securities.

Learn about the meaning, types and eligibility of the FINRA Exam. The following sections of the FINRA Series 82 exam, which candidates must learn and develop an understanding of. It will help them develop expertise and knowledge for their future careers and growth.

Private Securities Offerings

Candidates learn about the definition of private placements, types of private securities like debt or equity securities, and differences between exempt and registered offerings. They furthermore learn about the role of issuers, placement agents and broker-dealers.

Regulation of Private Securities Offerings

One of the most significant sections of the exam, candidates must develop expertise in the Regulation D exemptions, SEC and FINRA regulatory authority and offering limits. Additionally, they develop knowledge in qualification requirements of investors, advertising rules and general solicitation. Learning about the content areas will enhance your FINRA exam course and syllabus understanding effectively.

Due Diligence and Disclosure Requirements

Students learn about investor transparency and protection. Other areas covered in the syllabus are disclosure of risks, conflicts of interest, anti-fraud provisions like federal securities laws, omission standards and material facts. Other aspects that candidates know in the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) components, purpose and scope of due diligence.

Customer Accounts, Suitability, and Sales Practices

Suitability standards and ethical conduct are topic areas in this section. Candidates learn how to evaluate the customer (KYC) requirements, handle accredited investor verification, and ethical sales practices. Furthermore, all prohibited activities and misrepresentations are taught in this section. You should read the FINRA Series exam study books, which will help you identify the appropriate resources for your preparation.

Evaluation of Corporate Securities

All basic analytical concepts covered in this section are related to private investments. There are risk factors related to private investments, financial statements and ratios in this section, which the candidates must develop their knowledge. Other topics are ownership dilution, capital structure and valuation concept of private companies.

Post-Sale Responsibilities and Compliance

This section relates to all obligations that concern the sale, like recordkeeping, monitoring and tracking all requirements. Students learn about how to communicate with the investors, compliance standards and regulatory reporting. Furthermore, they learn continuing disclosure obligations.

Exam Structure

To learn more about how the FINRA Series 82 exam follows the overall structure of the exam. With this structure, candidates are evaluated based on their practical knowledge instead of rote memorisation.

Furthermore, candidates also need to attend the scenario-based questions. Sponsorship from a FINRA-member firm is another prerequisite for all candidates planning to qualify for the exam.

Elements of the Exam	Details
Exam Format	Computer-based, online format
Types of Questions	Multiple-choice questions
Number of Questions	50
Passing Score	70%

How to Crack the FINRA Series 82 Exam

If you are planning to crack the FINRA Series 82 exam, there are certain tips that you need to follow. These tips act as strategies for professionals who want to contribute to the growth of the private securities offerings industry. Below is the FINRA Series exam step-by-step study guide that will contribute to your exam preparation.

Use Appropriate Study Materials - Using the appropriate study materials, which are designed specifically for FINRA Series 82, as compared to other general securities exams

Understand the Core Regulations - Candidates must develop a deeper understanding and expertise in the private placement rules, exemptions, and Regulation D

Create a Study Schedule - If candidates want to be more effective in their preparation to crack the exam on their first attempt, they must plan consistent daily study sessions

Focus on Suitability & Ethics - Candidates must develop a deeper understanding of compliance scenarios and decision-making.

Practice Exam Questions - Regular practice mock sessions and practice papers on the FINRA Series 82 exam, which will help with time management and help become familiar with the question formats

Career Path After FINRA Series 82 Exam

Once candidates qualify for the FINRA Series 82 exam, they are ready to apply for specialized roles working in the private securities markets. With the skills and knowledge, candidates get to work with institutional clients and accredited investors. Below are some of the specific career roles that candidates can apply for:

Investment Banking Associate
Institutional Sales Consultant
Private Placement Agent
Hedge Fund Sales Representative
Private Equity or Venture Capital Professional

Wrapping Up!

In conclusion, professionals working in the private securities offerings must achieve the FINRA Series 82 exam credentials. After going through the article, candidates make consistent practice and develop skills for the securities market. It leads to passing the exam and advanced careers in the private sector capital markets.

Frequently Asked Questions on FINRA Series 82 Exam Guide

How strict is FINRA?

FINRA is strict when it comes to establishing rules and regulations in the US in the broker-dealer process. It is one of the front-line establishments and makes sure all members of the securities market follow all rules and regulations.

How many times can you take FINRA?

Candidates can take FINRA as many times as possible, as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Institute has not placed any limits. However, there is a specific time limit for reappearing for exams after every exam.

What happens if you cheat on a FINRA exam?

If you cheat on a FINRA exam, it might have a range of consequences. There are the Qualification Examinations Rules of Conduct which must be followed. Any violations of this might lead to barring any employment or opportunities in the financial services industry. Candidates might be banned from retaking exams or giving up their session outcome.

What is the 2-year rule for FINRA?

Even if you have terminated your registration with FINRA, you are still subject to FINRA’s jurisdiction for at least a period of 2 years.

Is 2 weeks enough to study for SIE?

The SIE exam for most individuals is medium difficult; hence, the average study time is somewhere between 4 to 6 weeks. Candidates can pass the SIE exam if they put in 40 to 60 hours of study time for at least 4 to 6 weeks.