FINRA Series 79 - Investment Banking Representative Practice Test

96 questions available

Build your confidence for FINRA Series 79 - Investment Banking Representative. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
75 Exam questions
2 hours 30 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
96 Practice questions
1 hour 36 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 72 Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from FINRA
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Exam overview and details

The FINRA Series 79 Investment Banking Representative Exam is a specialized qualification required for professionals who wish to engage in investment banking activities as defined under FINRA Rule 1220(b)(9). This exam assesses a candidate's competency in the core functions of investment banking, including advising on and facilitating debt and equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, financial restructurings, and asset sales. Passing the Series 79 is a mandatory regulatory requirement for individuals whose primary function involves structuring, pricing, marketing, or underwriting securities offerings or providing strategic advisory services on corporate finance transactions. The certification validates a professional's mastery of complex financial concepts, securities laws, and ethical standards, serving as a critical gatekeeper for roles in bulge bracket banks, boutique advisory firms, and other financial institutions. Earning this credential signifies a deep, practical understanding of capital markets and transaction execution, directly aligning with the high-stakes responsibilities of an investment banking representative.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Mergers and Acquisitions

A Series 79 banker at a member firm is acting as capital markets adviser for Granite Renewables. During a live mandate, a strategic acquisition is ready to sign, but size thresholds are met and no HSR filing has been made. The senior banker wants to keep the timetable moving and asks what should drive the next workstream decision. Which response is the best answer?

Underwriting/New Financing Transactions, Types of Offerings and Registration of Securities

A Series 79 banker at a member firm is acting as financial adviser for Dover Grid. During a live mandate, a banker keeps allocation discussions and investor indications only in personal messages. The senior banker wants to keep the timetable moving and asks what should drive the next workstream decision. Which response is the best answer?

Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data

A Series 79 banker at a member firm is acting as lead-left bookrunner for Cobalt Foods. During a live mandate, a software issuer says 40 percent of revenue comes from a reseller contract terminable on 30 days notice. The senior banker wants to keep the timetable moving and asks what should drive the next workstream decision. Which response is the best answer?

Collection, Analysis and Evaluation of Data

A Series 79 banker at a member firm is acting as capital markets adviser for Granite Renewables. During a live mandate, a coverage analyst sent optimistic channel checks to the banking team during an IPO pitch. The senior banker wants to keep the timetable moving and asks what should drive the next workstream decision. Which response is the best answer?

Mergers and Acquisitions

A Series 79 banker at a member firm is acting as financial adviser for Briar Health. During a live mandate, the bidder offers management a side payment tied to tendering shares at a premium. The senior banker wants to keep the timetable moving and asks what should drive the next workstream decision. Which response is the best answer?

Career Opportunities & Salary

Median salary: $78,660– Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 -- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents (SOC 41-3031), US national. Occupation median, not a certification salary. (2025)

Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents

Exam insights and study advice

Achieving the Series 79 license is a non-negotiable milestone for a career in investment banking. It provides immediate industry recognition and regulatory authority to perform essential advisory and capital-raising functions. This certification is often a prerequisite for promotion to Associate and Vice President levels, directly impacting earning potential and career trajectory. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and regulators a committed, qualified understanding of the legal, financial, and ethical frameworks governing sophisticated financial transactions, establishing credibility and trust in a competitive, client-driven industry.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

01Debt and Equity Offerings

02Mergers and Acquisitions

03Regulatory Requirements

04Restructuring

Exam Details Series 79 | $147 USD | 2 hours 30 minutes

Exam Code Series 79
Vendor FINRA
Exam Cost $147 USD
Passing Score 72
Time Limit 2 hours 30 minutes
Exam questions 75
Question TypesMultiple Choice
Retake Policy 30-day waiting period after first and second failed attempts. 180-day waiting period after third failed attempt and any subsequent failures. Full exam fee required for each retake.
Exam Format Linear
Online Proctoring Available
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary job functions that require a Series 79 license?

How does the Series 79 differ from the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) exam?

What is the exam structure and passing score for the Series 79?

What are the prerequisite exams for the Series 79?

How long should I prepare for the Series 79 exam?