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Introducing Broker-Dealer Financial and Operations Principal Exam (Series 28) Practice Test

30 questions available

The Series 28 Practice Test is designed for individuals seeking to qualify as a Financial and Operations Principal (FINOP) with a broker-dealer that is not a member of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) or that does not maintain custody of customer funds or securities. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of the core regulatory and operational responsibilities required to manage a broker-dealer's financial reporting, capital compliance, and customer protection obligations. The practice test covers three primary domains: Customer Funds and Securities (including segregation, safeguarding, and reserve formula requirements), Financial Responsibility (including net capital computations, early warning thresholds, and recordkeeping), and Regulatory Requirements (including SEC and FINRA rules, reporting deadlines, and supervisory obligations). Candidates who take this practice test are typically aspiring FINOPs, experienced operations professionals, or compliance staff seeking to validate their understanding of the financial and operational controls that keep a broker-dealer solvent and compliant. By completing this practice test, users will gain a realistic assessment of their readiness for the actual exam, identify knowledge gaps in critical areas such as the Customer Protection Rule and net capital calculations, and build confidence in applying complex regulatory concepts to real-world scenarios.

Certification exam
110 Exam questions
3 hours 15 minutes Time Limit
Career Opportunities & Salary
Entry – Financial Analyst $54,000 - $82,000
Mid-Career – Financial Services Representative $78,000 - $119,000
Senior – Compliance Officer $102,000 - $155,000
Financial AnalystFinancial Services RepresentativeCompliance Officerstable market
Why This Certification Opens Doors

This practice test matters because the role of a Financial and Operations Principal carries direct responsibility for a firm's financial integrity and regulatory compliance. Errors in net capital computations or customer fund segregation can lead to immediate regulatory sanctions, financial penalties, or even the forced liquidation of the broker-dealer. In practice, a FINOP's decisions affect whether a firm can continue operating, how it handles customer assets, and whether it meets its reporting obligations to the SEC and FINRA. Mastering these topics is not just about passing an exam; it is about protecting customers, maintaining market confidence, and ensuring the firm avoids costly enforcement actions. The practical value is immediate: a strong understanding of these rules helps you prevent compliance failures, streamline financial reporting, and respond effectively to regulatory inquiries.

Exam Blueprint
01Customer Funds and Securities
02Financial Responsibility
03Regulatory Requirements
Exam Details Series 28 | $130 USD | 3 hours 15 minutes
Exam Code Series 28
Vendor FINRA
Exam Cost $130 USD
Passing Score 70
Time Limit 3 hours 15 minutes
Exam questions 110
Question Types Multiple 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
Study Resources
FINRA Exam Qualification Study Outline
FINRAFree
Free downloadable content outlines for each exam
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the passing score for the actual Series 28 exam, and how does this practice test compare?

The actual Series 28 exam requires a score of 73% or higher to pass. This practice test is designed to mirror the difficulty and topic distribution of the real exam, so scoring consistently above 73% on multiple attempts is a strong indicator of readiness. Use this test to identify weak areas, not just to gauge a single score.

Do I need to memorize specific net capital formulas for this practice test?

Yes, you should be comfortable with the basic net capital formula (Net Worth minus certain deductions, plus subordinated liabilities) and the application of haircuts. The practice test includes questions that require you to compute net capital and determine whether a firm meets minimum requirements. Understanding the components is more important than rote memorization of every haircut percentage.

How much time should I allocate to studying the Customer Funds and Securities section?

This section often requires the most study time because it involves detailed rules about segregation, reserve formula computations, and the Possession or Control requirements under Rule 15c3-3. Plan to spend at least 40% of your preparation time on this domain, as it is both conceptually dense and heavily tested.

Can I use a calculator during the actual Series 28 exam?

Yes, a basic on-screen calculator is provided during the actual exam. For this practice test, you may use a physical or digital calculator to simulate real conditions. Focus on accuracy and speed, as time management is important.

What is the most common mistake test-takers make on this practice test?

The most common mistake is misapplying the reserve formula under Rule 15c3-3, particularly confusing credits and debits in the formula. Another frequent error is overlooking the early warning notification requirements when net capital falls below certain thresholds. Pay close attention to the exact wording of each question.

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