Your final checklist for exam success. Print this page and use it in the week before your exam.
1 Week Before
Content Review
- Review all formula sheet calculations
- Retake any practice exam where you scored below 75%
- Focus study time on your weakest sections
- Review common mistakes document
Administrative
- Confirm exam appointment (Prometric)
- Know your testing center location
- Plan your route (drive there if possible)
- Confirm you have valid ID (must match exactly)
3 Days Before
Light Review
- Options max gain/loss/breakeven (all positions)
- Margin calculations (SMA, buying power, maintenance)
- Bond yield relationships
- Tax-equivalent yield formula
- NAV and sales charge calculations
Mental Preparation
- Get to bed at a reasonable hour
- Avoid cramming new material
- Light exercise to manage stress
- Review your "weak spots" list one more time
Night Before
What to Review
- Formula sheet (quick review)
- Your personal notes on tricky topics
- One practice exam at 70-80% speed
What NOT to Do
- Don't try to learn new material
- Don't stay up late studying
- Don't drink alcohol or take sleep aids
- Don't stress about topics you haven't mastered
Prepare Your Bag
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Confirmation email/appointment number
- Light snack for break
- Water (leave in car or locker)
- Comfortable layers (testing centers are cold)
Exam Morning
Before Leaving
- Eat a balanced breakfast (protein + complex carbs)
- Limit caffeine to your normal amount
- Use the bathroom
- Leave early (aim to arrive 30 minutes early)
What to Bring
- Two forms of ID (primary must be government-issued with photo)
- Nothing else (everything goes in a locker)
What NOT to Bring
- Phone (will be locked away)
- Notes or study materials
- Calculator (one is provided)
- Watches or jewelry (may be restricted)
At Testing Center
Check-In Process
- Present ID at front desk
- Store all belongings in locker
- Palm scan or photo (security verification)
- Receive scratch paper and pencil
- Escorted to your workstation
Before Starting
- Adjust chair height
- Make sure you can read the screen clearly
- Take a deep breath
- Write key formulas on scratch paper immediately
Key Formulas to Write First
Options: - Long call BE = Strike + Premium - Long put BE = Strike - Premium - Max loss (buyer) = Premium - Max gain (seller) = Premium Margin: - SMA buying power = SMA x 2 - Long trigger = Debit / 0.75 - Short trigger = Credit / 1.30 Bonds: - Current yield = Annual interest / Price - TEY = Muni yield / (1 - tax rate) - Premium: N > C > YTM - Discount: YTM > C > N NAV: - NAV = (Assets - Liabilities) / SharesDuring the Exam
Time Management
Check-in points: Q45 = ~90 min in | Q90 = ~180 min in | Save 30 min for review
For Calculation Questions
- Write out the formula first
- Show your work on scratch paper
- Double-check your math
- Make sure units match (x100 for options)
For "EXCEPT" Questions
- Underline "EXCEPT" or "NOT"
- Find the three TRUE statements
- The FALSE one is your answer
If You Get Stuck
- Mark it and move on — Don't spend 5 minutes on one question
- Eliminate wrong answers — Even 50/50 is better than random
- Use common sense — If an answer seems absurd, it probably is
Mental Reminders
"I've prepared for this. I know this material. Trust the process."
"Mark it and move on. I can come back to it."
You don't need to get every question right. 72% is passing—that's 90 out of 125. You can miss 35 questions and still pass. Focus on the questions you know, not the ones you don't.
After the Exam
Immediate Results: You'll see your score immediately on screen. Passing = 72% or higher.
If You Pass: Results sent to your firm within 24 hours. Registration typically processed within 2-3 business days.
If You Don't Pass: 30-day waiting period before retaking. Focus on sections where you scored lowest. Don't be discouraged—many people pass on the second attempt.
Final Words
You've done the work. You've learned the material. The exam is just a demonstration of what you already know.
Go get that Series 7.