Series 7 vs Series 79: Which Exam Do You Need for Investment Banking?
Last updated May 2026. This article answers the specific questions candidates search for when preparing for Series 7 and Series 79 exams.
Series 7 vs Series 79 at a Glance
If you are preparing for the Series 7 or Series 79, you probably have specific questions about what the exam covers, how hard it is, and the best way to study. This article addresses those questions directly.
This section covers series 7 vs series 79 at a glance. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
What Each Exam Covers
This section covers what each exam covers. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Career Path Differences
This section covers career path differences. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Which Exam Should You Take?
This section covers which exam should you take?. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
FAQ
FAQ
The Series 7 qualifies you as a general securities representative. For specific IB activities like M&A advisory and underwriting, you need the Series 79. Many IB professionals hold both.
The Series 79 is narrower in scope but goes deeper into IB-specific topics. Candidates with IB backgrounds often find it easier than the broad Series 7.
It depends on your role. If you only do IB activities, the Series 79 may be sufficient. If you also execute trades or handle broader securities business, you need the Series 7.
Written by
Fraser Exam Editorial Team
FINRA and securities licensing exam specialists
The FraserExam editorial team reviews public regulator pages, official content outlines, and candidate performance patterns to keep study guides practical and current.