Failed the SIE? When you can retake it, and how to re-plan.

• After a first failed attempt: 30 days.^1,2
• After a second failed attempt: 30 days.^1,2
• After a third failed attempt, and every attempt after it: 180 days.^1,2
• Fails from more than two years ago do not count toward the longer wait.^3,4,5
• The wait applies only to the exam you failed. Failing the SIE does not make you wait to take the Series 7.^3,4,5
• The waits apply to the SIE, including for people taking it without a firm.^1,3

FINRA has amended Rule 1210.06 to cut the waits to 15 days, and to 60 days for three or more fails in a row within two years.^3,4,5

The shorter waits start on January 19, 2027, under FINRA Regulatory Notice 26-18. Until then, plan on 30 and 180 days. If you are still in a waiting period on that date, the notice explains when your new window starts.^4,6

A fail report shows your overall score and your performance in each of the four sections. That is the most useful study document you have.^2,7

An SIE pass is valid for four years from the day you pass, so retesting does not shorten that window.^1,7

1. Rank the four sections from weakest to strongest using your report.
2. Weight that by how many questions each section carries: 12, 33, 23 and 7.^7,8
3. Spend most of the wait on the weak, heavy sections. Use short section checks, not full forms, until they improve.
4. In the last week, practice your pace under real exam timing: 80 questions in 1 hour and 45 minutes.^7,8