How to Pass the Series 79 Exam: Investment Banking Guide
Last updated June 2026. This article answers the specific questions candidates search for when preparing for Series 79 exams.
What the Series 79 Covers
If you are preparing for the 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 what the series 79 covers. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
The 6-Week Series 79 Study Plan
This section covers the 6-week series 79 study plan. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Topic Weights and Focus Areas
This section covers topic weights and focus areas. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Mastering M&A Questions
This section covers mastering m&a questions. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Premium Practice Tests: Pros and Cons
This section covers premium practice tests: pros and cons. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
FAQ
FAQ
Plan for 55–90 hours over 4–8 weeks. If you have an IB background, you may need less time.
The Series 79 is narrower but goes deeper into IB topics. If you have an IB background it may feel easier.
Yes. The Series 79 specifically qualifies you for M&A advisory at a broker-dealer.

Author profile
Donald Morales
London, UKRepresentative exam writer
Donald worked in brokerage operations and client-account support roles and now writes about representative exams, product knowledge, and timed-practice strategy.
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