Series 86 and 87 – Research Analyst Exams
Beginning June 9, 2023, candidates will need an approved accommodation to schedule an online appointment for an NFA or FINRA exam (other than the SIE). Online appointments scheduled to be taken after Sept. 9, 2023, will be canceled if the candidate does not have an approved accommodation.
Learn more in the How to Schedule an Appointment to Take Exams Online (Remotely) section of the Schedule an Exam page.
The Series 86 and 87 exams — the Research Analyst Exams — assess the competency of an entry-level registered representative to perform their job as a research analyst.
The Series 86 and 87 exams measure the degree to which each candidate possesses the knowledge needed to perform the critical functions of a research analyst, including preparation of written or electronic communications that analyze equity securities and/or companies and industry sectors.
Candidates must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and the Series 86 and 87 exams to obtain the Research Analyst registration. For more information about the SIE and Series 86 and 87 exams, refer to FINRA Rule 1210 and FINRA Rule 1220(b)(6).
Content Outline
The Series 86 and 87 Content Outline provides a comprehensive guide to the range of topics covered on the exams, as well as the depth of knowledge required. The outline is comprised of the four major job functions of a research analyst. The table below lists the allocation of exam items for each major job function.
Part 1 (Series 86)
| Major Job Functions | Number of Exam Items |
|---|---|
| (F1) Information and Data Collection | 18 |
| (F2) Analysis, Modeling and Valuation | 28 |
| (F3) Valuation and Forecasting | 39 |
| TOTAL | 85 |
Part 2 (Series 87)
| Major Job Functions | Number of Exam Items |
|---|---|
| (F4) Preparation of Research Reports | 36 |
| (F5) Dissemination of Information | 14 |
| TOTAL | 50 |
Download the Series 86/87 Content Outline
Eligibility
Candidates must be associated with and sponsored by a FINRA member firm or other applicable self-regulatory organization (SRO) member firm to be eligible to take FINRA representative-level qualifications exams. For more information on registration requirements, refer to FINRA Rule 1210.
The SIE exam is a corequisite for the Series 86 and 87 exams. Candidates must pass both the Series 86 and 87 exams and the SIE exam to obtain the Research Analyst registration.
A candidate who meets one of the following requirements is permitted to request an exemption from the Series 86 exam (Part I):
- passed both Level I and Level II of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Exam; or
- passed both Level I and Level II of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) Certification Exam.
For additional information on the Series 86 exemption, see FINRA 1220(b)(6)(B) Qualifications.
For more information on the registration process, see Register a New Candidate.
Permitted Activities
Covered research analyst activities include preparation of written or electronic communications that analyze equity securities and/or companies and industry sectors.
Key Questions
1. What registration and qualification requirements must supervisors of registered research analysts possess?
All registered FINRA research analysts must be supervised by a research principal who will be required, in addition to passing the General Securities Principal exam (Series 24), to also pass either 1) the SIE exam and the Research Analyst exams (Series 86 and Series 87), or 2) the Supervisory Analyst exam (Series 16).
2. Are "sell-side" equity analysts required to register as research analysts and pass the Series 86 and 87?
Yes. The registration and qualification requirements of Rule 1220(b)(6) do not distinguish between "sell-side" and "buy-side" analysts. Any person who prepares written or electronic communications that include an analysis of equity securities and sufficient information upon which to base an investment decision is required to register as a research analyst.
3. Does FINRA Rule 1220(b)(6) apply to everyone who works in equity research or just those who write a research report that will be seen by the public?
Rule 1220(b)(6) applies to associated persons who prepare publicly disseminated research reports. Associated persons who prepare reports for use only by a member's sales force, money managers or other employees of the firm, and who do not have reason to believe that the reports will be redistributed publicly, are not subject to this rule.
4. Is a research analyst who is employed by a foreign broker-dealer affiliate of a FINRA member required to register pursuant to Rule 1220(b)(6) if the member uses that analyst's research reports or distributes in the United States in accordance with SEC Rule 15a-6?
A "research analyst" employed by a non-member affiliate of a FINRA member is not required to register as a research analyst pursuant to Rule 1220(b)(6) unless the research analyst is an "associated person" of the FINRA member as that term is defined in the FINRA By-Laws.