Best SIE Prep Courses (2025): Achievable vs. Knopman vs. SIA
The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is the gateway to a career on Wall Street. Unlike the Series 7, you don’t need a corporate sponsor to take it. This means you can pass it before you apply for jobs, giving you a massive leg up on the competition.
But finance regulation is dry. Very dry. The difference between passing and giving up often comes down to how engaging your prep course is.
We’ve analyzed the top providers for 2025 to find the best tools for every budget.
Quick Comparison: The 2025 Landscape
| Provider | Best For | Rating | Price | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achievable | Best Overall & Value | 4.9 | $99 |
| |
| Knopman Marks | Best Premium | 4.8 | $275+ |
| |
| Securities Institute of America | Best Guarantee | 4.6 | $139 |
|
1. Achievable SIE
The Modern, “Plain English” Choice
If you didn’t major in finance, the SIE textbook can feel like reading a foreign language. Achievable fixes this by rewriting the entire curriculum in “plain English.”
Why It Wins
Achievable uses an adaptive learning algorithm similar to Anki or Duolingo. It tracks what you know and what you don’t, scheduling reviews at the perfect time to ensure you remember it on exam day.
- Price: At $99, it is significantly cheaper than the legacy providers.
- Mobile: It works perfectly on your phone, so you can study on the subway or in line for coffee.
Pros:
- Clarity: The easiest-to-read textbook on the market.
- Tech: The memory-tracking algorithm is a game-changer.
- Value: Incredible ROI for the price.
Cons:
- Videos: Fewer video lectures than Knopman Marks.
Read our full Achievable SIE Review
2. Knopman Marks
The “Goldman Sachs” Standard
If you get hired by a top investment bank, they will likely hand you a Knopman Marks login. This is the premium, heavy-duty course used by the biggest firms on Wall Street.
The Premium Experience
Knopman Marks is known for its difficulty. Their practice exams are notoriously harder than the real thing, so if you are passing Knopman, you will crush the SIE.
- Instructors: You get access to world-class instructors who train the best in the business.
- Depth: They go deeper than necessary, ensuring you are over-prepared.
Pros:
- Reputation: The most trusted name in corporate training.
- Rigor: If you want to be 100% sure you’ll pass, this is it.
Cons:
- Price: It is expensive (usually $250+).
- Density: The material is dense and academic.
Read our full Knopman Marks Review
3. Securities Institute of America (SIA)
The “Greenlight” Guarantee
The Securities Institute of America offers a solid middle ground. They are famous for their Greenlight Exam.
The Guarantee
If you pass their “Greenlight” exam within 5 days of your actual test date, they guarantee you will pass the SIE. If you don’t, they refund your money.
- Video Library: Their bundle includes 12 hours of video training, which is great for visual learners.
- Textbook: You get a physical 400-page textbook (with some packages).
Pros:
- Guarantee: The money-back promise reduces your risk.
- Materials: Good mix of video, text, and questions.
Cons:
- Interface: The online platform feels a bit dated compared to Achievable.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
- The Smart Choice: Achievable. For 95% of students, this is the best option. It’s cheap, effective, and easy to use.
- The Corporate Choice: Knopman Marks. If you have the budget or want the “Ivy League” of prep courses, go with Knopman.
- The Safe Choice: Securities Institute of America. If you want a money-back guarantee and a physical textbook, SIA is a solid pick.
The SIE is just the beginning. Most people take the Series 7 or Series 6 immediately after. Achievable and Knopman both offer bundles for these next steps.