HKSI exam guides: Papers 1, 7 and 8
Guides to the Hong Kong HKSI Licensing Examination Papers 1, 7 and 8: what each covers, who needs it, and how to prepare. Every guide cites its sources.
- What is a securities licence for, and does it raise your pay?What an SFC licence or bank registration lets you do, which Hong Kong jobs need it, what job ads ask for, published 2026 pay ranges, and whether it raises pay.Updated 4 November 2026
- Which HKSI papers do I need? Papers 1, 7 and 8 by role and regulated activityType 1, 4 or 8 representatives need HKSI Paper 1 plus Papers 7 and 8; ROs add Paper 2. Papers by regulated activity, the graduate route and the 3-year rule.Updated 4 November 2026
- HKSI Paper 1: what it covers, pass mark and how to prepareHKSI LE Paper 1 tests Hong Kong securities and futures regulation: 60 MCQs, 90 minutes, 70% to pass. Topics, fee, pass rate, who needs it and how to study.Updated 4 November 2026
- HKSI Paper 7: what it covers, pass mark and how to prepareHKSI LE Paper 7 (Financial Markets): 60 MCQs, 90 minutes, 70% to pass. The seven topics, fee, pass rate, calculator rules, who needs it and how to study.Updated 4 November 2026
- HKSI Paper 8: what it covers, pass mark and how to prepareHKSI LE Paper 8 (Securities): 40 MCQs, 60 minutes, 70% to pass. The six syllabus topics, fee, pass rate, calculator rules, who needs it and how to study.Updated 4 November 2026
- HKSI exam registration: fees, dates and results for Papers 1, 7 and 8Enrol via the HKSI portal or app. Paper 1 costs HK$1,800, Papers 7 and 8 HK$1,620 each at the Hong Kong centre (2026). Sit within 90 days; results on screen.Updated 4 November 2026
- Can I be exempted from HKSI Paper 1? Exemptions and how they workPaper 1 exemptions apply only in set cases. The SFC decides case by case through your sponsoring firm. Full and conditional exemptions and the grace period.Updated 4 November 2026
- How long to study for HKSI Papers 1 and 7: a study plan for working peopleHKSI publishes no per-paper study hours. A suggested plan for working people: about 6 weeks for Paper 1, 5 for Paper 7 and 4 for Paper 8, with timed mocks.Updated 4 November 2026