FINRA has determined that company sponsorship is not needed for the SIE in the same way it is required for other licensure exams. Therefore, BOAs do not need firm permission to take the SIE exam. While the SIE exam is a prerequisite to taking the Series 7, BOAs who want to continue with the Series 7 or branches who desire a registered BOA must still follow the Registered BOA guidelines and gain firm approval. As this is the case, materials must be purchased at the BOA's cost, and please purchase materials for the SIE exam only, Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Premier package.