Series 79: Function One

Function One

Collection, Analysis, and Evaluation of Data

FINRA describes the first broad subject area or “job function” covered by the Series 79 exam in deceptively simple terms: collection, analysis, and evaluation of data. This multifaceted topic covers a huge amount of material and tests your knowledge of everything from general macroeconomics to the calculation of specific liquidity ratios. This subject area also encompasses due diligence activities.

Data collection, analysis, and evaluation is the heart of both the Series 79 exam and the investment banking profession itself. Out of 75 scored exam questions, 37—nearly 50%—come from this subject area. For most candidates, the topics covered by this function should be the highest study priority.

Questions drawn from this subject area can be among the most challenging and time-consuming on the exam. Many questions will direct you to tables or other material in the Exhibits Book provided, and some will require t