Short answers

The questions candidates ask before they enrol.

How many questions are in HKSI Paper 1?HKSI Paper 1 has 60 multiple-choice questions. You get 90 minutes, which works out at 1.5 minutes each, and you need 42 correct to reach the 70% pass …
How long is HKSI Paper 1?HKSI Paper 1 runs for 90 minutes and contains 60 multiple-choice questions, so you have 1.5 minutes per question. That is enough time if you know the …
What is the HKSI Paper 1 pass mark?The HKSI Paper 1 pass mark is 70%, which is 42 correct answers out of 60 questions. It is a fixed threshold rather than a curve, so your result does n…
Can you use a calculator in HKSI Paper 1?We cannot confirm the current calculator policy, because HKSI sets permitted items in its examination handbook and we only publish figures and rules w…
How much does HKSI Paper 1 cost?The HKSI Paper 1 examination fee is HKD 1,800 per attempt. That buys the sitting and nothing else: no study manual, no course, no second try. Because …
How many times can you retake HKSI Paper 1?We have not found a published maximum number of attempts for HKSI Paper 1, and we will not state one we cannot source. The retake rule lives in the HK…
When do HKSI Paper 1 results come out?We have not verified the current results turnaround for HKSI Paper 1, so we will not state one. HKSI publishes how and when results are issued in its …
Is HKSI Paper 1 multiple choice?Yes. HKSI Paper 1 is entirely multiple choice: 60 computer-based questions in 90 minutes, closed book, in English or Traditional Chinese. There is no …
Do you need HKSI Paper 1 to work in finance in Hong Kong?Only if your role involves carrying on a regulated activity under the Securities and Futures Ordinance. Dealing, advising and asset management roles a…
Is there negative marking in HKSI Paper 1?We have not verified whether HKSI penalises wrong answers on Paper 1, and we will not state a marking rule we cannot source. Confirm it in the HKSI ex…
What happens if you fail HKSI Paper 1?You re-enrol, pay HKD 1,800 again and sit it at a later month. There is no other consequence we are aware of: no mark on a public record, no bar on re…
How long does an HKSI Paper 1 pass remain valid?We have not verified a published expiry period for an HKSI Paper 1 pass, so we will not state one. Recency can still matter: the SFC's competence requ…
Can you take HKSI Paper 1 outside Hong Kong?What we can verify is that Paper 1 runs monthly at HKSI Institute examination centres in Hong Kong. We have not verified whether overseas or remote si…
What is the difference between the HKSI and the SFC?The SFC is the statutory regulator: it makes the codes, issues licences and takes enforcement action. The HKSI Institute is the professional body that…
Do you need a degree to take HKSI Paper 1?We have not verified an academic entry requirement for sitting Paper 1, so check the HKSI enrolment terms directly. The degree question really belongs…
Is HKSI Paper 1 worth it?If your role involves an SFC regulated activity, it is not optional and the question does not arise. If it does not, HKD 1,800 buys a credible signal …