FINRA is in the process of updating its Series 6, 16, 24 and 26 examinations.  As a starting point, FINRA will conduct surveys seeking input from the industry.  Surveys will go out, beginning Thursday, 6/30/11. 

Through these surveys, the first of which is for the Series 16 qualification examination, FINRA seeks to conduct a job analysis for each of the above Registration Series.  The surveys will go to currently registered individuals regarding their roles, responsibilities and job functions.  Participation is encouraged to help ensure that exam content accurately reflects the jobs individuals perform.  The project is being conducted pursuant to Section 15A(g)(3) of the '34 Act, which requires FINRA to prescribe standards of training, experience and competence for persons associated with FINRA member firms.

FINRA Staff Contacts.   Direct questions to:  Tina Freilicher, Director of Psychometrics and Qualifications, Testing and Continuing Education - [(646) 315-8752].

Series 16, Supervisory Analyst Exam.   This qualifies an individual to approve the content of research reports.

Series 24, General Securities Principal Exam.   This qualifies a principal to manage and supervise a member firm’s investment banking and securities business, subject to certain limitations set forth in FINRA’s rules - e.g., an associated person registered solely as a GSP is not qualified to function as a ROP 

Series 26, Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principal Exam.   This qualifies a principal to manage and supervise activities limited solely to redeemable securities of companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, securities of closed-end companies registered under the '40 Act during the period of original distribution and certain insurance contracts - e.g., variable contracts.

Series 6, Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Exam.   This qualifies a Rep to engage in activities limited solely to redeemable securities of companies registered under the '40 Act, securities of closed-end companies registered under the '40 Act during the period of original distribution and certain insurance contracts - e.g., variable contracts.

Persons maintaining any of these registrations, may expect to receive a request to participate in a job analysis survey related to the registration.   For further details, go to:   [FINRA InfoNote, 6/28/11]