HKSI Paper 1 Passing Score & Exam Format: Everything You Need to Know (2026)
HKSI Paper 1 passing score is 70% (42/60 questions). Learn the complete exam format, chapter breakdown, time management strategies, and what to expect on exam day.
Planning to take the HKSI LE Paper 1 exam? Understanding the exact format and passing requirements is your first step to success.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the HKSI Paper 1 exam format, scoring, and what to expect on the day.
HKSI Paper 1 Exam Format at a Glance
| Official Name | Licensing Examination Paper 1: Fundamentals of Securities and Futures Regulation |
| Total Questions | 60 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes (1 hour 30 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% (42 correct answers out of 60) |
| Question Format | 4 options (A, B, C, D) — choose one correct answer |
| Exam Mode | Computer-based Examination (CBE) |
| Language Options | English or Traditional Chinese |
| Negative Marking | No — incorrect answers don't deduct marks |
| Results | Displayed immediately after the exam |
The Passing Score: What 70% Really Means
To pass HKSI Paper 1, you must correctly answer at least 42 out of 60 questions.
📊 Breaking Down the Numbers
- To Pass: 42 correct answers (you can afford 18 wrong)
- Safe Target: Aim for 48+ correct (80%) to have a comfortable margin
- Time per Question: ~1.5 minutes (90 mins ÷ 60 questions)
With an average pass rate of only 52%, nearly half of all candidates fail. Don't underestimate this exam.
The 9 Chapters and Their Weightings
HKSI Paper 1 covers 9 chapters, but they're not equally important. Here's the expected question distribution:
| Chapter | Topic | Weight | ~Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regulatory overview of the HK financial industry | 7% | 4 |
| 2 | Principles of relevant HK law and the Companies Ordinance | 7% | 4 |
| 3 | Securities and Futures Ordinance ("SFO") | 10-17% | 7 |
| 4 | Licensing and registration, and subsidiary legislation | 20-27% | 13 |
| 5 | Business conduct and client relations | 15-22% | 10 |
| 6 | Business operations and practices | 13-20% | 9 |
| 7 | Participating in the Hong Kong exchanges | 6-14% | 5 |
| 8 | Accessing Public Capital | 3-10% | 3 |
| 9 | Market misconduct and improper trading practices | 9% | 5 |
Key Insight: Chapters 4, 5, and 6 (highlighted) account for approximately 55% of the exam. Master these three chapters, and you're already halfway to passing.
ExamPrep.hk's Practice by Chapter feature helps you focus on specific chapters and track your performance.
ExamPrep.hk's Instant Feedback and Explanation feature helps you understand the concepts better.
Exam Fees (2026)
| Examination Centre | Fee (HKD) |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong Examination Centre | $1,630 |
| Global Examination Centres | $2,050 |
Time Management Strategy
With 90 minutes for 60 questions, you have approximately 1.5 minutes per question. Here's how to manage your time:
⏱️ Time Management Tips
- First Pass (60-70 mins): Answer all questions you know confidently. Flag uncertain ones.
- Second Pass (15-20 mins): Return to flagged questions. Use elimination to narrow options.
- Final Check (5-10 mins): Review any unanswered questions. Never leave blanks — there's no negative marking.
What to Expect on Exam Day
Before the Exam
- Arrive at the examination centre at the scheduled start time
- Bring your original, valid photo ID with English name matching HKSI records
- Know the last 4 digits of your mobile number / confirmation number
During the Exam
- The CBE system displays one question at a time
- You can navigate back and forth between questions
- Flag questions to review later
- A timer shows remaining time
After the Exam
- Results are displayed immediately on the CBE system
- You'll see whether you passed or failed
- Detailed score breakdown is available
⚠️ Important: No Rescheduling on Exam Day
If you cannot attend on exam day, you cannot request a reschedule or refund. All changes must be submitted via the Online Portal at least 6 full days before the exam.
SFC Recognition
HKSI Paper 1 is a Regulatory Paper approved by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) as a Recognised Industry Qualification under the SFC's "Guidelines on Competence."
This means passing Paper 1 fulfils part of the competence requirements for individuals seeking to become licensed representatives or responsible officers for certain regulated activities (RAs).
ExamPrep.hk's Performance by Chapter mode shows you your weakest chapters after every practice.
Next Steps
Understanding the exam format is just the beginning. To pass HKSI Paper 1:
- Read our complete HKSI Paper 1 Study Guide — includes a 3-week study plan
- Practice with free mock questions — 5 sample questions with explanations
- Understand the Chapter Trap — why studying all 9 chapters equally is a mistake
- Register for your exam — step-by-step booking guide
- Compare study resources — find the right tools for you
- Access 1,000+ practice questions on ExamPrep.hk
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Put This Strategy Into Action? 💯
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