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Guide · CySEC Basic

CySEC Basic Exam Guide 2026

The CySEC Basic certification is required for professionals in Cyprus performing reception and transmission of client orders, execution of orders, and marketing of collective investment schemes. This guide covers the exam format, the 8-chapter syllabus and how to prepare.

By the ExamPass CY editorial team · Last reviewed October 2026

The exam at a glance

Questions
50, multiple choice
Time
60 minutes
Pass mark
70% (35 of 50)
Syllabus
8 chapters
Exam language
English and Greek
Issued by
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC)
Who needs it
Professionals performing reception/transmission of orders, execution of orders, or marketing of collective investment schemes at CySEC-regulated firms

The 8 chapters

How many of the 50 questions each chapter carries. Each chapter links to its own page with the topics and practice.
CySEC Basic syllabus: how many of the 50 exam questions each chapter carries
ChChapterQuestions
1Chapter 1: Investment Services Law 20174
2Chapter 2: Cypriot Investment Firms (CIFs)12
3Chapter 3: CIFs and Banks8
4Chapter 4: MiFIR (2014)5
5Chapter 5: Insider Dealing & Market Manipulation8
6Chapter 6: Open-Ended UCI Laws5
7Chapter 7: Alternative Investments6
8Chapter 8: AML & Terrorist Financing2
Total50

CySEC Basic or Advanced?

The Basic certification covers 8 chapters and 50 questions in 60 minutes. The Advanced covers all 14 chapters with 70 questions in 90 minutes. Basic is sufficient for roles involving reception/transmission of orders and execution only. If your role includes portfolio management, investment advice, or dealing on own account, you need the Advanced certification.

See the full comparison

How to study for it

Five tips for working through the syllabus and into the exam room.

  1. Start with the heaviest chapters

    Chapters 2, 3 and 5 carry 28 of the 50 questions (12, 8 and 8; 56%). Mastering them first gives you the highest return on study time; then move on to Chapter 7 (6).

  2. Study chapter by chapter and practise after each one

    Answering questions while the material is fresh exposes gaps early, when they are cheap to fix, rather than the night before the exam.

  3. Use the hint before you answer and the explanation after

    When you are stuck, the hint points you to the rule instead of the answer. After every answer, read the explanation: you learn the concept, not the answer key.

  4. Sit a full mock once every chapter is covered

    50 questions weighted like the real exam. The mocks have no timer, so time yourself to the exam's 60 minutes. Aim for a clear margin above the pass mark of 35, not just the pass mark itself.

  5. Learn the rule, not the wording

    The exam tests application, and a question can be phrased in a way you have not seen. Memorising wording does not carry over; understanding why a rule exists and how it applies does.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the CySEC Basic exam?

50 multiple-choice questions, completed within 60 minutes.

What is the passing mark for CySEC Basic?

70%: you need to answer at least 35 of the 50 questions correctly.

How long does it take to prepare for CySEC Basic?

Plan for 2–4 weeks of structured, chapter-by-chapter study.

What is the difference between CySEC Basic and Advanced?

The Basic certification covers 8 chapters and is required for reception/transmission of orders and execution roles. The Advanced covers 14 chapters and is required for portfolio management, investment advice, and dealing roles.

Can I take the CySEC Basic exam in Greek?

Yes. The exam is available in both English and Greek.

What happens if I fail the CySEC Basic exam?

You can retake the exam by re-registering through the CySEC website and paying the exam fee again. There is no mandatory waiting period stated by CySEC.

Do I need to renew my CySEC Basic certification?

Yes. Holders must complete 10 hours of CPD seminars annually and renew by the end of February each year.

What is the recommended study approach for the CySEC Basic exam?

Three steps. First, read each chapter of the official CySEC syllabus to build conceptual understanding. Second, study chapter by chapter with focused practice questions, starting with the high-weight chapters (Chapters 2, 3 and 5 carry 28 of the 50 questions (12, 8 and 8; 56%)). Third, sit full 50-question mock exams to build stamina and find the remaining gaps; our mocks have no timer, so time yourself to 60 minutes. Plan for 2–4 weeks.

Does ExamPass CY offer a free practice test for CySEC Basic?

Yes. The free demo at exampasscy.com/demo/basic has 10 Basic questions, each with a hint before you answer and an explanation after. No account is needed.

Start with 10 free questions

See how the hints and explanations work before you pay. CySEC Basic, no account needed.

Try 10 free questionsGet All-in-One · €219