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Series III-A · Practice Set 1

NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance - Non-Fund Certification — Practice Set 1 Practice Questions

Original starter practice set for NISM Series III-A: Securities Intermediaries Compliance - Non-Fund Certification. Every question below shows the correct answer and a full explanation, so you can read through this set as a study page or attempt it as a timed mock test.

Attempt this set as a timed mock

Prefer an exam-like experience? Start this set as a shuffled, timed mock test with instant scoring, negative marking, and a full review screen.

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Practice questions

All 35 questions in Practice Set 1

Read each question, think through your answer, then expand it to check the correct option and explanation.

Exam Strategy

Q1. Which habit is most useful while preparing for Series III-A Securities Intermediaries Compliance?

  1. A. Memorising only answer keys
  2. B. Practising topics and reviewing explanations
  3. C. Skipping regulatory concepts
  4. D. Attempting only one mock test
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Practising topics and reviewing explanations

Mock tests are most useful when they reveal weak topics and explanations are reviewed after every attempt.
Exam Strategy

Q2. A candidate is unsure about a question with negative marking. What is the best first step?

  1. A. Guess immediately
  2. B. Eliminate clearly wrong options first
  3. C. Leave all difficult questions unanswered
  4. D. Change every answer at the end
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Eliminate clearly wrong options first

Eliminating wrong options improves decision quality, especially where incorrect answers carry a penalty.
Exam Strategy

Q3. Why should practice questions be topic-tagged?

  1. A. To make the test look longer
  2. B. To identify strengths and weak areas
  3. C. To replace the official workbook
  4. D. To avoid reading explanations
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. To identify strengths and weak areas

Topic tagging helps learners plan revision after the mock test.
Exam Strategy

Q4. What does a good mock-test explanation usually include?

  1. A. Only the option letter
  2. B. The reason the correct option is right
  3. C. A random market tip
  4. D. A copied official question
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. The reason the correct option is right

Explanations should teach the underlying concept, not only reveal the option.
Compliance framework

Q5. In Compliance framework, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Compliance framework questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Compliance framework

Q6. A question from Compliance framework is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Compliance framework

Q7. When revising Compliance framework, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Compliance framework

Q8. A scenario question under Compliance framework includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Inspections

Q9. In Inspections, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Inspections questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Inspections

Q10. A question from Inspections is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Inspections

Q11. When revising Inspections, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Inspections

Q12. A scenario question under Inspections includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Reporting

Q13. In Reporting, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Reporting questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Reporting

Q14. A question from Reporting is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Reporting

Q15. When revising Reporting, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Reporting

Q16. A scenario question under Reporting includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
AML basics

Q17. In AML basics, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

AML basics questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
AML basics

Q18. A question from AML basics is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
AML basics

Q19. When revising AML basics, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
AML basics

Q20. A scenario question under AML basics includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Code of conduct

Q21. In Code of conduct, which approach is usually preferred?

  1. A. Follow the documented process and maintain records
  2. B. Ignore client/investor documentation
  3. C. Rely only on verbal confirmation
  4. D. Skip suitability or risk checks
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Follow the documented process and maintain records

Code of conduct questions often test process discipline, documentation, and regulatory awareness.
Code of conduct

Q22. A question from Code of conduct is asking for the primary purpose of a control. What should you look for?

  1. A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency
  2. B. The option with the longest wording
  3. C. The option that sounds most aggressive
  4. D. The option unrelated to investors
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The option that reduces risk or improves transparency

Most controls in market certification exams are designed to protect investors, reduce operational risk, or improve transparency.
Code of conduct

Q23. When revising Code of conduct, what is the best way to use mock results?

  1. A. Review only correct answers
  2. B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept
  3. C. Delete difficult topics
  4. D. Attempt the same answers without review
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. Map mistakes to the topic and revise the concept

The value of a mock test comes from converting mistakes into focused revision.
Code of conduct

Q24. A scenario question under Code of conduct includes several facts. What should you identify first?

  1. A. The role, rule, or risk being tested
  2. B. The longest sentence
  3. C. The first number shown
  4. D. The least technical option
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. The role, rule, or risk being tested

Scenario questions become easier when the tested role, rule, or risk is identified before choosing an option.
Compliance framework

Q25. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Compliance framework. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Reporting

Q26. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Reporting. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Code of conduct

Q27. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Code of conduct. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Inspections

Q28. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Inspections. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
AML basics

Q29. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in AML basics. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Compliance framework

Q30. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Compliance framework. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Reporting

Q31. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Reporting. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Code of conduct

Q32. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Code of conduct. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Inspections

Q33. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Inspections. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
AML basics

Q34. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in AML basics. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.
Compliance framework

Q35. In Series III-A Core Practice, a learner wants to improve accuracy in Compliance framework. Which study action is most useful?

  1. A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions
  2. B. Memorise only the previous option letter
  3. C. Skip the topic because it appeared difficult
  4. D. Attempt faster without checking why answers were wrong
Show correct answer & explanation

Correct answer: A. Review the concept, read explanations, and practise similar questions

Accuracy improves when the learner connects the concept, the explanation, and repeated practice on the same weak area.

How to use this set

Work through the questions in order without expanding the answers first, exactly as you would in the real Series III-A exam. Once you have picked an option, expand the answer to confirm whether you were right and read the explanation, even for questions you answered correctly, since the reasoning behind each option is where most of the learning happens.

If you get a question wrong, note the topic tag above the question and revisit that topic in the Series III-A exam page before your next attempt. When you are ready for exam-condition practice, use the timed mock test above; it shuffles these questions, applies the negative marking rule, and gives you a scored review at the end.