CISI GSO Passing Score & Exam Format 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Before you start studying, you need to understand exactly how the CISI Global Securities Operations (GSO) exam is structured. Knowing the format, the passing score, the grade bands, and how questions are distributed lets you build a study plan that targets the right chapters.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the GSO exam format.

What Is the Passing Score?

The passing score for the CISI GSO exam is 70%. With 50 multiple-choice questions, that means you need at least 35 correct answers to pass.

Unlike a simple pass/fail, GSO grades your result in bands:

• Pass with merit: 46–50 marks
• Pass: 35–45 marks
• Fail: 0–34 marks

Around 60% of candidates pass, making GSO one of the more achievable CISI units — but the 70% threshold still catches out anyone who only skims the material. For a closer look, see whether the GSO exam is difficult.

How the 50 Questions Are Distributed

CISI spreads the 50 questions across 5 chapters. Understanding this weighting is the single most useful piece of exam-planning information you have:

Chapters 1, 2 and 3 alone account for 40 of the 50 questions — 80% of the exam. Chapter 3 (Other Investor Services) is the single heaviest at 16 questions. If you are short on time, these are the chapters that move the needle most, and the right study materials let you weight your practice the same way.

ExamPrep.ae's instant feedback and explanations help you understand each concept and improve your score.

Attempt Every Question

You have 50 questions and 1 hour — about 1.2 minutes each. There is no benefit to leaving a question blank, so if you are unsure, eliminate the options you know are wrong and make your best choice. If you are running short on time, fill in an answer for every remaining question.

ExamPrep.ae's Practice by Chapter mode lets you drill each of the 5 GSO chapters individually.

A Handful of Calculations

GSO is mostly knowledge-based, but a few calculation questions appear — mainly in Chapters 2 and 3. Expect basis-point custody fees, the effect of corporate actions, and ICMA interest claims on failed settlements. They are straightforward once you know the method, but do not leave them to chance.

Exam Delivery

The exam is delivered by computer-based testing (CBT) at a CISI test centre, and a worldwide network of centres is available. Check current delivery and any remote options when you book on the CISI website.

When Do You Get Your Results?

For the computer-based MCQ exam, results are available online within 24 working hours and can be accessed through your MyCISI account. Not booked yet? Our step-by-step GSO registration guide covers the fees, the included workbook, and finding your nearest test centre.

ExamPrep.ae's performance-by-chapter analytics show exactly which GSO chapters are dragging your score down.

Your Next Steps

1. See the full study strategy — Read our complete guide to passing the CISI GSO exam
2. Understand the difficulty — Learn whether the GSO exam is difficult
3. Try free questions — Test yourself with our free CISI GSO mock questions

Understanding the format is your foundation. Build on it with focused, chapter-by-chapter practice — especially the three big chapters — and you will give yourself the best possible chance of passing.