Final answer:
The correct option for Rihanna is: (3). Rihanna, upon returning to the finance industry within 36 months, does not need to retake her qualification exams, including the Series 7 and SIE exams, to become a registered representative again according to FINRA regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Rihanna wishes to return to her position as a Series 7 registered representative after completing her accelerated graduate studies program, she needs to understand the protocols concerning her licensing. FINRA rules stipulate that a person who has been registered with them and then leaves the industry has a certain grace period during which they can return without needing to retake their qualification exams.
The Series 7 exam is one such qualification and it, along with the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) exam, constitute necessary steps to become a registered representative. However, when it comes to re-establishing one's status after a hiatus, the rules are precise. As long as the individual is returning within 24 months, they do not need to retake the Series 7 exam. If the period exceeds 24 months but is less than four years, the individual must take the Specific Continuing Education (CE) Program to maintain their qualifications without retaking the full exams. Because Rihanna is returning within 36 months, she falls within this bracket.
Consequently, the correct option for Rihanna is: (3) does not need to take the exams because she is returning to the industry within 36 months.