Learn effective strategies to enhance your preparation for the Series 63 licensing exam and ensure success.
The Series 63 exam, formerly known as the Uniform Securities State Law Examination, is maintained by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for individuals seeking to become securities state agents within the United States. It's one of three qualification exams maintained by NASAA, alongside the Series 65 and Series 66.
This exam is designed to gauge the test taker's knowledge of state securities regulations, laws, ethical practices, and fiduciary obligations. It is a prerequisite exam for individuals who want to pursue a career in the financial services industry. Passing this exam is required for those interested in working for a broker-dealer and want to engage in a securities business with the public. In order to obtain a Series 63 license, candidates must prepare for and pass the Series 63 exam.
Read more about the Series 63 Exam: Your Essential Guide to the Series 63 License
The Series 63 exam is considered moderately difficult because of the deep knowledge of financial regulations and ethical practices required.
"The Series 63 is the shortest of the three NASAA exams, but the exam is based almost entirely on rules and regulations. You have 75 minutes to answer 65 questions, so time management is essential." Anthony Colonna - ExamFX's Chief Editor Securities
Although the exam is challenging, with the right study materials and strategies, most candidates can pass the Series 63 exam with adequate preparation. For example, physical or online flashcards are a useful tool to help memorize the many rules in this exam.
For more insight into its difficulty level, read: Is the Series 63 Exam Hard?
It is essential to pick the right study partner for you. Your exam prep provider should offer a variety of study materials that cater to different learning styles and methods such as written, audio, and video.
Compliance is vital—make sure the provider you pick regularly updates the course content to reflect current FINRA Content Outlines.
Look for licensing trainers whose materials are professionally produced. This will help you absorb the material at a manageable pace. Video lectures, for example, should be high quality and easy to watch.
A few of the most effective study tools for the difficult Series 63 exam include:
Practice exams and chapter quizzes ensure learners know the material well enough to test on it. ExamFX practice exams simulate a testing environment so learners feel confident on test day.
"In ExamFX's securities courses, each chapter has a practice answer set. Get a "green light" before moving on to the next chapter. If you receive a low score, this is an indicator that you have more work to do to retain the subject matter before moving on." - Anthony Colonna - ExamFX's Chief Editor Securities
ExamFX study guides are fully printed versions of the online course materials, which allow learners to study content in multiple formats and engage hands-on.
Keep a highlighter and index cards with you. You'll likely want to jot down or highlight important items throughout on-demand lectures and reading.
Online flashcards are useful for memorizing the many rules and regulations found in the Series 63 exam. In ExamFX courses, online flashcards are built into the online course.
Learn more about the study tools available for the Series 63.
Licensing exams are packed full of content that is not only essential to know on exam day but also helpful to retain for a career in the financial industry. Because many topics build upon concepts introduced in previous chapters, it's important to fully understand the material before moving on.
You'll want to avoid cramming to set yourself up for success. Set a study schedule in advance to pace your study and boost retention. ExamFX's courses come with a customizable study calendar so that you can study on the best schedule for you. This will ensure you thoroughly understand the concepts and language you'll be tested on.
To avoid burnout, create a study plan and build in plenty of breaks. The best way to study is in short intervals.
Sleep is essential to learning. According to the National Institute of Health, the best way to remember something new is to sleep on it. Sleeping strengthens memories formed throughout the day and helps link new memories to earlier ones. Learn more about the benefits of sleep on learning.
Create an exam-day plan to avoid any additional stress and anxiety.
Completing your exam prep is the first step to reducing exam-day stress. Preparedness will boost confidence and calm on exam day.
Map your route to the testing center in advance, and give yourself plenty of time to eat, get ready, and arrive early. The night before, get the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep.
"Don't study or 'cram' in the parking lot or the waiting room of the testing center. Instead, give yourself time to relax and get situated. Do not bring your book to the testing center. Instead, leave your book at home or your office." - Anthony Colonna - ExamFX's Chief Editor Securities
We've got you covered! ExamFX has everything you need to study with confidence and ace your exam on your first try. Learn about our Series 63 Licensing Exam Prep Course.
"My employer recently provided me with the ExamFX Series 63 study material. I followed the suggested study guide provided and successfully passed my exam on my first attempt. ExamFX study material was fantastic! Thanks ExamFX" - John Medina"I could not have passed my Series 63 without this, thanks so much." - Michael Ambrogio, JP Morgan Chase
"I passed the Series 63 no problem using the study guide and test questions from ExamFX." - S.A., Cetera Advisors Network