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What is the Series 6 Exam? A Complete Series 6 Overview - ExamFX

Written by ExamFX | April 16, 2020

Series 6 License Overview 

The Series 6 exam is a qualification exam taken by those in the Financial Services and Insurance industries who want to sell Securities products such as mutual funds and variable annuities. Obtaining your Series 6 license will complement the products and services you can offer to your clients. Keep reading, the information below will answer questions regarding what to expect and how to prepare for the Series 6 exam.

 

ExamFX helps candidates from across the country prepare for financial industry qualification exams. If you need to pass the Series 6 exam and want to learn more about our different packages and study material options, visit ExamFX; we provide all the necessary tools to ensure candidate success.

 

Questions You May Have About the Series 6 Exam

What is the Series 6 exam?

The Series 6 exam, administered by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), is designed to assess the knowledge and comprehension of the essential job functions of an investment company and variable contracts products representative. There are four areas of focus: business development, opening accounts, recommending products, and processing transactions.

 

What is a passing score on the Series 6 exam?

You must answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass the Series 6 exam. The exam consists of 50 questions; answer at least 35 questions correctly in order to pass.

 

What is the Series 6 pass rate? 

FINRA recently reported the Series 6 first-time pass rate is 59%.

 

How hard is the Series 6 exam? 

The first-time pass rate indicates the Series 6 is a challenging exam and takes diligent preparation. 

 

What is the format of the exam questions? 

The test format is multiple-choice. 

 

What is the duration of the Series 6 exam? 

You have one hour and 30 minutes to complete the exam.  

 

What are the four sections of the exam? 

The Series 6 exam tests candidates’ knowledge in four job functions: 

  1. Developing business opportunities for the Broker/Dealer – 12 questions (24%) 
  2. Opening customer accounts – 8 questions (16%)  
  3. Providing information, making recommendations, transferring assets, and maintaining customer records – 25 questions (50%) 
  4. Obtaining, verifying, and confirming customer transactions – 5 questions (10%)


What are the 
requirements to take the Series 6 exam? 

To be eligible to take the Series 6 exam a candidate must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm. Your FINRA member firm must open a Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration, or Form U4. Once your Form U4 is open, you have a 120-day window to schedule and take the Series 6 exam.  

 

Do you have to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam prior to taking the Series 6 exam? 

No. You can take both exams at the same time, or separately, in any order 

 

How much does the Series 6 exam cost? 

The price of the exam is $40, which is paid directly to the Prometric testing center 

 

How Is the Series 6 Exam administered? 

The Series 6 exam is administered by Prometric, which provides testing locations across the country. Once you are ready to take the exam, go to the Prometric website to view Series 6 test dates and the testing location closest to you. 

 

What is the best way to prepare for the Series 6 exam?  

The best way to prepare for the Series 6 exam is to use an online exam prep program, one that includes comprehensive, up-to-date materials created by a valued industry provider. 

 

ExamFX  has something for everyone with the ability to customize package options and  study tools you need to ensure success. Learn more about how to study for the Series 6 exam here

 

How do you earn a Series 6 license? 

Once you pass the Series 6 exam, as well as the co-requisite SIE exam, you will qualify to work as an entry-level representative who can legally sell certain types of financial products and variable contracts. 

 

Can a Series 6 license expire? 

Yes. Your license remains valid if you are employed by a member firm. If you are not employed by a member firm, your license expires two years after the date of departure. 

 

Learn more about the ExamFX Online Exam Prep program here.  

 

Ready to begin your Series 6 exam prep? Contact us today to learn more.