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is the series 6 or 7 harder

by Reyes Lynch Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

The two very prominent FINRA qualification exams, Series 6 and 7, are not easy exams to pass without proper studies and strategy. However, the Series 7 exam is a harder exam than the Series 6 exam because it is more detailed and vast than the Series 6 exam.

The Series 7 is the tougher but more comprehensive exam of the two. It allows you to deal with almost any type of security, from stocks to bonds to investment trusts and funds, that a professional or retail investor would want.

Full Answer

What is the difference between Series 6 and Series 7?

Two of the most popular are the Series 6 and Series 7 multiple-choice exams. The Series 6 license allows a representative to sell only a limited set of investment products, whereas the Series 7 license allows a representative to sell a wider variety of securities.

Is the series 7 SIE exam hard?

It is a corequisite of the SIE exam, which tests you on general securities topics. By contrast, the questions on the Series 7 exam are detailed and related to the day-to-day activities, responsibilities, and job functions of stockbrokers. Therefore, it can be considered a challenging exam.

What is the difficulty level of the series 6?

The former ensures that you will be able to confidently identify, or eliminate, certain options from multiple choice questions. Overall, the Series 6 difficulty level is somewhat comparable to the SIE exam difficulty. Both tests are certainly digestible, but require enough memory work to weed out anyone not willing to put in sufficient effort.

Is the series 7 top-off harder than the SIE?

This exam is much harder than the SIE Exam, so over-preparing is not a bad thing. One major reason for the greater Series 7 Top-Off difficulty versus the SIE Exam is the math. You can likely count on one hand the number of times that you will need your calculator for the SIE Exam.

Is the Series 7 the hardest exam?

Is the Series 7 Exam Difficult? Clocking in at 125 questions to be answered in three hours and 45 minutes, the Series 7 exam is considered the most difficult of all the securities licensing exams.

Which series exam is the hardest?

Series 7 examThe Series 7 exam is by far the longest and most difficult of all the securities exams. It lasts for 225 minutes and covers all aspects of stock and bond quotes and trading; put and call options; spreads and straddles; ethics; margin, and other account holder requirements; and other pertinent regulations.

Is the new Series 7 harder?

The new Series 7 is harder, kind of One of the fallouts from pulling general industry knowledge questions from all qualification exams is that the Series 7 just became more difficult. The exam no longer includes all the simpler questions that now make up the SIE, yet the passing score is still the same: 72%.

Is the Series 6 exam hard?

A: The Series 6 exam is fairly difficult. FINRA reports that the pass rate for the exam is only 58%. Make sure to study well ahead of time if you want to pass on your first try.

Why is Series 7 so hard?

It is a corequisite of the SIE exam, which tests you on general securities topics. By contrast, the questions on the Series 7 exam are detailed and related to the day-to-day activities, responsibilities, and job functions of stockbrokers. Therefore, it can be considered a challenging exam.

Is a Series 7 license worth it?

In a Nutshell Typically, the Series 7 is the better choice if you're interested in selling individual securities either now or in the future. Plus, once the Series 7 is completed, no additional exam is required.

How long should I study for Series 7?

80-100 hoursYou need to spend 80-100 hours studying for the FINRA Series 7 exam if you have a finance background and about 150 if you don't. The first thing you should do is lay out a study plan that ensures you put those hours in. Give yourself enough time to take breaks from study to let concepts percolate.

What percentage of Series 7 is options?

about 10%The Series 7 top-off exam typically includes 10-15 options questions. That's about 10% of the 125 questions that comprise the exam. While most options questions are straightforward, you can expect a handful to demand a higher level of options skill.

What is the difference between the Series 6 and 7?

Overall, the ‌Apple Watch Series 7‌ is a minor upgrade over the Apple Watch Series 6, offering larger displays and casing sizes, new color options, improved durability, the S7 chip, and faster charging.

How long should I study for Series 6?

40 to 60 hoursMost candidates spend 40 to 60 hours studying for the FINRA Series 6 exam.

How long does it take to study for Series 6 and 63?

Most candidates spend 30–40 hours studying for the FINRA Series 63. Best practices suggest that you spread those hours over about 10 days.

What does a Series 6 allow you to do?

With a Series 6 license, you are able to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts (UITs), and municipal fund securities. The Series 6 is often seen as the ideal companion license for those in the insurance industry.

How many questions are asked in Series 7?

The Series 7 exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and each question has four answer choices. The topics include investment risk, taxation, equity and debt instruments, packaged securities, options, retirement plans, and interactions with clients. The focus of the exam is the nature of these securities and financial instruments, and it tests knowledge relevant to the day-to-day activities, responsibilities, and job functions of general securities representatives. The 125 questions are broken into four sections as shown in this table:

How to build confidence for series 7?

For that reason, understanding concepts and how to apply them should be your focus, not memorizing formulas. Practice, practice, practice: There is no better way to build your confidence ahead of the Series 7 exam than by doing practice questions. You should also take practice exams. Both types of exam practice help you truly assess your ...

What is the pass rate for the Series 7?

At the FINRA 2019 annual conference, it was announced that from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, 10,542 individuals sat for the exam, and the Series 7 pass rate for that period was 71 percent. That rate applies only to those who passed both the SIE exam and the Series 7 exam. FINRA also reported that this pass rate was better ...

How to prepare for series 7?

The first thing you should do is lay out a study plan that ensures you put those hours in. Give yourself enough time to take breaks from study to let concepts percolate. Consider making a Series 7 preparation package part of your plan.

Is the Series 7 exam a challenge?

Therefore, it can be considered a challenging exam.

Why is the series 7 top off harder than the series 7?

One major reason for the greater Series 7 Top-Off difficulty versus the SIE Exam is the math. You can likely count on one hand the number of times that you will need your calculator for the SIE Exam. However, the Series 7 Top-Off is different. You should expect to calculate, and know, many formulas for the Series 7. These include the Conversion Ratio, Margin Requirements, Max Gain/Max Loss for Options, among others. If math was not your strong suit in college, or high school, you will need to brush up. There are plenty of fractions, decimals, and percentages with which to contend, and you may even face some mild algebra.

What is the difficulty level for series 7?

Boiled down, the Series 7 Top-Off Exam difficulty level can really depend on your background. You need a score of 72% , or higher, to pass. Be up front with yourself about how well prepared you are for the exam.

What is series 7 top off?

The Series 7 Top-Off Exam is much more in-depth , and typically requires a greater time commitment from the student even after having studied the SIE Exam. In a nutshell, doing the Series 7 Top-Off Exam first is very much putting the cart before the horse.

What is the reality of the Series 7 exam?

The reality is that the current Series 7 exam has a much greater focus on customers, suitability, and various financial products. You will also find plenty of rules for broker-dealers, customers, and account-related information. In most cases your employer will provide you with your study material.

What to say if you got 73% on Series 7?

A common tongue in cheek refrain on Wall Street is the following: “If you got 73% on the Series 7, you studied too long.” As much as Wall Street is known for its humor (….um….), I would avoid the “tough guy” advice. I’ve seen many young professionals take the test too lightly and end up failing. Many respectable financial institutions (especially the bulge brackets), don’t want to see their employees fail. For this reason, over-studying and going into the exams highly prepared is just fine (and recommended!).

How long does it take to study for Series 7?

Most students need at least two months to study for this exam. If you need to accelerate that timeline, a tutor will help. For those with no background in finance, the Series 7 Top-Off difficulty can be self-evident. Take your time to look up definitions when you don’t know them.

Is the Series 7 exam a pass or fail?

Like most professional exams, the Series 7 has a pass/fail outcome. Given that it’s almost a four-hour exam, aim to pass the first time around.

What is the difference between a series 6 and a series 7?

A Series 6 license is more restrictive in terms of what you can sell compared to a Series 7 license, ...

What is the passing score for series 6?

The passing score for the exam is 70% . Because the Series 6 top-off exam just went live in October 2018, a pass rate has not been announced. However, in our most recent customer surveys, 90% of respondents have reported passing the Series 6 exam after using Kaplan prep materials.

What is a series 6 license?

What is the Series 6 License? The Series 6 license (also known as the Investment Company/Variable Contracts Products license) enables you to register as a company's representative and sell mutual funds, variable annuities, and insurance.

How long is a Series 6 license good for?

Administered by FINRA, the Series 6 license is good for the entire period that you work for a FINRA-member firm or self-regulatory organization (SRO). It only expires if you are terminated or leave a firm and do not find employment within two years at another FINRA-member firm or SRO. You do have to maintain it with continuing education, however. ...

Do you need a series 6 license to sell life insurance?

It depends on the license. You might not need the Series 6 if you have a Series 7 license and you don’t plan to sell life insurance. If you have a Series 3 license and decide to stop selling commodity futures in favor of mutual funds, you’ll need to earn the Series 6.

How long does it take to get into Series 7?

The Series 7 exam requires a short period of concentrated study prior to taking it. The bar exam requires 3 years of full time schooling culminating in being awarded a law degree, as well as passing the separate ethics bar exam portion, before being permitted to take it. Sponsored by FinanceBuzz.

How long is the Series 7 exam?

While it contains several sub-topics, the Series 7 tests one area of knowledge - Securities - and lasts less than 4 hours. It is the “entry level” exam towards becoming a registered rep licensed to sell securities. The bar exam lasts 4 times as long - 2 morning and 2 afternoon sessions over 2 days.

How many correct answers are there on the MBE?

But the thing with the MBE is that there are usually two correct answers to each question and you must select the one that is more correct. What I see of the FINRA exams tells me that there is a fair deal of math. Math has one answer—you are right or you are wrong.

Is math right or wrong?

Math has one answer—you are right or you are wrong. The regulatory aspects of the Series 7 present some interesting fact-based scenarios. It looks extremely hard to me. Lawyers deal with humans. Humans are rarely “right” or “wrong” as there are infinite gradations of intent and action that combine to produce effects.

Is CFA harder than bar?

It is a 3 part exam which is overall a bit harder than the Bar. For some people Part I of CFA may be easier than the Bar but Parts II and III tend to be a challenge for everyone regardless of experience and education and each CFA separately is Bar like in preparation and difficulty.

GlengarryGlenRoss

I passed today with a 72%. In my defense I only had just over two weeks to prepare but man it was tough. Now I’m a “Series 7 Licensed broker. Now you’re a millionaire, it’s that f*cking simple.” If only it were that easy.

Fud Box

Nice job! 2 weeks huh? Must’ve been busting your @ss!!! I just got hired by Edward Jones and start studying for the 7 in a couple weeks. They give me two months to prepare though.

Fud Box

Nice job! 2 weeks huh? Must've been busting your @ss! I was just hired by Edward Jones and will begin studying for the 7 in a couple weeks. They give us 2 months to prepare though.

Sam Houston

The 7 is not hard, two weeks or not. Try the 3. Take a weekend to study for it. Let me know what you think a hard test is.

Fud Box

Nicely done. You took a perfectly innocent celebratory exclaimation about someone else’s accomplishments and turned it into a pissing contest.

Sportsfreakbob

If you think the 7 is hard, I cant wait to hear how hard you think it is to build a book. Good luck.

maddmatt

If you think the 7 is hard, I cant wait to hear how hard you think it is to build a book.

What is a series 63?

The Series 63 Exam (Uniform Securities Agent) is administered in conjunction with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). This exam is not recognized in all states and must always be taken with another securities agent licensing exam (such as Series 6 or Series 7).

How long does it take to pass the Series 63 exam?

The Series 63 Exam takes 75 minutes to complete and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. A score of 72 or better is considered passing.

Where to file U4 for Series 7?

Application#N#To take the Series 7 Exam, a candidate must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm, which will file the Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4) in the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and pay the required examination fee.

Why do people take series 63 and 65?

However, some people take the series 63 and series 65 because it’s easier that way, but two exams to study instead of one. Many employers push you to take the series 6, series 63 and series 65 route because many people have failed trying to take the series 7/series 66 route because there’s a lot of extensive studying.

What is the SIE 6 63 65?

The SIE, 6, 63, 65 route is usually taken by people who initially sell insurance as well as mutual funds/variable products. 2.

What is series 66?

The series 66 is a combination of series 63/65. Many if not all the employers want you to take the series 63 first and series 66 afterwards or series 65. The SIE and Life & Health Insurance is easy compare to the series 7 or series 66.

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Series 7 Pass Rate

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At the FINRA 2019 annual conference, it was announced that from October 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, 10,542 individuals sat for the exam, and the Series 7 pass rate for that period was 71 percent. That rate applies only to those who passed both the SIE exam and the Series 7 exam. FINRA also reported that this pass rate was bett…
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Series 7 Exam Questions and Topics

  • The Series 7 exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and each question has four answer choices. The topics include investment risk, taxation, equity and debt instruments, packaged securities, options, retirement plans, and interactions with clients. The focus of the exam is the nature of these securities and financial instruments, and it tests knowledge relevant to the day-t…
See more on kaplanfinancial.com

Series 7 Exam Study Tips—How to Increase Your Odds of Success

  • The Series 7 exam is not easy. It requires a significant investment of time to be successful. Proper preparation is the key. These tips will help you develop the knowledge and confidence necessary to increase your odds of passing: 1. Develop a solid study plan and stick to it: You need to spend 80-100 hours studying for the FINRA Series 7 exam if you have a finance background a…
See more on kaplanfinancial.com

Ready For The Challenge?

  • If you’re interested in taking the exam, check out our Series 7 exam preparation packages. Or, if you’re just getting started, we offer SIE packages and an SIE and Series 7 combo series.
See more on kaplanfinancial.com

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