Step-by-step guide
How to get your securities license
From your first exam to an active registration — here's the path, step by step, and what each stage actually involves.
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Which license do you actually need?
Two questions. No sign-up needed to see the answer.
General guidance, not legal or career advice. Registration requirements are set by FINRA, NASAA, and your state regulator — confirm current rules with them before registering.
- 01
Decide which license you need
Your role determines your exams. Selling packaged products points to the Series 6; a full securities role points to the Series 7; becoming an investment adviser points to the Series 65. Not sure? Start with the license guide.
Which license do you need? → - 02
Pass the SIE exam
The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) is the entry point. Anyone 18 or older can take it with no sponsor, and it's a corequisite for the Series 6 and Series 7 — so it's the natural first step even before you're hired.
SIE exam prep → - 03
Get hired and sponsored (for sponsored exams)
The Series 6 and Series 7 require sponsorship by a FINRA member firm. Your firm files a Form U4 to register you, which includes a background check and fingerprinting. The SIE, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 can all be taken without sponsorship — though the Series 66 needs the Series 7 as a corequisite before it can be used to register, and that exam does require a sponsor.
- 04
Pass your representative exam
With the SIE done and a sponsor in place, take the qualification exam for your role — most commonly the Series 7 (general securities) or the Series 6 (investment company and variable contracts products).
Series 7 exam prep → - 05
Pass the state-law exam
Most roles also require a NASAA state-law exam: the Series 63 (agents), the Series 65 (investment adviser representatives, no sponsor needed), or the Series 66 (both, taken with the Series 7).
Series 66 exam prep → - 06
Maintain your registration
Once licensed, you keep your registration active through your firm and satisfy continuing-education requirements. Selling insurance products also requires a separate state life insurance license.
Life insurance exam prep →
Study every step in one place.
Finance Exam Pro covers the SIE, Series 6, 7, 22, 24, 63, 65, 66, 82, 99, and life insurance — guided lessons, original practice questions, and realistic mock exams. Start free.
Disclosures
Finance Exam Pro is not affiliated with FINRA, NASAA, or any exam sponsor. This guide is general information, not licensing or career advice — always confirm current requirements with FINRA, NASAA, or your state regulator.