Career guide
Which securities license do you need?
The SIE, Series 6, 7, 63, 65, 66, and life insurance exams each open a different door. Here's what each one lets you do, whether you need a sponsor, and how to pick the right starting point.
Start with the SIE
Almost everyone entering the securities industry begins with the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE)exam. It requires no sponsor, so you can take it before you even have a job offer — and it's a corequisite for the Series 6 and Series 7. After the SIE, the license you pursue depends on what you'll sell and who you'll work for.
The exams at a glance
SIE
No sponsor neededThe SIE is open to anyone 18 or older — no firm sponsorship required, which makes it the ideal first securities exam.
75 questions · 105 minutes · ~70% to pass
Series 7
Sponsor requiredThe Series 7 requires firm sponsorship and the SIE as a corequisite. It's the license that lets you sell most securities products.
125 questions · 225 minutes · ~72% to pass
Series 6
Sponsor requiredThe Series 6 requires firm sponsorship and the SIE as a corequisite. It covers mutual funds and variable products.
50 questions · 90 minutes · ~70% to pass
Series 63
No sponsor neededThe Series 63 is a NASAA state-law exam. It has no SIE prerequisite and is often taken alongside the Series 6 or 7.
60 questions · 75 minutes · ~72% to pass
Series 65
No sponsor neededThe Series 65 qualifies you as an Investment Adviser Representative. It requires no sponsorship and no SIE — anyone can take it.
130 questions · 180 minutes · ~72% to pass
Series 66
Sponsor requiredThe Series 66 combines agent and adviser state law in one exam. It has the Series 7 as a corequisite.
100 questions · 150 minutes · ~73% to pass
Life Insurance
Sponsor requiredLife insurance licensing is administered by each state, so exact question counts and time limits vary — our prep covers the core content every state tests.
100 questions · 130 minutes · ~70% to pass
How to choose your path
Selling funds & variable products
SIE → Series 6. Add the Series 63 for state law where required.
Full-service securities rep
SIE → Series 7 → Series 66 (or Series 63) to cover state law.
Becoming an investment adviser (RIA)
Series 65 — no sponsor or SIE required, so many take it independently.
Selling life insurance & annuities
Your state's life insurance license — often paired with the Series 6.
Whichever exam you need, we cover it.
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Keep reading
How the two exams differ and which to take first.
What makes it tough and how to pass efficiently.
Finance Exam Pro is not affiliated with FINRA, NASAA, or any exam sponsor. This guide is general information, not licensing advice — always confirm current requirements with FINRA, NASAA, or your state regulator.