What is the most difficult FINRA exam?
Asked by: Mr. Lewis Moen | Last update: August 8, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (30 votes)
Known as one of the toughest FINRA licensing exams,
Which FINRA exam is the easiest?
As a result, the Series 66 exam is considered by most to be an easier test. Like the Series 65 exam, it qualifies the individual to act as an IAR and fulfills the requirements for state registration. There are exam fees for these exams that must be paid before taking them.
Is the SIE or Series 7 harder?
Is Series 7 much harder than SIE? Yes, Series 7 is more difficult because it covers advanced securities and trading strategies. It requires deeper knowledge and application than the SIE's basic concepts.
Is Series 7 or 66 harder?
But just how hard is it, really? Think of it like this: if the Series 7 Exam is a buffet of every kind of investment you could imagine, the Series 66 is like reading the fine print on the menu. It's all about the rules, state-specific regulations, and making sure you're playing fair with clients.
Is series 65 or Series 7 harder?
Series 65 vs 7 Requirements
The Series 7 exam is considered one of the most challenging exams for financial professionals. The Series 65, on the other hand, is the requisite first step for financial advisors—a passing score is required before you can advance your career.
How I Passed the Series 7 Exam on the First Try
Is the Series 7 harder than the bar?
Is the Series 7 exam harder than the bar exam? The Series 7 and the bar exam are both known for their difficulty. You can't really compare the two because of the differences in content and purpose. Both exams require dedicated study and preparation.
Why is the series 65 so hard?
The Series 65 includes math-based questions which many candidates find especially difficult so give those some extra practice. Prepare to understand mathematical concepts, not necessarily calculations.
Is Series 7 harder than CFA?
The Series 7 is a license, comparable to those you have to earn to sell real estate or insurance. Anyone who is a stockbroker must hold the Series 7 license. While also intense, this exam is generally believed to be significantly less difficult than the CFA.
Can I pass Series 7 in a week?
Most financial institutions will provide new hires with Series 7 study materials and will encourage them to allocate about 1 week of dedicated study time. In reality, test takers should spend close to 100 hours, of which at least 20-30 hours should be dedicated to practice exams and questions.
Can I take the series 65 without a sponsor?
Do I need to have a sponsor before I take the Series 63, 65, or 66? No. Unsponsored candidates who are not Form U4 registered or currently affiliated with a firm through FINRA's Web CRD system can open an exam enrollment window via FINRA.org request and pay for the S63, S65, or S66 exam.
Is Series 7 or CPA harder?
Having taken and passed both, I can say that without a doubt the CPA exam is more difficult, and for one primary reason… breadth of subject matter. The Series 7 is 3 hours and 45 minutes, is comprised of 125 questions, and has a pass rate of approximately 70%.
Do most people pass the Series 7?
Known as one of the toughest FINRA licensing exams, Series 7 has a pass rate of less than 72%.
Should I take the 7 or 63 first?
Typically, candidates should consider taking the Series 7 first if they want a broad career in securities sales because it provides the most comprehensive licensing and allows for selling a wider range of products. Following the Series 7, candidates can take the Series 63 to meet state-specific requirements.
What is the most popular FINRA license?
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) offers a variety of licenses that must be obtained by passing examinations before registered representatives or investment advisors can conduct business. Two of the most popular licenses are the Series 6 and Series 7 exams.
How many people pass the SIE on the first try?
The SIE exam pass rate is 82%. Candidates must correctly answer 53 of 75 questions to achieve a passing score of 70%. Pass the FINRA SIE on your first try with Achievable's interactive online exam preparation course.
Why is the Series 7 so hard?
The Series 7 exam is broken down by the four job functions (detailed below) that a general securities representative will perform in their role. The questions are designed to test your ability to apply your knowledge of the tasks, rules, and regulations to real-world scenarios.
What disqualifies you from Series 7?
Disqualification of a Series 7 License
You are convicted of certain misdemeanors and any felony within a period of ten years from the date of conviction. A court of competent jurisdiction issued against you a temporary or permanent injunction involving a broad range of unlawful investment activities.
What is the hardest part of the Series 7?
One major reason the Series 7 exam is difficult is the math. You'll need to calculate and understand various formulas, including conversion ratios, margin requirements, and options strategies. If math is not your strong suit, make sure to spend extra time practicing these calculations.
How to pass Series 7 on first try?
- Read the full question before answering.
- Identify what the question is asking.
- Identify key words and phrases.
- Watch out for hedge clauses, for example, except and not.
- Eliminate wrong answers.
- Identify synonymous terms.
- Be wary of changing answers.
Is there a lot of math on the Series 7 exam?
On the FINRA Series 7 Exam, you can expect addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. For almost everyone that we encounter, it's not the math that is the problem. Ultimately it's deciphering what formulas to use, and what math to apply given the wording of the question.
Is 70% enough to pass CFA?
CFA Level 1 passing scores 2012-2024 (estimated)
We estimated that CFA Level 1's MPS ranged from 56%-74% from 2012-2024, with an 12 year average of 65%. The latest estimated MPS for CFA Level 1 (i.e.Nov 2024 exams) is estimated to be around 67%. The latest estimated MPS for recent CFA Level 1 exams are: Nov 2024: 67%
Can you get a Series 7 without a college degree?
Get a college degree
Though not required, some stockbrokers and other business professionals also earn a master's degree, possibly increasing their employment and earning potential.
Do you need a bachelors for Series 65?
There are no specific prerequisites or educational requirements to sit for the Series 65 exam. Candidates do not need to be sponsored by an employer or have any previous professional certifications. However, those with a background in finance or investment management may find the material more familiar.
How many people pass the series 65 first try?
As mentioned, the pass rate for the Series 65 exam is usually between 65% and 70%. That means roughly a third of candidates fail when attempting the test. In terms of what contributes to the failure rate, it can be a combination of things, including: Overall difficulty of the exam.