The Series 66 license is a NASAA exam that combines state securities laws and investment adviser regulations. It’s commonly paired with the Series 7 to qualify professionals to sell securities and provide advisory services at the state level.
If you’re entering the financial services industry or looking to expand your qualifications, the Series 66 license may be your next smart move. But what is the Series 66, how hard is it to pass, and what should you expect when preparing for the exam?
Let’s break it down, so you can move forward with confidence.
What is the Series 66 License?
The Series 66 license, officially known as the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, qualifies individuals to act as both a securities agent and an investment adviser representative (IAR). It combines the Series 63 and Series 65 exams into a single test, designed by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).
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To take the Series 66 exam, you must also pass the Series 7 exam, which focuses on general securities knowledge. Together, these licenses allow you to provide investment advice and execute trades for clients, making you a dual-registered representative.
What does a series 66 License allow you to do?
The Series 66 license is critical if you want to:
- Offer investment advice for a fee
- Qualify as an Investment Adviser Representative
- Legally advise clients on securities like stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and more
- Increase your earning potential through advisory fees
- Boost your professional credibility in a competitive market
How hard is the Series 66 Exam?
Many professionals ask: How hard is the Series 66? While it’s considered challenging, it’s absolutely passable with the right prep. The Series 66 pass rate is not publicly published by FINRA, but industry estimates place it between 65% and 70%.
What’s on the Series 65 Exam? (content and topic breakdown)
- Economic Factors & Business Information – 8 questions
- Investment Vehicle Characteristics – 17 questions
- Client Recommendations & Strategies – 30 questions
- Laws, Regulations & Ethics – 45 questions
Each section tests knowledge critical to real-world advising and compliance, so thorough prep is essential.
Series 65 Exam format, time limit and passing score
- Number of Questions: 110 (100 scored, 10 unscored)
- Time Limit: 150 minutes (2.5 hours)
- Passing Score: 73%
- Cost: $177
- Administered by: FINRA via Prometric test centers
How long you should study for the Series 66 exam?
- On average, successful candidates spend 75–85 hours studying.
- Your Series 66 study time should include review of NASAA’s content outline, practice questions, and mock exams.
When to take the Series 66 exam?
You should take the Series 66 exam when you’re pursuing a role that involves both securities sales and investment advice under state regulations. Most professionals schedule the Series 66 shortly after passing the Series 7, which helps streamline the licensing process and keeps your momentum going through testing.
How to get your Series 66 License (step-by-step)
- Pass the Series 7 Exam
- Register for Series 66 Exam through FINRA
- Prepare with a trusted training provider like STC
- Take and pass the exam
- Register with your state once both exams are passed
Pro Tip: The Series 66 doesn’t require firm sponsorship, so you can sit for it independently.
How long is the Series 66 License valid?
- Valid while registered + employed
- 2-year window to re-register before retesting
Why choose STC for series 66 training?
With over 50 years of experience and a Pass Guarantee, STC gives you everything you need to prepare confidently for your Series 66 exam. You’ll benefit from:
- Proven study materials
- Customizable study plans
- Adaptive practice exams
- Instructor support
- Affordable pricing options
Ready to pass the Series 66 Exam?
Use STC’s course materials, flashcards, and full-length practice exams to build confidence and pass on your first attempt. Take the next step in your financial career with STC’s industry-leading Series 66 training.
