Starting a career in securities often means mapping out the right order for your licensing exams, and one of the questions candidates face is when to take the Series 66 exam. Take it too early and you may not be ready. Wait too long and you could slow down your career progress. So how do you know the right timing? Let’s break it down.
What is the Series 66 Exam?
The Series 66 exam, formally known as the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, is designed to qualify individuals as both Securities Agents and Investment Adviser Representatives. Passing this exam alongside your Series 7 lets you give advice and sell securities at the state level.
For many professionals, the Series 66 is the natural next step after the Series 7, and it often comes into play when you are aiming for a role that blends advisory and brokerage functions.
The Relationship Between the Series 7 and Series 66
The Series 7 and Series 66 exams go hand in hand. While the Series 7 focuses on the mechanics of trading securities such as stocks, bonds, options, and packaged products, the Series 66 expands your authority by adding the knowledge needed to act as both a Securities Agent and an Investment Adviser Representative.
You cannot become registered with just the Series 66. You must also hold the Series 7 license. Because of this, the timing of your 66 almost always hinges on when you earn your Series 7. Here are three common approaches:
Immediately After the Series 7
Many test-takers choose to schedule the Series 66 exam shortly after passing the Series 7. There are two big advantages to this strategy:
- Study Momentum: You are already in “exam mode,” used to studying every day, and familiar with testing conditions. Jumping straight into Series 66 exam prep means you are less likely to lose your rhythm.
- Overlap in Content: Some foundational concepts from the Series 7 carry over, so the material feels more like an extension of what you have already mastered rather than starting from scratch.
This approach is ideal if you want to move quickly into dual registration without losing the motivation and structure you built while preparing for the Series 7.
A Few Months Later
Other candidates prefer to take a short break after the Series 7 and focus on getting practical experience before attempting the 66. The benefit here is that real-world exposure such as talking to clients, observing compliance procedures, or shadowing advisers can make Series 66 exam prep feel more relatable. You will start to see how the rules and laws connect to day-to-day responsibilities.
That said, waiting too long comes with risks:
- Losing Study Habits: It can be difficult to rebuild the discipline of daily study once you have stepped away from exams.
- Knowledge Gap: Core Series 7 material that overlaps with the Series 66 may start to fade, making the second exam feel tougher than it really is.
If you choose this route, it is a good idea to set a target date for your Series 66 practice exam and final test right away. This creates accountability and ensures the exam does not get pushed back indefinitely.
When Your Firm Requires It
In some cases, the timing of your Series 66 exam will be driven by your employer or the specific role you are moving into. If your responsibilities include both providing advice and selling securities, your firm will likely expect you to become dual registered. This can set a clear deadline for completing your Series 66 exam prep and scheduling the test.
The advantage of this route is that you have a direct career incentive and support from your employer. However, it can also create pressure if the timeline is tight, so staying proactive with study time is key.
Signs You’re Ready for the Series 66
Here are a few ways to tell it’s the right time to move forward:
- You’ve Passed the Series 7 Exam
This is step one. You need your Series 7 before the Series 66 matters. - You Have Dedicated Study Time
The Series 66 exam is 100 questions, with a 150-minute limit. Carving out consistent time for Series 66 exam prep is crucial. - You’re Confident with Practice Exams
Taking a Series 66 practice exam and consistently scoring well is one of the best indicators that you’re ready for the real thing. - Your Firm or Career Path Requires It
If your role involves both providing advice and selling securities, the Series 66 is usually a must-have.
How Long Should You Study?
Most candidates spend about 60–80 hours preparing. This often translates to 3–5 weeks of study time depending on your schedule. If you’re balancing work and study, giving yourself a month or more is usually safest.
Our Take: Strike While the Iron’s Hot
In general, the right time to take the Series 66 exam is soon after passing your Series 7, while testing habits are fresh and you are already in a study mindset. Waiting too long can make the process harder. However, if you need a little real-world experience under your belt before tackling the material, that can work too. The key is to plan your study time intentionally.
Ready to Get Started?
Success on the Series 66 exam comes down to preparation and practice. Using top-rated Series 66 exam prep resources, building a study plan, and testing yourself with Series 66 practice exams can make the difference between passing the first time or facing a retake.
When you’re ready to take the next step in your career, ask yourself: Have I built the right foundation, and am I committed to the study hours? If the answer is yes, then it’s the right time to schedule your Series 66.
