How to Study for the Series 6 Exam

The Series 6 exam is a challenging test, especially for those who are new to the world of securities. To increase your chances of passing on your first attempt, it’s crucial to have a well-rounded study plan and effective test-taking strategies. Here are some expert tips to guide your preparation:

Understand the Passing Grade

The Series 6 exam has a passing grade of 70%. By focusing your preparation on the areas that have the highest number of questions, you can increase your chances of passing on your first attempt. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides an outline of the exam content, which can help you identify the areas that require more attention.

Read Questions Carefully

It’s essential to take your time to read each question and all the answer choices thoroughly before making a decision. Avoid rushing and selecting the first answer that seems right. Pay close attention to details and avoid making assumptions. Reading the entire question and all the answer choices can help you eliminate incorrect options and increase your accuracy.

Focus Your Studying

Treat your study materials as if you were preparing to write test questions on each subject. This approach will help you focus on the essential information and better prepare you for the types of questions you’ll encounter on the exam. By actively engaging with the material and considering different perspectives, you can strengthen your understanding of the concepts.

Focus on Concepts, Not Formulas

Instead of memorizing formulas, focus on understanding the underlying concepts. Work through practice questions that involve calculations to reinforce your understanding of the concepts rather than relying solely on memorization. By comprehending the principles behind the formulas, you’ll be better equipped to solve problems and answer questions accurately.

Additional Tips

• Eliminate Wrong Answers

  Use the process of elimination to identify incorrect answer choices. This technique can be particularly helpful in Roman numeral questions, where you need to find more than one correct answer. By eliminating the options that you know are incorrect, you can increase your chances of selecting the correct ones.

• Guess When Necessary

  In case of emergency, you may need to guess an answer. If you encounter a Roman numeral question where all four responses seem correct, choose the response that appears in all four choices. Similarly, in an A, B, C, D question, if you’re forced to guess, select “all the above” if it appears as an answer choice. These tactics have been reported to be effective when questions are on the subject of rules.

• Schedule Your Test Wisely

  If you’re taking a class, give yourself a few days after the class before sitting for the exam. Use this time to practice as many questions as possible. Avoid scheduling any other tests on the same day to ensure that you have ample time and focus for the Series 6 exam.

By following these tips and dedicating yourself to a comprehensive study plan, you can significantly increase your chances of passing the Series 6 exam and becoming an Investment Company Representative.

Sources

• 6 Proven Tips for Series 6 Success
• How To Pass The Series 6 Securities Exam
• Tips for Passing the Series 6 Exam

FAQs

What is the passing score for the Series 6 exam?

**Answer:** 70%

How should I approach studying for the Series 6 exam?

**Answer:** Focus on understanding the concepts rather than memorizing formulas. Treat your study materials as if you were preparing to write test questions on each subject.

How can I improve my accuracy on the exam?

**Answer:** Read each question and all the answer choices carefully before making a decision. Avoid rushing and making assumptions. Use the process of elimination to identify incorrect answer choices.

What are some effective test-taking strategies?

**Answer:** Eliminate wrong answers, guess when necessary, and manage your time wisely. If you encounter a Roman numeral question where all four responses seem correct, choose the response that appears in all four choices. Similarly, in an A, B, C, D question, if you’re forced to guess, select “all the above” if it appears as an answer choice.

How can I focus my studying?

**Answer:** Use the FINRA exam outline to identify the areas that have the highest number of questions. Focus your preparation on these areas to increase your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Should I memorize formulas for the exam?

**Answer:** While some formulas may be provided on the exam, it’s more important to understand the underlying concepts. Work through practice questions that involve calculations to reinforce your understanding rather than relying solely on memorization.

How should I schedule my exam?

**Answer:** If you’re taking a class, give yourself a few days after the class before sitting for the exam. Use this time to practice as many questions as possible. Avoid scheduling any other tests on the same day to ensure that you have ample time and focus for the Series 6 exam.

What resources are available to help me prepare for the exam?

**Answer:** Consider enrolling in a preparatory course, utilizing online study materials, and practicing with mock exams. FINRA also provides a Candidate Handbook with valuable information about the exam.