Series 63 Exam Validity Period
The Series 63 exam, also known as the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, has no expiration date as long as the individual remains employed with the member firm that sponsored the initial exam registration (Pass Perfect, n.d.). However, there is a 2-year grace period after leaving the employ of the member firm. After this period, retesting is required (Pass Perfect, n.d.).
Key Facts
- Validity Period: The Series 63 exam does not have an expiration date unless you leave the employ of the member firm.
- Grace Period: There is a 2-year grace period after leaving the employ of the member firm. After this period, retesting is required.
- State Policies: Most states accept a passing Series 63 result that is under two years old. However, after two years, accepting the score is up to each specific state’s policy and is not guaranteed.
- Employment Requirement: As long as a registered individual remains employed with the firm that sponsored the initial exam registration, the Series 63 result remains valid. If the individual is terminated or leaves the firm, the Series 63 state registration also ends.
- License Renewal: If an applicant moves to another state, the requirements around the Series 63 prerequisite could change. Some states do not require the Series 63 exam to sell securities.
- Waivers: State regulators may offer waivers under certain circumstances when the registration expires. These waivers are usually offered to employees who continue working in the financial services industry but in a different role that does not typically require a state registration.
Most states accept a passing Series 63 result that is under two years old (Investopedia, 2023). However, after two years, accepting the score is up to each specific state’s policy and is not guaranteed (Investopedia, 2023).
If an applicant moves to another state, the requirements around the Series 63 prerequisite could change. Some states do not require the Series 63 exam to sell securities (Investopedia, 2023).
State regulators may offer waivers under certain circumstances when the registration expires (Investopedia, 2023). These waivers are usually offered to employees who continue working in the financial services industry but in a different role that does not typically require a state registration (Investopedia, 2023).
References
Investopedia. (2023, January 04). How Long Is a Series 63 Exam Valid If I Am No Longer Registered? Retrieved from https://www.investopedia.com/ask/answers/040315/how-long-validity-period-series-63-exam-if-i-have-not-been-registered.asp
Pass Perfect. (n.d.). Series 63 Exam Information. Retrieved from https://www.passperfect.com/series-63/series-63-exam-overview
FINRA. (n.d.). Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam. Retrieved from https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series63
FAQs
How long is the Series 63 exam valid for?
The Series 63 exam does not have an expiration date as long as the individual remains employed with the member firm that sponsored the initial exam registration.
What happens if I leave the employ of the member firm?
There is a 2-year grace period after leaving the employ of the member firm. After this period, retesting is required.
Do all states accept a passing Series 63 result?
Most states accept a passing Series 63 result that is under two years old. However, after two years, accepting the score is up to each specific state’s policy and is not guaranteed.
What if I move to another state?
If an applicant moves to another state, the requirements around the Series 63 prerequisite could change. Some states do not require the Series 63 exam to sell securities.
Can I get a waiver for the Series 63 exam?
State regulators may offer waivers under certain circumstances when the registration expires. These waivers are usually offered to employees who continue working in the financial services industry but in a different role that does not typically require a state registration.
How long do I have to retake the Series 63 exam if I fail?
After the first or second time a candidate fails the Series 63, there is a mandatory 30-day waiting period before they can take the exam again. After the third (and subsequent) fails, the waiting period increases to 6 months.
How many times can I take the Series 63 exam?
You may take the Series 63 exam as many times as it takes to pass. Note there is a 30-day waiting period after your first and second failed attempt, and a 6-month waiting period after the third failed attempt and beyond.
What do I need to bring to take the Series 63 exam?
You cannot bring anything with you to take the Series 63 exam. No pen, pencil, calculator, cell phone, smart watch, or paper. Everything is prohibited.