What license do you need to sell stocks and bonds?

Series 7 licenseThe Series 7Series 7The Series 7 is an exam and license that entitles the holder to sell all types of securities products except commodities and futures. 1 The Series 7 exam covers topics on investment risk, taxation, equity and debt instruments, packaged securities, options, and retirement plans.

What licenses do you need to sell stocks?

Administered by FINRA and known as the general securities representative license, the Series 7 license authorizes you to sell virtually any type of individual security, such as preferred stocks, options, bonds, and other individual fixed income investments—plus all forms of packaged products.

What is the difference between a Series 6 and Series 7 license?

Two of the most popular licenses are the Series 6 and Series 7 exams. The Series 6 license allows a registered representative to sell only a specific type of investment products, whereas the Series 7 license allows the rep to sell a wider variety of securities.

What is the Series 66 license?

Series 66 — the NASAA Uniform Combined State Law Examination — is an exam and license that is meant to qualify individuals as investment advisor representatives (IARs) or securities agents. The Series 66 covers topics relevant to providing investment advice and effecting securities transactions for clients.

What is the Series 63 exam?

The examination, called the Series 63 exam, is designed to qualify candidates as securities agents. The examination covers the principles of state securities regulation reflected in the Uniform Securities Act (with the amendments adopted by NASAA and rules prohibiting dishonest and unethical business practices).

Is it worth getting a Series 7 license?

In a Nutshell



Typically, the Series 7 is the better choice if you’re interested in selling individual securities either now or in the future. Plus, once the Series 7 is completed, no additional exam is required.

What is a Series 7 and 63 license?

The Series 63 license, known as the Uniform Securities Agent license, is required by each state and authorizes licensees to transact business within the state. All Series 6 and Series 7 licensees must carry this license as well. The provisions of the Uniform Securities Act are tested on the 75-minute exam.

What does a Series 7 license allow you to do?

A candidate who passes the Series 7 exam is qualified for the solicitation, purchase and/or sale of all securities products, including corporate securities, municipal fund securities, options, direct participation programs, investment company products and variable contracts.

What can a Series 6 license sell?

Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Limited Representative

  • mutual funds (closed-end funds on the initial offering only),
  • variable annuities,
  • variable life insurance,
  • unit investment trusts (UITs) and.
  • municipal fund securities [e.g., 529 savings plans, local government investment pools (LGIPs)].


Who needs a Series 6 license?

Jobs utilizing the Series 6 license include financial advisors, retirement plan specialists, investment advisors, and private bankers. In order to obtain the Series 6 license, candidates must pass the Investment Company/Variable Contracts Products Limited Representative (Series 6) exam.

Is Series 66 or 7 easier?

Is the Series 66 harder than the SIE? Yes. Due to writing style and content, Series 66 is more challenging than SIE.

What are Series 7 and 66 or 63 and 65 licenses?

They are both licenses that allow the individual to give fee-based advice. The 66 exam is only for those individuals who are registered for, or completed the Series 7 exam. It combines the Series 63 with the Series 65 exam. The Series 65 exam is designed for those who do not have a Series 7 license.

Is 63 or 66 Harder?

Generally speaking, the Series 66 exam is considered more difficult than the Series 63 test. It has almost twice the amount of questions with a strict 150 minute time limit. Plus, the exam is intended to prepare you for a career as both a securities agent and an investment advisor representative.

Why is the Series 7 so hard?

It is a corequisite of the SIE exam, which tests you on general securities topics. By contrast, the questions on the Series 7 exam are detailed and related to the day-to-day activities, responsibilities, and job functions of stockbrokers. Therefore, it can be considered a challenging exam.

What disqualifies you from getting a Series 7 license?

FINRA, the licensing body for stockbrokers, administers the basic series 7 license to become a stockbroker. FINRA bylaws provide that any applicant with any felony conviction is disqualified from obtaining a series 7 license for 10 years from the date that the applicant was convicted.

How much does a Series 7 cost to take?

FINRA Representative-level Exams

Duration Cost
Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Exam 1 hour and 30 minutes $75
Series 7 – General Securities Representative Exam 3 hours and 45 minutes $300
Series 22 – Direct Participation Programs Limited Representative Exam 1 hour and 30 minutes $60

How do I become a stock seller?

How to Become a Stockbroker?

  1. Get a bachelor’s degree.
  2. Pass the licensing exams required by your state and employer.
  3. Get your first job as part of a team so you can learn from other industry professionals.
  4. Verify the path for professional development offered by your position.


Can I get a Series 7 license on my own?

To take the Series 7 exam, you must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization (SRO). Firms apply for candidates to take the exam by filing a Uniform Application for Security Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4).

What can I sell with a Series 65 license?

Anyone who wants to market and sell investments must obtain a securities license. The Series 65 license is required to provide financial advice or services on a non-commission basis. You need a Series 65 license to be a financial planner or advisor who provides investment advice for an hourly fee.

How do you become a certified stock trader?

How to become a stockbroker

  1. Pursue a bachelor’s degree.
  2. Complete an internship.
  3. Register with a stock exchange.
  4. Apply for your Certificate of Registration through SEBI.
  5. Pursue additional certifications.


Which certification is best for trading?

Below is a list of some of the top certifications for traders to consider:

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
  • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
  • Chartered Investment Counselor (CIC)
  • Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA)
  • Certified Financial Technician (CFTe)
  • Chartered Market Technician (CMT)

What is the difference between trader and broker?

The broker is much closer to the actual clients and acts as a sales agent, whereas the trader is much closer to the portfolio manager.