30/60/90-Day Plans Compared: Which Is Right for You?

🕒 30/60/90-Day Study Plans Compared: Which Is Right for You?

When preparing for FINRA exams like the SIE, Series 6, Series 7, Series 24, or Series 63/65/66, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing a realistic and effective study timeline. Whether you have one month or three, the right plan can make or break your success.

Below is a detailed comparison of 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day study plans, including what type of learner each plan fits best.

📊 Overview: Plan Comparison Table

📆 30-Day Plan – Fast Track Strategy

Best for:

• Experienced test-takers or those with a strong finance background
• Students preparing full-time or in study boot camps

Pros:

• Finish quickly, get licensed fast
• Keeps momentum and focus sharp

Cons:

• High daily time commitment (2–4 hours)
• Little room for review or weak-area focus
• Higher stress if unexpected delays occur

Key Focus Areas:

• Condense content review into 2–3 weeks
• Start practice exams early (by Day 10–14)
• Use flashcards daily to compress memorization

📆 60-Day Plan – Balanced Approach

Best for:

• Full-time employees who can commit 1.5–2 hours a day
• Test-takers who want time to absorb and apply knowledge

Pros:

• Flexibility to revisit hard topics
• Easier to incorporate practice tests and simulations
• Reduced cognitive overload compared to 30-day plans

Cons:

• Requires consistent discipline to avoid falling behind
• May still feel rushed during final review if not paced well

Key Strategy:

• Break study weeks by topic (Week 1: products, Week 2: markets, etc.)
• Alternate days between learning and practice quizzes
• Simulate 2 exams during Weeks 5–6

📆 90-Day Plan – Deep Learning and Retention

Best for:

• First-time test takers with no finance background
• Career changers balancing work, family, and study
• Anyone prone to burnout or needing spaced repetition

Pros:

• Room for full content absorption and repetition
• Stress buffer for sick days or low-energy weeks
• Ideal for building long-term memory and confidence

Cons:

• Risk of procrastination without structure
• May lose urgency or forget earlier material if not reviewed regularly

Key Strategy:

• Phase 1 (Days 1–30): Learn the material
• Phase 2 (Days 31–60): Reinforce and quiz
• Phase 3 (Days 61–90): Simulate exams and finalize review

🔍 Which Plan Should You Choose?

🚀 Final Tip

No matter which plan you choose:

• ✅ Stick to your schedule
• ✅ Take at least 2 full-length practice exams
• ✅ Track weak areas and adjust weekly
• ✅ Use active recall (quizzing, flashcards, teaching) over passive reading

👉 Explore Full FINRA Study Plans and Simulators by Exam

Choose the right timeline. Follow the right structure. Pass with clarity.