Can College Students Take the Series 63 Exam?

Yes, college students can take the Series 63 exam, provided certain requirements are met. However, unlike the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam—which has no sponsorship requirement—the Series 63 exam has specific eligibility conditions that students must understand clearly.

Here’s what college students need to know:

📌 Sponsorship Requirements

To take the Series 63 exam, candidates must be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm or another registered financial institution. This means college students cannot independently register to take the Series 63 without an employment or internship arrangement.

Tip:

• Students interested in the Series 63 exam should secure internships or entry-level positions at financial firms that offer sponsorship.

📌 Exam Prerequisites

The Series 63 exam itself doesn’t have educational prerequisites. While a college degree isn’t required, employers typically prefer or require at least some college education, especially for internship programs or entry-level roles that provide sponsorship.

Tip:

• Many financial firms sponsor interns or part-time employees who demonstrate strong academic performance or potential.

📌 Series 63 Exam Overview

The Series 63 exam, administered by NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association), covers:

• State securities laws
• Ethical practices and fiduciary obligations
• Registration requirements for broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers

It’s commonly required in combination with other licenses (such as Series 6 or Series 7) to enable selling securities or offering financial advice at the state level.

📌 Why Take the Series 63 During College?

If you’re able to secure sponsorship while still in school, there are clear advantages:

• Career Advantage: Early licensure makes you more competitive for full-time roles upon graduation.
• Internship Value: Firms often prefer interns who are already licensed or license-ready.
• Knowledge & Experience: Demonstrating industry commitment by completing the exam enhances your professional credibility.

📌 Alternative Path: Start with the SIE

If you cannot immediately secure sponsorship, start by passing the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam. The SIE:

• Requires no sponsorship or employment with a financial institution.
• Demonstrates basic industry knowledge and dedication.
• Makes you more attractive to future sponsors/employers.

📌 How College Students Can Prepare

To prepare effectively while balancing academic responsibilities:

• Enroll in structured exam-prep courses (online or self-paced).
• Practice realistic Series 63 exams regularly.
• Consider pairing your studies with finance or business coursework at your college.

📌 Bottom Line

College students can take the Series 63 exam—but only with firm sponsorship. To maximize career opportunities, students should either seek internships offering sponsorship or first pursue the sponsorship-free SIE exam to strengthen their candidacy.

Understanding these requirements clearly will help college students strategically position themselves for future success in the financial services industry.