Can I Take the Series 7 Without a Sponsor?

Can I Take the Series 7 Without a Sponsor?

No, you cannot take the Series 7 exam without a sponsor.
The Series 7—officially known as the General Securities Representative Exam—requires sponsorship from a FINRA-member firm or a self-regulatory organization (SRO).

🏢 What Does Sponsorship Mean?

To sit for the Series 7, a broker-dealer or firm must:

• File Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) on your behalf
• Register you with FINRA as a representative-in-training
• Oversee your application and exam scheduling

✅ In short: You must be hired or contracted by a firm before registering for the Series 7.

✅ What Exam Can You Take Without a Sponsor?

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is the only FINRA exam that:

• Does NOT require sponsorship
• Can be taken by anyone age 18+
• Acts as a foundational qualification valid for 4 years

📌 Once you pass the SIE and secure employment with a member firm, you can then be sponsored for the Series 7.

🔁 Path to the Series 7

1️⃣ Step 1 (No Sponsor Needed):
Take and pass the SIE exam

2️⃣ Step 2 (Sponsorship Required):
Get hired by a FINRA-member firm and submit Form U4

3️⃣ Step 3:
Your firm sponsors you to take the Series 7

🚀 Preparing for Both Exams?

Get access to:

• Complete SIE + Series 7 prep packages
• Full-length practice tests
• Suitability & product strategy drills
• Video lessons and cheat sheets

👉 Start Studying at Finra Exam Mastery