🎓 Can You Take the Series 65 Without a Finance Degree?

Yes — you absolutely can take the Series 65 exam without a finance degree. The Series 65 is designed to qualify individuals as Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) under U.S. state securities laws, and there are no formal education prerequisites, including a finance-related degree.

Let’s break down exactly what you need to know if you’re entering from a non-financial background.

✅ Who Can Take the Series 65?

• Anyone over 18 is eligible
• No college degree required — finance or otherwise
• No sponsor firm required — unlike Series 6 or Series 7
• You can register independently using FINRA’s Form U10

This makes it ideal for:

• Career changers
• Entrepreneurs starting RIA firms
• Professionals in tax, law, or insurance expanding their services
• Recent grads from any major

📘 What Does the Series 65 Cover?

Even without a finance background, you can succeed by understanding what the exam tests:

🧠 The heaviest weight is on suitability, ethics, and adviser-client relationships — not complex math or formulas.

📚 Tips for Non-Finance Candidates

• Start with a structured prep course — don’t try to DIY
• Use video lessons to simplify new topics
• Take daily practice quizzes to build confidence
• Focus early on investment products, risk types, and regulatory rules
• Use flashcards to reinforce definitions and formulas

🧠 Can You Actually Pass Without a Finance Degree?

Yes — many successful IARs come from education, military, sales, healthcare, or creative fields. With the right study strategy, your background doesn’t limit your ability to succeed.

📥 Ready to Start?

No degree? No problem. The Series 65 is an open door into the investment advisory industry — as long as you’re willing to put in the prep.

👉 Begin your Series 65 journey at FINRA Exam Mastery