How Long Should You Study for the Series 6 Exam?
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
No Comments
How Long Should You Study for the Series 6 Exam?
The Series 6 exam—formally the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Exam—may be shorter than the Series 7, but it still requires focused and consistent preparation. Most candidates need:
⏱ 40 to 60 hours of total study time
Spread over:
- 3 to 5 weeks for part-time study (1–2 hours/day)
- 2 to 3 weeks for full-time or accelerated prep
📘 What Affects Your Study Time?
| Factor | Impact on Study Time |
|---|---|
| Previous industry experience | May reduce total hours needed |
| Familiarity with mutual funds/annuities | Speeds up product sections |
| Study method (books only vs. video + practice) | Affects retention rate |
| Time since last exam | More time needed if skills are rusty |
📚 Recommended Study Plan Breakdown
| Week | Focus Area | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Core concepts: mutual funds, securities basics | 10–15 hours |
| Week 2 | Variable products, suitability, regulations | 15–20 hours |
| Week 3 | Practice tests + review weak areas | 15–25 hours |
🎯 Tip: Plan to take at least 3 full-length practice exams before test day.
🧠 Key Topics You Must Master
- Types of investment companies (mutual funds, UITs)
- Variable annuities and life insurance
- Suitability and client recommendations
- FINRA rules and communications
- Account types and registrations
- Sales practices and ethics
🚀 Study Smarter with the Right Tools
Our Series 6 prep program includes:
- Daily study schedules
- Bite-sized video lessons
- Printable PDFs and flashcards
- Timed quizzes + full-length practice exams
👉 Start Your Series 6 Prep at Finra Exam Mastery