How to Combine Series 63 with Series 6 or 7
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
🔗 How to Combine Series 63 with Series 6 or 7
To work as a fully registered securities representative in most U.S. states, passing just the Series 6 or Series 7 is not enough. You must also pass the Series 63 — the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam — to legally solicit or transact business with retail clients at the state level.
This guide explains how to combine Series 63 with Series 6 or 7, what each exam qualifies you to do, and how to plan your prep effectively.
🧭 What Each Exam Covers
| Exam | What It Qualifies You to Do | Sponsorship Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Series 6 | Sell mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance | ✅ Yes |
| Series 7 | Sell all types of securities (stocks, bonds, options, packaged products) | ✅ Yes |
| Series 63 | Conduct securities business at the state level (solicit clients in states) | ✅ Yes (via firm Form U4) |
Series 63 is required in almost every U.S. state alongside either Series 6 or Series 7.
📝 Common Registration Combinations
🔹 Series 6 + Series 63
- For professionals focused on mutual funds, 529 plans, and insurance-based investments
- Common for bank reps and insurance agents offering investment products
- Allows you to sell those products and solicit clients in individual states
🔹 Series 7 + Series 63
- For full-service brokers who sell a wide range of securities
- Required for most positions at broker-dealers and wealth management firms
- Series 63 grants state-level approval to conduct business
🎯 How to Plan Your Study Path
Option A: Take Series 6/7 First
- ✅ Covers more technical material
- 🔁 Gives context to the types of products and strategies you’ll apply when studying state law
Option B: Take Series 63 First
- 📚 Series 63 is shorter and focused on laws, ethics, and registration
- 🧠 Builds foundational understanding of client protection and agent responsibilities
Best Strategy:
- Prepare for Series 6 or 7 first, then take Series 63 within 2–4 weeks
- Content overlaps slightly (e.g., suitability, fraud), so momentum helps
⏱️ Estimated Study Time
| Exam | Recommended Study Hours |
|---|---|
| Series 6 | 60–80 hours |
| Series 7 | 100–120 hours |
| Series 63 | 30–40 hours |
Use the Series 6/7 study as a base, then sharpen your legal and ethical focus with Series 63 prep.
🧠 Exam Tip
The Series 6 and 7 focus on product knowledge and investment recommendations.
The Series 63 focuses on rules, agent conduct, and state-level registration.
Together, they ensure you’re legally equipped to recommend, sell, and service clients in a compliant manner.
📥 Start Your Licensing Journey
Combine the right exams. Meet state and federal requirements. Build your financial services career.
👉 Explore complete Series 6, 7, and 63 prep at FINRA Exam Mastery