Is Series 63 Required for Financial Advisor Jobs?
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
💼 Is Series 63 Required for Financial Advisor Jobs?
If you’re pursuing a career as a financial advisor, understanding which licenses are required is essential. One of the most frequently asked questions is whether the Series 63 license is mandatory. The answer depends on where you work, what services you provide, and the products you sell—but for most financial advisor roles, yes, the Series 63 is required.
📘 What Is the Series 63?
The Series 63, officially known as the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, is designed to ensure that individuals understand state securities laws and ethical standards. It is administered by FINRA on behalf of NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association).
🧭 When Is Series 63 Required?
| Job Role | Is Series 63 Required? |
|---|---|
| Broker-Dealer Financial Advisor | ✅ Yes |
| Dual-Registered Advisor (BD + RIA) | ✅ Yes |
| Investment Adviser Representative (RIA Only) | ❌ Not always (Series 65 may be required instead) |
| Insurance Agent Selling Variable Products | ✅ Yes (if affiliated with a BD) |
Key Point:
If you’re selling securities (e.g., stocks, mutual funds, ETFs) through a broker-dealer, the Series 63 is almost always required in addition to Series 6 or Series 7.
🏛️ Why Do States Require It?
The Series 63 ensures compliance with state-specific laws, known as Blue Sky Laws. Most U.S. states require the license to approve registration of securities agents, even if the candidate already holds federal licenses.
📋 Common Licensing Combinations
| License Needed For | Common Combo |
|---|---|
| Mutual funds & variable annuities | Series 6 + Series 63 |
| Stocks, bonds, ETFs | Series 7 + Series 63 |
| Fee-based advisory services only | Series 65 or Series 66 |
| Full-service financial advising | Series 7 + Series 66 |
🧠 What’s on the Exam?
- State registration requirements
- Securities exemptions and exclusions
- Agent and broker-dealer obligations
- Anti-fraud provisions and unethical practices
- Administrator authority and enforcement actions
- Format: 60 scored + 5 unscored questions
- Time: 75 minutes
- Passing Score: 72%
✅ Launch Your Financial Advisor Career the Right Way
Whether you’re joining a broker-dealer or building your own book of business, the Series 63 is a critical license to meet state requirements and demonstrate your understanding of ethical sales practices.
Start preparing for Series 63 success now at finra-exam-mastery.com