Series 24 License: Careers in Compliance and Supervision
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
🎓 Series 24 License: Careers in Compliance and Supervision
The Series 24 license, also known as the General Securities Principal Qualification, is essential for professionals seeking to supervise broker-dealer operations. Holding this license opens the door to leadership roles in compliance, supervision, and operations within the financial services industry.
If you’re looking to advance beyond sales and into firm-level oversight, the Series 24 may be your next strategic move.
📘 What Is the Series 24 License?
The Series 24 exam qualifies individuals to function as general securities principals, enabling them to:
- Supervise branch office operations
- Approve advertising and communications
- Oversee regulatory reporting and trade execution
- Manage compliance programs and internal investigations
- Supervise registered representatives and new account openings
Administered by FINRA, this exam covers broad topics including supervision of investment banking, trading, market making, customer accounts, and regulatory framework.
🧾 Series 24 Exam Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 150 scored (+10 unscored) |
| Time Limit | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Cost | $147 |
| Prerequisite License | Series 7 or equivalent |
🧑💼 Careers That Require or Benefit from the Series 24
📊 Compliance Officer
Oversee adherence to SEC, FINRA, and state regulations. Series 24 is often required to sign off on regulatory filings and audits.
🏢 Branch Office Manager
Supervise day-to-day operations of a broker-dealer branch, manage agents, and ensure compliance with firm policies.
🧠 Operations Principal
Monitor firm systems, trade reporting, clearing, and settlement processes to ensure regulatory accuracy.
🧾 Advertising/Marketing Principal
Review and approve all public communications and retail marketing content to ensure compliance with FINRA Rule 2210.
🔍 Surveillance Analyst
Use technology to detect unusual trading patterns or compliance risks, and investigate escalated issues under principal authority.
🚀 Career Track to CCO or CEO
Many Chief Compliance Officers (CCOs) and even executive-level professionals start by earning the Series 24 to understand supervisory obligations and regulatory structure.
🔄 Difference from Other Licenses
| License | Role Focus | Can Supervise? | Covers Compliance? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 7 | Sales of securities | ❌ | ❌ |
| Series 24 | Supervision & compliance | ✅ | ✅ |
| Series 9/10 | Sales supervision (options, retail) | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (specific) |
| Series 26 | Mutual fund/variable contracts | ✅ (limited) | ✅ (narrow) |
📈 Why Pursue the Series 24?
- Gain authority to supervise and sign off on critical compliance documents
- Advance into leadership roles in broker-dealer environments
- Increase your value to firms navigating complex regulatory structures
- Improve your understanding of FINRA/SEC enforcement actions
- Position yourself for long-term growth in risk management or executive tracks
🎯 Start building your career in compliance, supervision, and firm leadership. Access expert Series 24 study plans, rule-focused simulations, and live prep support at
👉 finra-exam-mastery.com