Series 6 vs 7 vs 63: Do You Need All Three?

🧾 Series 6 vs 7 vs 63: Do You Need All Three?
📘 Understanding the Purpose of Each License and Whether You Need Them Together

If you’re entering the financial services industry, especially in roles involving securities sales or client-facing financial advice, you’ll encounter a variety of required licenses. Three of the most common are the Series 6, Series 7, and Series 63.

Here’s a breakdown of each, how they differ, and when and why you may need one, two, or all three.

🎯 1. Series 6 – Limited-Investment Securities License

📌 What It Allows:

• Sell mutual funds, variable annuities, unit investment trusts (UITs), and insurance-related products
• Cannot sell individual stocks, bonds, or options

🏛️ Sponsored By: FINRA

📝 Prerequisite: SIE Exam

✅ Best For:

• Insurance agents or financial reps focusing on packaged products
• Professionals in bank investment programs, insurance firms, or independent broker-dealers

🎯 2. Series 7 – General Securities Representative License

📌 What It Allows:

• Sell stocks, bonds, options, ETFs, mutual funds, municipal securities, REITs, and more
• The most comprehensive license for securities sales

🏛️ Sponsored By: FINRA

📝 Prerequisite: SIE Exam

✅ Best For:

• Stockbrokers, investment advisors, wealth managers
• Anyone looking to offer full-service investment advice and execution

🎯 3. Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam

📌 What It Covers:

• State-level regulations, anti-fraud rules, and agent registration
• Required by most states to sell securities, whether you hold a Series 6 or Series 7

🏛️ Administered By: NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association)

📝 Prerequisite: None

✅ Best For:

• Anyone selling securities in state-regulated environments
• Often required in addition to Series 6 or Series 7

🔗 How These Licenses Work Together

❓ Do You Need All Three?

🔹 You need Series 6 + 63 if:

• You’re focused on mutual funds, annuities, and insurance products
• You’re working in bank branches or insurance companies

🔹 You need Series 7 + 63 if:

• You’re planning to work as a full-service broker or wealth advisor
• You want to sell stocks, bonds, options, and packaged products

🔹 You don’t need both Series 6 and 7:

• Pick one, depending on the product scope of your role. Series 7 includes the functionality of Series 6 and goes further.

🚀 Summary Table

🎓 Want help choosing the right licensing path?
Explore exam prep guides, licensing insights, and course options at
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com

Plan smart. License strategically. Launch your financial career the right way.