Series 63 Exam Timing Tips for Test Day
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
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🧾 Series 63 Exam Timing Tips for Test Day
📘 Manage Your Pace and Maximize Your Score Under Time Pressure
The Series 63 exam may be shorter than other securities exams, but don’t underestimate it. With just 75 minutes to answer 60 questions, proper time management is essential. Here’s how to approach the exam like a pro and avoid common timing pitfalls.
⏱️ Exam Overview
- Total Questions: 60 (scored) + 5 (unscored, unmarked)
- Time Limit: 75 minutes
- Passing Score: 43/60 (≈70%)
- Time per Question: 1.25 minutes (75 seconds)
🧠 Timing Tips and Strategy
✅ 1. Use the 30/30 Rule
- Aim to finish 30 questions in 30 minutes.
- This gives you 45 minutes to finish the remaining 30, with a cushion to review flagged items.
✅ 2. Don’t Get Stuck
- If a question stumps you, mark it and move on.
- Spending too long on one question can create panic later in the exam.
✅ 3. Trust Your First Answer
- Unless you’re certain it’s wrong, avoid overthinking and changing answers.
- Over-reviewing often leads to second-guessing correct responses.
✅ 4. Watch the Clock, But Don’t Obsess
- Keep an eye on the time remaining, but don’t check after every question.
- Try checking your pace at question 20 and 40.
✅ 5. Answer Every Question
- There is no penalty for guessing.
- Never leave a question blank—if time is running out, make your best guess and move on.
🔁 Practice Timing Before Test Day
Use a stopwatch or exam simulator to:
- Complete full-length 60-question practice tests in under 70 minutes
- Practice with 75-second timers per question
- Build mental endurance and speed
⚠️ Top Timing Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Mistake | ✅ Better Strategy |
---|---|
Spending 3–4 minutes on one item | Flag and revisit after easier questions |
Saving hard questions for the end | Mix review into your second pass |
Not budgeting time for review | Leave 5–10 minutes for checking flagged Qs |
Rushing through the first 10 Qs | Maintain a steady, calm pace |
🎓 Test Day Success Starts with a Strategy
Prepare with Series 63 practice tests, pacing drills, and review tools at:
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com
Stay calm, stay on time, and pass your Series 63 exam with confidence!