📝 Series 65 Exam Requirements and Eligibility

The Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination is a core requirement for individuals who wish to become investment adviser representatives (IARs) in the United States. Whether you’re just starting your financial career or transitioning into advisory services, understanding the exam’s eligibility and registration process is essential.

This guide outlines everything you need to know about who must take the exam, how to qualify, and what to expect before test day.

🎯 Who Needs the Series 65 License?

You are typically required to pass the Series 65 exam if:

• 💼 You intend to work as an investment adviser representative (IAR) for a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm
• 📊 You provide investment advice for compensation (not just execution of trades)
• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 You manage client portfolios, give recommendations, or create financial plans

This exam is not sponsored by a broker-dealer and is often required for fee-only advisers, financial planners, and fiduciary professionals.

✅ Eligibility – Do You Need a Sponsor?

• ❌ No sponsorship is required.
  You can register and sit for the Series 65 as an individual without being affiliated with a firm.
• 🖊️ You register through FINRA’s Form U10, which allows independent candidates to take the exam.

🧾 How to Register

1. 📍 Create an account at finra.org and access Form U10.
2. 🧾 Complete the application and pay the exam fee of $187.
3. 📅 Choose a test date and location through Prometric, FINRA’s official testing partner.

Once registered, you’ll have 120 days to schedule and take the exam.

🧠 Exam Overview

• 📘 Exam Name: Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam
• ⏱️ Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
• ❓ Number of Questions: 130 multiple-choice questions
  • 125 scored
  • 10 unscored (experimental)
• 🎯 Passing Score: 72% (90 out of 125 scored questions)

🧩 Core Topics Covered

• 📚 Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines (State and Federal)
• 🧠 Ethics and Fiduciary Responsibilities
• 💼 Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies
• 📊 Economic Factors and Business Information
• 📈 Investment Vehicles, Analysis, and Portfolio Management

🛑 Who Is Exempt?

You may be exempt from taking the Series 65 if:

• 🧾 You hold a professional designation, such as:
  • CFP® (Certified Financial Planner)
  • ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant)
  • CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst)
  • PFS® (Personal Financial Specialist)
  • CIC® (Chartered Investment Counselor)
• ⚠️ However, exemptions vary by state. Always check with your state securities regulator.

🎓 Start preparing now with expert-designed Series 65 courses, simulations, and free study tools at finra-exam-mastery.com – Built for professionals who want to pass the first time.