Series 65 Exam Results: What the Numbers Say
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
📊 Series 65 Exam Results: What the Numbers Say
Understanding Pass Rates, Performance Trends, and What It Means for You
The Series 65 exam is a challenging milestone for anyone pursuing a career as an investment adviser representative. Whether you’re just starting your prep or awaiting your results, it’s important to understand what the data reveals about pass rates, scoring, and success trends.
🧾 What Is the Passing Score?
- Passing Score: 72%
- Total Questions: 130 (110 scored, 10 unscored)
- Time Limit: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- You must answer at least 79 of the 110 scored questions correctly to pass.
📈 Estimated Pass Rate
While FINRA and NASAA do not officially publish exact pass rates, most industry estimates place the Series 65 pass rate between 65% and 70%. This suggests that roughly 3 in 10 candidates do not pass on their first attempt.
⚠️ Common Reasons Candidates Don’t Pass
- Over-reliance on definitions and flashcards
- Failure to apply concepts in real-life scenarios
- Underestimating the complexity of fiduciary and regulatory questions
- Insufficient practice with full-length timed exams
🧠 Section Performance Breakdown
Your result sheet (pass or fail) includes a breakdown of performance by content area:
| Content Area | Weight |
|---|---|
| Economic Factors and Business Information | 15% |
| Investment Vehicle Characteristics | 25% |
| Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies | 30% |
| Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines | 30% |
Poor performance in Client Recommendations or Laws and Regulations is a common reason for failure.
🔁 What If You Don’t Pass?
- 1st–2nd failure: 30-day waiting period before retaking
- 3rd failure or more: 180-day waiting period
- Each retake requires re-registration and payment of the exam fee
Use the section breakdown in your score report to create a targeted study plan for your next attempt.
🚀 Ready to Outperform the Averages?
Our Series 65 program offers full-length practice exams, detailed performance analytics, and scenario-based training designed to increase your odds of passing the first time.
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com
Prepare smarter. Pass faster. Build your future.