Series 65 Review – Combining Courses and Practice Tests

🧾 Series 65 Review – Combining Courses and Practice Tests
📘 What Worked Best After Trying It All

If you’re preparing for the Series 65 exam, you may be wondering how to best structure your study plan. After working with students (and experiencing the prep myself), one thing is clear: the combination of structured courses + relentless practice testing is the key to not just passing—but passing with confidence. Here’s how to combine them effectively.

🎯 1. Start with a Structured Course (Foundation First)

A good Series 65 course lays out:

• NASAA content in digestible modules
• Definitions of key legal and economic terms
• State and federal law differences
• Portfolio theory and performance metrics

✅ Top Study Providers to Consider:

• Kaplan
• ExamFX
• STC
• Pass Perfect

💡 Tip: Don’t jump between multiple providers. Pick one comprehensive course and stick with it through your first round of study.

🎯 2. Follow the Course with Intentional Practice Tests

Once you’ve finished your first pass through the course:

• Start doing full-length practice exams (130 questions)
• Review every incorrect answer
• Track performance by topic

✅ Target Score:
Aim for 80%+ on practice tests before scheduling your real exam.

🎯 3. Layer in Topic-Specific Practice (Smart Reinforcement)

Focus on the weak areas revealed in your practice exams. Key categories to target:

• Economics and Business Cycles
• Client Profiles and Recommendations
• State vs. Federal Registration
• Investment Vehicles (esp. insurance & annuities)
• Ethics and Fiduciary Duty

💡 Use quizzes sorted by topic to strengthen specific sections. Many platforms let you build custom tests this way.

🎯 4. Mix Flashcards + One-Page Reviews

Keep a physical or digital set of:

• Key definitions (e.g., “Regulation T,” “Alpha,” “S Corporation”)
• Suitability matches by client profile
• Registration thresholds and deadlines

✅ Tools:

• Quizlet or Brainscape for spaced repetition
• Create your own “Rule Sheet” for fast daily review

🎯 5. Final Week: 2 Full-Length Exams + Deep Review

Use your last 5–7 days to:

• Take at least 2 full timed exams
• Focus on testing stamina and time management
• Review missed questions and log recurring mistakes

💡 Don’t cram new topics here. Reinforce what you already know and polish your weak spots.

🗓️ Ideal Combined Schedule (Example)

🚀 Final Thought: One Without the Other Isn’t Enough

• Course only? You’ll understand concepts but freeze under real test pressure.
• Practice only? You’ll guess your way through without building a real framework.

✅ The combo gives you knowledge, context, and test-day endurance.

🎓 Ready to pass the Series 65?
Use smart materials + smart testing, and track your improvement weekly.
For full-length simulations, flashcards, and rule sheets:
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com

You’ve got this. Now go prove it.