What Happens If I Fail the Series 65?

🟥 What Happens If I Fail the Series 65?
Don’t worry—many pass on their second try. Here’s what you need to know.

The Series 65 exam is challenging, and it’s not uncommon for candidates to fail on their first attempt. The good news? Failing isn’t the end of the road—it just means it’s time to reset, regroup, and come back stronger.

📉 First, What’s Considered a Fail?

• The passing score for the Series 65 is 72%
• The exam has 130 multiple-choice questions
• You must answer 94 questions correctly to pass
• Your result is provided immediately after the exam ends

If you score below 72%, you’ll receive a fail report with performance by topic area—helpful for identifying weak points.

🔄 Retake Rules: What’s the Waiting Period?

FINRA enforces a cooling-off period before you can retake the Series 65:

• ⏳ 1st fail: wait 30 days before retaking
• ⏳ 2nd fail: wait another 30 days
• ⏳ 3rd fail (or more): wait 180 days between attempts

These rules are strict and apply even if you feel ready to retake it sooner.

💰 Do I Have to Pay Again?

Yes. Each exam attempt requires a new registration and a $187 fee. There are no refunds for failed exams.

📈 How to Bounce Back

Here’s how to turn a setback into a comeback:

1. Analyze your results – Focus on areas where you scored low
2. Use fresh materials – Outdated prep = outdated understanding
3. Practice smarter – Prioritize scenario-based questions, not just memorization
4. Join a structured course – Get guided help with videos, quizzes, and a study plan

✅ You’re Not Alone

Thousands of professionals have failed the Series 65 and gone on to build successful careers in investment advising. Failing once is not a reflection of your potential—it’s just part of the process.

🎯 Ready for Round Two?

Let us help you crush it on your next try. Join our full Series 65 prep course with lifetime access to videos, study tools, and real exam simulations at
👉 finra-exam-mastery.com
Failing is temporary—your license is waiting.