What Jobs Require a Series 65 License?

💼 What Jobs Require a Series 65 License?

The Series 65 license, officially known as the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, is a must-have credential for anyone looking to provide investment advice for compensation in the United States. It’s often required by state regulators for professionals who want to operate as Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs).

Here’s a look at the most common jobs that require or benefit from the Series 65 license.

🧑‍💼 1. Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)

✔ Primary role that requires Series 65
✔ Offers personalized investment advice and financial planning
✔ Can manage client portfolios for a fee
✔ Must register with a state regulator or the SEC (depending on AUM)

This is the core job function the Series 65 was designed for.

🏢 2. RIA Firm Owner or Independent Adviser

✔ Launch your own Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm
✔ Offer fee-based or hourly consulting
✔ Build a book of business outside of a broker-dealer

This license gives you the freedom to operate independently, without being tied to a commission-based structure.

📊 3. Financial Planner or Wealth Manager

✔ Required when offering investment guidance beyond insurance or budgeting
✔ Combine retirement planning, tax strategies, estate advice, and portfolio recommendations
✔ Often paired with the CFP® certification

If you’re helping clients with long-term wealth building, Series 65 is likely necessary.

💬 4. Portfolio Manager or Asset Manager

✔ Manages investments on behalf of individuals, trusts, or institutions
✔ Offers discretionary account management
✔ Must be licensed as an IAR in most states

Series 65 gives you the legal authority to make investment decisions for clients under a fiduciary standard.

🧾 5. Retirement Consultant or Pension Adviser

✔ Advises on 401(k), IRA, SEP, and defined benefit plans
✔ Helps businesses or individuals choose asset allocations
✔ May be involved in fiduciary plan oversight

Fiduciary rules often require advisers to hold Series 65 or similar licenses when recommending investments inside retirement plans.

🧠 6. RIA Firm Employees Providing Advice

✔ If you’re working at a registered RIA and engaging in:

• Client consultations
• Asset allocation guidance
• Portfolio recommendations
  ✔ You must be registered as an IAR — meaning you need Series 65

Even if you’re not the owner, you need the license to speak about investments in an advisory capacity.

🚫 What Series 65 Does NOT Qualify You For

• Selling securities or earning commissions (you’ll need Series 6 or Series 7 for that)
• Acting as a broker-dealer
• Engaging in options or margin trading without appropriate additional licensing

🎯 Final Thought

If your job involves giving investment advice for a fee, even indirectly, the Series 65 is either required by law or strongly recommended. It’s one of the most flexible and entrepreneur-friendly licenses in finance.

👉 Want to become an investment adviser? Start preparing for the Series 65 exam now at finra-exam-mastery.com — with expert lessons, study tools, and practice exams to help you pass and start your advisory career.