What’s the Difference Between Series 63 and 66?
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
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🧾 What’s the Difference Between Series 63 and Series 66?
📘 Understanding Two Key Exams for State-Level Securities Licensing
Both the Series 63 and Series 66 exams are designed to qualify financial professionals to operate legally at the state level, but they serve different purposes and are required in different career paths. Here’s a clear breakdown of what sets them apart:
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Series 63 | Series 66 |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam | Uniform Combined State Law Exam |
| Administered by | NASAA (via FINRA) | NASAA (via FINRA) |
| Main Purpose | Allows registration to sell securities | Combines Series 63 and Series 65 into one exam |
| Required With | Typically paired with Series 6 or Series 7 | Must be paired with Series 7 |
| Covers | State securities laws and regulations | State law plus investment advisory knowledge |
| Total Questions | 60 | 100 |
| Time Limit | 75 minutes | 150 minutes |
| License Function | Register as a broker-dealer agent in a state | Register as agent and investment adviser rep (IAR) |
| Suitable For | Those selling mutual funds, variable annuities etc. | Those giving investment advice and managing assets |
🎯 When to Take Series 63
Take Series 63 if you:
- ✅ Plan to sell securities only
- ✅ Are pairing it with Series 6 or Series 7
- ✅ Don’t intend to give investment advice for a fee
🧠 When to Take Series 66
Take Series 66 if you:
- ✅ Already passed Series 7
- ✅ Want to act as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR)
- ✅ Need to be registered at the state level for both sales and advice
- ✅ Prefer a single exam instead of taking Series 63 and 65 separately
🧩 Key Takeaway
- Series 63 = Sales-focused (for broker-dealer agents)
- Series 66 = Sales + Advisory (combines roles for full-service professionals)
🎓 Ready to get licensed and advance your finance career?
Start studying for Series 63 or Series 66 today with expert prep at
👉 https://finra-exam-mastery.com
Your future as a licensed financial professional starts here.