Who Needs the Series 63 License and Why?
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
π Who Needs the Series 63 License and Why?
The Series 63 license, officially known as the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, is a mandatory credential for securities professionals who want to sell securities within a U.S. state. While other FINRA exams like Series 7 or Series 6 test your knowledge of financial products, Series 63 focuses on state-level securities regulations and ethical business practices.
Letβs explore who needs it β and why it matters.
π― What Is the Series 63 License?
- Developed by NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association)
- Administered by FINRA
- Covers the Uniform Securities Act, fiduciary duties, fraud prevention, and registration requirements
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and requires a passing score of 72%.
π€ Who Needs the Series 63 License?
You need the Series 63 if you are:
πΌ A Registered Representative
- Planning to sell securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) in one or more states
- Series 7 or Series 6 alone is not enough for most states β Series 63 is also required
π’ Working at a Broker-Dealer
- Anyone associated with a broker-dealer firm who solicits orders or new accounts
- Required to meet state-level licensing laws
π Operating Across Multiple States
- If you plan to offer investment services in more than one state, the Series 63 helps you legally comply with uniform state laws
βοΈ Why Is the Series 63 Important?
- β Ensures you understand state securities regulations
- β Confirms you’re qualified to protect investors from fraud
- β Required by most states to legally do business
- β Demonstrates professional credibility and compliance
In essence, Series 63 is about ethics and legal obligations. It ensures that securities agents conduct business with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
π States That Require It
Nearly every U.S. state requires Series 63, with very few exceptions. Even if you’re licensed federally (e.g. with Series 7), you still need Series 63 to operate legally at the state level.
π How to Prepare for Series 63
Though shorter than other securities exams, the Series 63 requires focused study, especially on:
- π‘οΈ Fraud and unethical practices
- π§Ύ State registration rules
- π€ Agent and broker-dealer responsibilities
- βοΈ Administrative actions and remedies
Youβll need quality study materials, practice questions, and a strong grasp of regulatory definitions and applications.
π Start Your Licensing Journey Today
If you’re planning to sell securities or expand your financial career, the Series 63 is a must-have. Itβs often the final step toward becoming fully licensed at both the federal and state levels.
π Begin your prep now at finra-exam-mastery.com β where you’ll find complete Series 63 courses, practice exams, and expert guidance to help you pass and succeed.