90-Day Study Plan for the Series 65 Exam

🟦 90-Day Study Plan for the Series 65 Exam

The Series 65 exam is essential for those seeking to become Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) and offer investment advice to clients. The exam is comprehensive, covering a broad range of topics related to investment vehicles, ethics, laws, and regulations.

To pass the Series 65 exam, it’s important to have a structured study plan. Here’s a 90-day study plan to help you break down the material and prepare effectively:

📅 Week 1-4: Foundation and Core Concepts

Day 1-7: Introduction to the Series 65 Exam

• Objective: Familiarize yourself with the exam format, structure, and key concepts.
• Topics:
  • Overview of the Series 65 exam (types of questions, format)
  • Review the FINRA Content Outline to understand what’s covered.
  • Start learning the basics of economics and financial statements.
• Resources:
  • FINRA Content Outline
  • Study materials (Kaplan, STC, Wiley)

Day 8-14: Economic Factors and Business Information

• Objective: Learn about economic factors that influence investment decisions.
• Topics:
  • Economic indicators (GDP, inflation, unemployment, interest rates)
  • Monetary policy (Federal Reserve, interest rate decisions)
  • Business cycles and economic trends
• Study Tips:
  • Create flashcards for economic terms and definitions.
  • Use practice questions to reinforce your understanding.

Day 15-21: Types of Investment Vehicles

• Objective: Study the different types of investment vehicles and their characteristics.
• Topics:
  • Equity securities (stocks, ETFs)
  • Debt securities (bonds, municipal bonds)
  • Derivatives (options, futures)
  • Mutual funds and investment companies
  • Alternative investments (real estate, commodities)
• Study Tips:
  • Create mind maps for different types of securities and their characteristics.
  • Focus on the pros and cons of each investment vehicle.

Day 22-28: Regulatory Requirements and Professional Conduct

• Objective: Understand the laws, regulations, and ethical standards that govern investment advisers.
• Topics:
  • SEC and state regulations
  • Fiduciary duty and suitability
  • Anti-money laundering rules and compliance
• Study Tips:
  • Pay special attention to ethical standards and regulations, as they are frequently tested.
  • Use quizzes and flashcards to remember regulatory bodies and laws.

📅 Week 5-8: Investment Strategies, Risk Management, and Taxes

Day 29-35: Portfolio Management and Investment Strategies

• Objective: Learn the basics of portfolio management and different investment strategies.
• Topics:
  • Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT)
  • Asset allocation strategies
  • Risk management techniques
  • Hedging strategies using derivatives
• Study Tips:
  • Create practice scenarios where you apply portfolio management principles.
  • Focus on how different strategies help in balancing risk and return.

Day 36-42: Taxation and Tax-Advantaged Accounts

• Objective: Understand tax laws and the tax treatment of various investment products.
• Topics:
  • Taxation of securities (capital gains, dividends)
  • Tax-advantaged accounts (IRAs, 401(k)s, Roth IRAs)
  • Tax strategies for investments
• Study Tips:
  • Make sure you understand the differences between taxable and tax-deferred accounts.
  • Use real-life examples to understand how taxes impact investment returns.

Day 43-49: Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits

• Objective: Learn about retirement plans and employee benefit plans.
• Topics:
  • 401(k)s, 403(b)s, pension plans
  • Defined benefit vs. defined contribution plans
  • Social Security and Medicare
• Study Tips:
  • Review retirement plans and their benefits for different types of investors.
  • Focus on the tax implications of each retirement plan.

📅 Week 9-12: Legal Aspects, Ethics, and Review

Day 50-56: Laws, Regulations, and Ethics

• Objective: Understand legal structures and ethical practices in the securities industry.
• Topics:
  • Federal vs. state regulations
  • Investment Adviser Act of 1940
  • Ethical guidelines for investment advisers (fiduciary responsibility, conflicts of interest)
• Study Tips:
  • Use case studies to understand real-world applications of ethical standards.
  • Focus on the legal obligations of investment advisers.

Day 57-63: Legal and Regulatory Requirements for Firms and IARs

• Objective: Study the legal framework governing investment advisory firms and their responsibilities.
• Topics:
  • Registration requirements for IARs and firms
  • Disclosure obligations (Form ADV)
  • Client agreements and contracts
• Study Tips:
  • Make sure you understand the disclosure and recordkeeping requirements for investment advisers.

Day 64-70: Final Review and Practice Exams

• Objective: Reinforce your knowledge with review and practice.
• Activities:
  • Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
  • Identify areas where you need more review.
  • Review missed questions and focus on weak areas.

Day 71-77: Focused Review of Weak Areas

• Objective: Go back to weak areas identified in the practice exams.
• Topics:
  • Focus on complex topics such as tax laws, portfolio management, or securities regulations.
  • Review key points from practice exams.
  • Continue using flashcards and quizzes.

Day 78-84: Full-Length Practice Exams and Review

• Objective: Take a final practice exam and review all sections.
• Activities:
  • Take a timed full-length practice exam to simulate exam conditions.
  • Review results and identify any remaining gaps.
  • Spend time focusing on questions you missed.

Day 85-90: Final Review and Rest

• Objective: Consolidate everything you’ve learned and rest before the exam.
• Activities:
  • Light review of notes and flashcards.
  • Focus on relaxation techniques to reduce stress before the exam.
  • Get enough sleep and maintain a healthy routine leading up to the exam day.

🎓 Conclusion

By following this structured 90-day study plan, you’ll be well-prepared for the Series 65 exam. Consistent study, practice exams, and targeted reviews will ensure you master the material. Stay committed to the plan, and you’ll increase your chances of passing the exam on the first try.

🎓 Ready to start studying for the Series 65 exam?
Join expert-led courses, take practice exams, and follow this plan to help you succeed!