📅 Best Time of Year to Take the Series 24 Exam

The Series 24 Exam, also known as the General Securities Principal Exam, qualifies you to supervise and manage branch activities at a broker-dealer. While you can take the exam year-round, choosing the right time can impact your study focus, scheduling ease, and test-day readiness.

Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider when deciding the best time of year to sit for the Series 24.

🔍 1️⃣ Avoid Major Holidays

• End-of-Year Rush:
  November and December are typically packed with holiday schedules and firm deadlines, which can make studying and scheduling difficult.
• Summer Months:
  June–August can be a good window if your firm is quieter in the summer, but personal vacations may interrupt your flow.

✅ Best Tip: Aim for January–March or September–October for fewer personal and work distractions.

🔍 2️⃣ Consider Industry Cycles

• Fiscal Year-End Crunch:
  Financial firms often have busy seasons in Q4 (October–December) as they wrap up annual audits and compliance reviews.
• Training Cohorts:
  Many firms start new supervisor training programs in the spring or fall—ideal timing if you’re joining a cohort.

✅ Best Tip: Coordinate your exam date with your firm’s business cycle to reduce work-study conflicts.

🔍 3️⃣ Test Center Availability

• High Demand Periods:
  January (New Year’s goals) and May/June (graduation season) often see increased exam bookings.

✅ Best Tip: Book your spot early if testing during these peak months, or choose mid-year windows for more flexibility.

🔍 4️⃣ Personal Readiness

Ultimately, the best time of year is when you’re fully prepared. Don’t rush to fit a calendar slot—prioritize:

• At least 6–8 weeks of dedicated prep time
• A solid streak of passing practice exams (80%+)
• Time to balance work and study without burnout

✅ Final Takeaway

While January–March and September–October often work best for most candidates, the ideal time is when your personal schedule is clear, your firm’s workload is light, and your prep is solid. Plan ahead, and set yourself up for success.

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