Series 6 vs Series 7: What’s the Difference?
- April 1, 2025
- Posted by: 'FINRA Exam Mastery'
- Category: Finance
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📊 Series 6 vs Series 7: What’s the Difference?
If you’re planning a career in financial services, choosing between the Series 6 and Series 7 licenses is a key decision. Each license qualifies you for different types of products and roles. Here’s a side-by-side comparison to help you understand the differences and choose the right path for your goals.
🎯 Purpose of Each License
| License | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Series 6 | Authorizes you to sell packaged investment products like mutual funds and variable annuities |
| Series 7 | Qualifies you to sell virtually all types of securities including stocks, bonds, options, and more |
💼 Career Roles
| License | Typical Roles |
|---|---|
| Series 6 | Insurance agents, bank investment reps, mutual fund sales reps |
| Series 7 | Full-service brokers, financial advisors, wealth managers |
📋 What You Can Sell
| Product | Series 6 | Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual Funds | ✅ | ✅ |
| Variable Annuities | ✅ | ✅ |
| UITs (Unit Investment Trusts) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Closed-End Funds (New Offerings) | ✅ | ✅ |
| ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stocks and Bonds | ❌ | ✅ |
| Options | ❌ | ✅ |
| Municipal Securities | ❌ | ✅ |
🧠 Exam Details
| Feature | Series 6 | Series 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 50 scored + 5 unscored | 125 scored + 10 unscored |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes | 225 minutes (3 hours 45 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% | 72% |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High |
📈 Which Should You Choose?
Choose Series 6 if you:
- Focus on mutual funds and insurance-based products
- Work in a bank or insurance setting
- Want a quicker path into the industry
Choose Series 7 if you:
- Want to sell a full range of securities
- Plan to become a financial advisor or wealth manager
- Need broader career flexibility and long-term growth
✅ Get Licensed with Confidence
Prepare for your chosen path with expert-designed study programs for both Series 6 and Series 7. Get lifetime access to video lessons, practice exams, and step-by-step guidance at finra-exam-mastery.com