Compare Licensing Exams

• Series 65 vs Series 66

  The Series 65 qualifies investment adviser representatives. The Series 66 qualifies both a securities agent and an investment adviser representative, and the Series 7 is a co-requisite for the agent side.

• Series 7 vs Series 24

  The Series 7 is an entry-level representative registration. The Series 24 is a principal registration, and candidates must already hold or concurrently register for a qualifying representative-level registration, such as the Series 7.

• SIE vs Series 7

  The SIE is open to anyone 18 or older with no firm sponsorship. The Series 7 requires passing the SIE as a co-requisite and sponsorship by a FINRA member firm.

• Series 63 vs Series 65

  The Series 63 is the state registration exam for broker-dealer agents. The Series 65 is the state registration qualification for investment adviser representatives.

• CFP vs CFA Level I

  The CFP is a voluntary financial-planning certification administered by CFP Board. The CFA Level I exam is the first of three sequential exams required for the CFA charter from CFA Institute.

• CLU vs ChFC

  Both designations are conferred by The American College of Financial Services and are completed through required courses, each with its own proctored final exam. The CLU requires 4 courses (2 for candidates who already hold the CFP or ChFC), and the ChFC requires 8.