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How to Study for the Series 6

The Series 6 at a glance

Level
Limited-scope registered representative (investment company and variable contracts products)
Format
50 scored multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored pretest questions (55 total), 1 hour 30 minutes, computer-based
Passing score
70, as stated on FINRA's Series 6 program page
Number of questions
50 scored questions + 5 unscored pretest questions = 55 total
Prerequisites
The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is a corequisite. A candidate must be associated with a FINRA member firm to sit for the Series 6.
Who it's for
Representatives who sell mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance and other investment company and variable contracts products, typically at a broker-dealer or insurance-affiliated firm.

  1. Read the official exam guide

    Official Series 6 exam guide (FINRA) ↗

  2. Know what the exam covers

    • Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer from Customers and Potential Customers24%

      • Communications and Promotional Material

        Retail, institutional and correspondence communications; content standards, approvals and filing; seminars; investment company and variable contract advertising and performance disclosure.

      • Describing Products to Prospects

        Prospectus requirements and delivery, the new-issue process, and Regulation D and intrastate offering exemptions.

    • Opens Accounts After Obtaining and Evaluating Customers' Financial Profile and Investment Objectives16%

      • Account Types and Restrictions

        Individual, joint, custodial, trust, corporate, retirement and advisory accounts, registration types and ERISA plans.

      • Customer Information and Documents

        Customer identification and due diligence, privacy, powers of attorney, and trust and corporate authorizations.

      • Investment Profile

        Gathering financial situation, objectives, risk tolerance and tax status, and the Regulation Best Interest and suitability obligations.

      • Supervisory Approval

        Account approval, review, and refusing or closing accounts.

    • Provides Customers with Information About Investments, Makes Recommendations, Transfers Assets and Maintains Appropriate Records50%

      • Strategies, Risks and Market Information

        Product selection factors, portfolio theory basics, economic indicators and financial statement analysis.

      • Recommendations and Product Standards

        Open-end and closed-end funds, ETFs, UITs, variable annuities and variable life, 529 plans, taxation, and recommendation suitability.

      • Required Disclosures

        Risks, services and expenses: sales charges, 12b-1 fees, surrender charges, mortality and expense charges, and conflicts of interest.

      • Account Information and Records

        Confirmations, statements, transfers of assets, account changes and books-and-records retention.

    • Obtains and Verifies Customers' Purchase and Sales Instructions; Processes, Completes and Confirms Transactions10%

      • Quotes, Orders and Execution

        Providing current quotes, order handling and best execution.

      • Settlement and Confirmation

        Delivery and settlement, order tickets, confirmations, errors, and complaint and dispute handling.

  3. Practice by topic

  4. Try mixed practice questions

    Series 6 practice questions with answers

Practice the Series 6

Start practicing free

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