How to Pass the Series 63 Exam

The Series 63 exam is a regulatory exam given by the North American Securities Administrators Association to qualify someone as a securities agent. The Series 63 is required by almost all US states if you want to work at any level in securities trading. Follow these steps to pass the Series 63 exam on your first try.

Instructions

1. Understand the composition of the test. The Series 63 exam is broken down into five major topical parts. "Registration of persons" makes up 30 percent of the exam, while "Business practices" accounts for 35 percent. This means that focusing on these two topics alone, and paying a small amount of attention to some of the other topics, can earn you a passing score of 70 percent. Whether or not you use this strategy, have a good understanding of the structure of the exam in order to pass it.

2. Do as many questions and sample tests as possible. Companies like American Investment Training offer CDs and books that give you information and strategies that pertain to the Series 63. Go through the information thoroughly and, more importantly, do as many practice exams as you possibly can, scoring each one immediately after you take it.

3. Pay attention to definitions. There are dozens of important words and terms in the Series 63 that you need to know precisely. You might be tempted to use everyday definitions or to deduce the definition from the context, but this will only get you into trouble. Use your text and samples to make lists of all the definitions and terms that arise as you study for the exam.

4. Take the test strategically. The test offers relatively simple questions that come in the form of complex structures. Additionally, the test is timed, so the pace at which you take the exam can be the difference between a passing and failing score.