Career Guides for Getting Licensed

Plain-language answers about sponsorship, exam costs and what comes next, each with links to the official FINRA and NASAA pages.

• Do You Need a Sponsor to Take the Series 7?

  Yes, the Series 7 requires association with and sponsorship by a FINRA member firm, but the SIE does not.

• What to Do After You Pass the SIE

  Passing the SIE does not register you to work in securities.

• What It Costs to Get Licensed as a Financial Advisor

  The exam fees published by FINRA and NASAA are $100 for the SIE, $395 for the Series 7, $147 for the Series 63, $187 for the Series 65 and $177 for the Series 66.

• Can You Be a Financial Advisor Part-Time?

  Whether you can be a financial advisor part-time depends on the firm and your state.

• Retaking a Failed FINRA or NASAA Exam: Waiting Periods

  Until January 19, 2027, FINRA Rule 1210 requires 30 calendar days before a retake after a first or second failed attempt, and 180 days after three or more failures within two years.

• SIE, Series 7 and Series 65: Exam Sections by Weight

  The official outlines weight exam sections unevenly.