The Series 63 exam may seem like an entry-level test for securities certification, but passing it isn’t a given for everyone. Having the right study materials can be critical in ensuring success on your first attempt and avoiding multiple testing fees. Finding the best Series 63 study materials is crucial for tracking your progress, gauging your readiness, and ultimately passing the test efficiently.
Different guides cater to different learning styles, so it’s essential to choose one that aligns with your preferred study methods. Keep your individual needs in mind as you explore the various options available to you.
Key Takeaways
- Investing in quality Series 63 study materials increases the chances of passing the exam on the first try.
- It’s important to choose study guides that match your learning style.
- Monitoring your progress with a good guide can help determine your readiness for the test.
Best Series 63 Exam Prep Courses
I have gathered the top Series 63 exam prep courses to help you succeed.
- Securities Institute of America: Known as the best overall Series 63 exam prep course.
- Kaplan Series 63 Prep: Offers the best self-study package.
- Securities Training Corporation: Considered the runner-up for comprehensive study materials.
- ExamFX: Provides an affordable study guide option.
These courses offer various features such as practice tests, video lectures, flashcards, and study guides to ensure you’re well-prepared for the Series 63 exam.
1. Securities Institute of America Series 63 Exam Prep
The Securities Institute of America (SIA) is the most beloved course by many candidates as it offers an all-inclusive Series 63 exam prep course designed to help learners pass the Uniform Securities State Law Examination. The course provides a range of study materials and features to ensure thorough preparation.
Course Overview
The SIA Series 63 Exam Prep course covers essential topics such as:
- Regulation of Investment Advisers: Understanding the definition, registration, and compliance requirements for investment advisers.
- Broker-Dealer Regulations: Knowledge of broker-dealer registration, maintenance, and supervision requirements.
- Securities Registration and Exemptions: Insights into state securities registration, exemptions, and anti-fraud provisions.
- Administrative Powers and Penalties: Understanding the administrative actions and penalties that can be imposed by state securities administrators.
Key Features
- Physical and Digital Materials: One great aspect is the inclusion of both physical and digital study materials. Everything you need, such as textbooks and flashcards, is available online. They even ship physical copies for free, which is super convenient.
- Lots of Practice Questions: The test bank is another highlight. With over 800 practice questions, it’s easy to create realistic exam scenarios. Given that the actual Series 63 exam only has 60 questions, you can practice the full exam multiple times without repeating questions. This feature helped me a lot.
- Excellent Course Bundles: Their discounted bundles are beneficial for those needing multiple FINRA licenses. They combine study materials for licenses like Series 7 and Series 63, making the process seamless if you need more than one license.
- Limited Access Period: Although they advertise unlimited access, it’s limited to six months. This was a bit confusing, and I found the “unlimited access” claim misleading since there’s a clear limit on how long you can use the materials.
Pros and Cons of the SIA Series 63 Exam Prep course
Pros
- Comprehensive Study Materials
The course offers a complete self-study solution that includes a 215-page textbook, an eBook, online video lectures totaling four hours, and a test bank with over 800 practice questions. This extensive range of materials ensures that students have all the resources they need to prepare effectively. - High Pass Rate
The Securities Institute of America boasts a high pass rate of around 90%, which shows the commitment and effectiveness of its study materials and preparation strategies. This high success rate is a real morale booster for students, as it reassures them that they are using a reliable program. - Flexible Study Options
Students can choose from various packages tailored to different learning styles and budgets, including a complete self-study program, online video classes, and exam prep software. This flexibility allows candidates to select the option that best fits their needs. - Pass Guarantee
The course includes a full refund guarantee, ensuring that students can receive their money back if they do not pass the Series 63 exam after completing the program. This policy reduces the financial risk associated with exam preparation and gives more assurance to budget-conscious candidates. - Extensive Practice Questions
With access to a test bank containing over 800 practice questions, students can create realistic practice exams and thoroughly prepare for the types of questions they will encounter on the actual test. This extensive question bank allows for multiple full-length practice exams. - Free Shipping on Physical Materials
All physical study materials, such as textbooks and flashcards, are shipped to students at no additional cost, making it more convenient for those who prefer traditional study methods. - Discounted Bundles for Multiple Exams
SIA offers discounted bundles for students preparing for multiple FINRA exams, such as the Series 7 and Series 63, providing cost savings for those pursuing multiple licenses.
Cons
- Limited Access Duration
Although SIA advertises “unlimited access,” students only have access to course materials for six months. This limited timeframe may not be sufficient for all learners, especially those who need more time to prepare thoroughly. - No Availability of Mobile App
While the course materials are easy to access even via mobile devices, the absence of a dedicated mobile app may hinder convenience for students who prefer studying on the go. - Potential Overwhelm with Content
The extensive amount of study materials and practice questions might overwhelm some students, making it challenging to focus on the most critical concepts and manage their study time effectively. - Lack of Live Instruction
The course primarily focuses on self-study, which may not suit students who benefit from real-time interaction with instructors for clarification and guidance. The absence of live instruction could limit opportunities for asking questions and receiving immediate feedback. - No Flashcards Included
While the course provides a variety of study materials, it lacks dedicated flashcards, which could be a helpful tool for students looking to reinforce their knowledge and improve retention of key concepts.
Bottom Line
If you’re serious about preparing for your securities exams, checking out their course catalog is a great idea. Whether you’re aiming for multiple certifications or just one, the Securities Institute of America provides robust study solutions that can help you succeed. The mix of detailed study materials, extensive practice questions, and helpful course bundles makes it a strong contender for exam prep.
2. Kaplan Series 63 Exam Prep Course
The Kaplan Series 63 Exam Prep course is designed to help candidates prepare for the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination. Below is a detailed overview of the course, its features, and an analysis of its pros and cons.
Course Overview
The Kaplan Series 63 Exam Prep course provides a comprehensive study program that covers essential topics needed to pass the Series 63 exam, including:
- Regulatory Framework: Understanding the role of state regulators and the requirements for securities agents.
- Securities Products: Knowledge of various securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
- Registration and Exemptions: Insights into the registration process for securities and exemptions available under state law.
- Ethics and Prohibited Practices: Guidelines on ethical conduct and practices that are prohibited in the securities industry.
Key Features
- Flexible Package Options: Kaplan offers multiple study packages to cater to different learning styles and budgets, including:
- Premium Instruction Live Online Package: Includes live classes, practice questions, and class notes.
- Premium Instruction OnDemand Package: Offers recorded lectures and study materials for flexible learning.
- Essential Self-Study Package: Provides practice exams and study guides for independent learners.
- Basic Self-Study Package: An affordable option with essential study tools.
- Comprehensive Study Materials: Each package includes access to various resources, such as video lectures, practice exams, and detailed study guides covering all exam topics.
- Mastery Exams and Practice Questions: Kaplan provides mastery exams that simulate the actual test environment, along with numerous practice questions to help students gauge their understanding and readiness.
- Study Calendar: The course includes a study calendar that helps students organize their study sessions and stay on track throughout their preparation.
- InstructorLink™ Support: Students can connect with Kaplan instructors for personalized assistance, allowing them to get answers to their questions and clarify difficult concepts.
Pros and Cons of the Kaplan Series 63 Exam Prep Course
Pros
- Diverse Package Options
Kaplan offers a range of study packages at different price points, making it accessible for students with varying budgets. This flexibility allows students to choose the option that best fits their learning style and schedule. - High-Quality Video Lectures
The inclusion of instructor-led video lectures provides students with engaging content that can enhance their understanding of complex topics. These videos can be accessed multiple times for review. - Mastery Exams for Accurate Preparation
The mastery exams provide a realistic simulation of the actual Series 63 exam, helping students assess their readiness and identify areas for improvement. - Study Calendar for Organization
The study calendar helps students plan their study sessions effectively, ensuring they cover all necessary material before the exam date. - Instructor Support
The InstructorLink™ feature allows students to communicate directly with knowledgeable instructors, providing them with personalized guidance and support throughout their studies. - No Waiting Period
Students can begin studying immediately after enrolling, allowing for a more flexible and timely preparation process.
Cons
- Limited Access Duration
Access to course materials is typically limited to five months, which may not be sufficient for all students, particularly those who need more time to prepare thoroughly. - Live Instruction Not Included in All Packages
While some packages offer live instruction, others do not, which may be a disadvantage for students who prefer interactive learning environments. - No Dedicated Mobile App
The absence of a mobile app limits the convenience of studying on the go, as students must rely on web access to view course materials. - Potential for Information Overload
The extensive amount of study materials and practice questions could overwhelm some students, making it challenging to focus on the most critical concepts. - Response Time for Instructor Support
Some students have expressed concerns about delayed response times when seeking instructor support, which significantly hinders their ability to promptly clarify questions and grasp complex concepts.
3. Securities Training Corporation Series 63 Study Material
The Securities Training Corporation (STC) offers a comprehensive Series 63 exam prep course designed to help candidates successfully pass the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination. Below is a detailed overview of the course, its features, and an analysis of its pros and cons.
Course Overview
The STC Series 63 exam prep course covers essential topics required for the Series 63 exam, including:
- Regulatory Framework: Understanding the role of state regulators and the requirements for securities agents.
- Securities Products: Knowledge of various securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
- Registration and Exemptions: Insights into the registration process for securities and the exemptions available under state law.
- Ethics and Prohibited Practices: Guidelines on ethical conduct and practices that are prohibited in the securities industry.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Study Materials: The STC Series 63 course includes a variety of study materials, such as:
- On-Demand Lectures: Approximately four hours of video content are available for six months from the first use, with the option to purchase additional time.
- Printed Study Manual: A detailed study guide that covers all exam topics in depth.
- Flashcards: Over 400 digital flashcards to help reinforce key concepts and definitions.
- Practice Exams: Multiple practice exams that simulate the actual test environment, allowing students to assess their readiness.
- Instructor Support: Students have access to an instructor hotline for questions and clarifications, providing timely assistance throughout their study process.
- Flexible Learning Options: The course offers both online and classroom options, allowing students to choose the format that best suits their learning style. Live online classes are also available for those who prefer a more interactive environment.
- Free Course Updates: STC provides free updates to course materials, ensuring that students have access to the most current information related to the Series 63 exam.
Pros and Cons of the STC Series 63 Study Materials
Pros
- High Pass Rate
STC boasts a 95% first-time pass rate, reflecting the effectiveness of its study materials and preparation strategies. This high success rate not only boosts a candidate’s confidence but also shows the commitment of the study program to success with exam preparation. - Diverse Study Materials
The course includes a myriad of on-demand lectures, printed manuals, flashcards, and practice exams that help to ensure that students have access to a comprehensive range of resources, catering to different learning styles. This provides flexibility to learning according to individual capabilities. - Instructor Support
As extensive study materials are available for exam preparation, doubts about some topics may also arise at any moment. That is why they have ensured the availability of an instructor hotline that allows students to receive personalized assistance, making it easier to clarify critical concepts and stay on track. - Flexible Learning Formats
This course is designed to meet individual study needs and thus features study materials for various purposes. With options for both online and in-person classes, students can choose the learning environment that best fits their needs and schedules. This flexibility allows you to make the most out of your time and efforts. - Free Updates
The course stays up to date with everything related to the Series 63 exam. Therefore, students always benefit from the free updates to course materials, ensuring they have the most current information and resources available for their exam preparation.
Cons
- Limited Access Duration
Access to course materials is typically limited to six months, Which is comparatively more than most courses available in this series. Nevertheless, it may not be sufficient for all students, particularly those who need more time to prepare thoroughly. - Higher Cost for Live Instruction
While the online course is affordable, adding live instruction can increase the overall cost, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious students. this is a major drawback for those students who wish to opt for this course but are not comfortable with self-study materials. - Potential Overwhelm with Content
The extensive amount of study materials and practice questions may overwhelm some students. Even with the six months of preparation time, this amount of study material can make it challenging to focus on the most critical concepts. - Absence of Mobile App
The absence of a dedicated mobile may not be of very much convenience for students who prefer studying on the go at their own pace and comfort. Students are required to rely on web access to view course materials.
Bottom Line
Despite STC only including video lectures in their highest-priced package, their exam prep content remains substantial and useful. Even the most expensive course is affordable and offers excellent value. STC creates a flexible study environment, allowing you to finish the course at your own pace. The materials are meticulously crafted to cover all necessary subjects in appropriate detail, ensuring no content is missed. The practice tests with optional explanations further enhance learning by providing immediate feedback, helping to solidify your understanding. For those more confident in their knowledge, turning off these explanations can simulate real test conditions, giving you a better feel for the actual exam. This thoughtful approach helps make STC a reliable choice for Series 63 exam preparation.
4. ExamFX Series 63 Study Guide
The ExamFX Series 63 Study Guide is designed to help candidates prepare for the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination. This course provides a range of study materials and features to ensure effective preparation for the exam.
Course Overview
The ExamFX Series 63 Study Guide covers essential topics relevant to the Series 63 exam, including:
- Regulatory Framework: Understanding the roles of state regulators and the requirements for securities agents.
- Securities Products: Knowledge of various securities, including stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
- Registration and Exemptions: Insights into the registration process for securities and the exemptions available under state law.
- Ethics and Prohibited Practices: Guidelines on ethical conduct and practices that are prohibited in the securities industry.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Study Materials: ExamFX offers a variety of study materials, including:
- On-Demand Video Lectures: Engaging video content that covers all exam topics in detail, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
- Printed Study Manual: A thorough textbook that outlines key concepts and provides context for the exam material.
- Practice Questions and Exams: Access to a large bank of practice questions and full-length practice exams that simulate the actual test environment.
- Instructor Support: Students can access instructor support six days a week, allowing them to ask questions and receive guidance throughout their study process.
- Pass Guarantee: ExamFX offers a Pass Guarantee, ensuring that if students complete the course and do not pass the Series 63 exam, they can receive their money back. This policy reduces financial risk for students.
- Flexible Learning Options: The course offers both self-paced and live online classes, giving students the flexibility to choose the format that best suits their learning style and schedule.
- Customized Study Plans: ExamFX provides personalized study plans based on individual progress and performance, helping students focus on their specific areas of need.
Pros and Cons of the ExamFX Series 63 Study Guide
Pros
- Comprehensive Study Materials
The inclusion of on-demand video lectures, a printed study manual, and extensive practice questions ensures that students have access to a wide range of resources, catering to different learning styles. - Strong Instructor Support
With access to instructors six days a week, students can receive timely assistance and guidance, which can enhance their understanding of complex topics. - Pass Guarantee
The Pass Guarantee provides confidence to students, as they can receive a refund if they do not pass the exam after completing the course, reducing the financial burden of exam preparation. - Flexible Learning Formats
The availability of both self-paced and live online classes allows students to choose the learning style that best fits their needs and schedules. - Customized Study Plans
Personalized study plans help students focus on their weaknesses and track their progress, making their study efforts more efficient.
Cons
- Limited Live Class Availability
Live classes are offered only once a month, which may not be ideal for students who prefer more frequent interaction with instructors. - Higher Cost for Comprehensive Packages
While ExamFX offers a variety of packages, the more comprehensive options can be pricier, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious students. - Potential Overwhelm with Content
The extensive amount of study materials and practice questions might overwhelm some students, making it challenging to focus on the most critical concepts. - No Dedicated Mobile App
Although materials can be accessed online, the lack of a dedicated mobile app may limit convenience for students who prefer studying on the go. - Response Time for Instructor Support
Some students may experience delays in response times when reaching out for instructor support, which could hinder the timely clarification of questions or concepts.
Bottom Line
The ExamFX Series 63 Study Guide is a solid option for candidates preparing for the Series 63 exam. With comprehensive study materials, strong instructor support, and a Pass Guarantee, students have the tools they need to succeed. However, potential students should consider the limited availability of live classes and the overall cost when making their decision. Overall, ExamFX provides a flexible and effective study solution for those looking to excel in their Series 63 exam preparation.
FINRA Series 63 Exam FAQs
What is the Series 63 Exam Pass Rate?
Based on Kaplan’s data, about 73% of candidates pass the Series 63 exam. While this isn’t the highest pass rate for industry exams, it’s still challenging enough that thorough preparation is essential.
How Long Do I Have to Take the Series 63 Exam?
Candidates are given 75 minutes to complete the Series 63 exam. This translates to roughly one minute and 15 seconds per question.
What is a Passing Score on the Series 63 Exam?
To pass the Series 63 exam, you need to score at least 72%. This means answering 43 out of the 60 scored questions correctly.
When Will I Learn My Series 63 Score?
Test proctors will send out your scores within 72 hours of taking the exam. If you pass, you’ll be notified of your success without detailed score information. Should you fail, you’ll receive a more detailed breakdown to help focus your studies for retaking the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which study guides get the best reviews for the Series 63 exam?
Some of the top-rated study guides for the Series 63 exam include materials from ExamFX, Kaplan, and Achievable. These guides typically offer a mix of textbooks, flashcards, practice exams, and video lectures, making them versatile choices for any learning style.
Where can I download a detailed study guide for the Series 63 exam in PDF format?
To find a detailed PDF study guide for the Series 63 exam, you can visit Testing.org. They often provide links to comprehensive guides, including practice questions and exam tips.
Are there free resources to help me prepare for the Series 63 exam?
Yes, there are free resources available. Websites like Series63PracticeExam.com offer free practice questions and study materials. These can be a great way to prepare without spending money.
How many hours of study are recommended for the Series 63 exam?
To prepare for the Series 63 exam, it’s generally recommended that you study for 30-40 hours. This study period should include reading the guide, taking practice tests, and reviewing flashcards.
Is Kaplan a good choice for Series 63 exam preparation?
Kaplan is widely regarded as a reliable choice for Series 63 exam preparation. They offer a variety of study materials, including detailed books, practice tests, and online resources. Many consider Kaplan to be a trusted name in financial exam prep.
What are the best strategies to effectively prepare for the Series 63 exam?
To effectively prepare for the Series 63 exam, you should:
- Create a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for study sessions.
- Use Multiple Resources: Mix textbooks, online quizzes, and flashcards.
- Take Practice Exams: Simulate the exam environment to build confidence.
- Review Regularly: Go over key concepts frequently to reinforce learning.