Series 63 Exam Overview & Requirements
Everything you need to know about the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam. A critical license for selling securities and advising clients in most US states.
60
Questions
60
Multiple choice questions covering state securities law, regulations, and ethics. Includes 5 additional unscored pre-test questions.
75
Minutes
75
Generous time allocation with approximately 1.25 minutes per question, allowing careful consideration of rule-based answers.
72%
Pass Score
72%
Need to answer 43 out of 60 questions correctly to pass. High pass rate achievable with thorough memorization of rules.
$147
Exam Fee
$147
NASAA exam fee paid directly to testing centers. A necessary investment for state-level registration and licensing.
Series 63 Eligibility Requirements
Firm Sponsorship
FINRA member firm sponsorship
You must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm to take the Series 63. This is typically done in conjunction with the Series 7 exam.
✓ Prerequisite: Employment
Background Check
Clean regulatory record
Must pass a background check and not be subject to statutory disqualification under state or federal securities laws.
✓ Form U4 Filing
Co-requisite Exams
Typically Series 7 + SIE
While not an official prerequisite, the Series 63 is almost always taken with the SIE and a qualifying exam like the Series 7 or Series 6.
✓ State Law Component
Series 63 Exam Format Breakdown
The Series 63 exam focuses entirely on state securities law under the Uniform Securities Act (USA). The content is weighted towards regulations and ethics.
State Law & Regulations
Registration of persons and securities, exempt securities and transactions, and powers of the Administrator.
Ethics & Prohibited Practices
Ethical practices, fiduciary obligations, prohibited conduct, and client communication standards.
Administrative Provisions
Record-keeping requirements, enforcement actions, and remedies available to the Administrator.
Study Tip: The exam is 90% regulations and ethics. Focus your study time on memorizing definitions, prohibited practices, and the powers of the state Administrator.
How to Register for the Series 63
Employment is Key: Unlike the SIE, you cannot take the Series 63 without being employed and sponsored by a FINRA member firm.
Employer Actions:
• Your sponsoring firm will file Form U4 on your behalf
• They will request the Series 63 exam
• This opens a 120-day window to pass the exam
Time Required: Handled by employer’s compliance department
Cost: Firm typically covers exam fees
FINRA Account: Your firm will set up your FINRA Gateway (CRD) account.
Scheduling: Once your firm requests the exam, you will receive an email to schedule your test date with a Prometric testing center.
Choose Your Date: Schedule your exam based on your study plan. Most candidates take it within 30-45 days of their Series 7 exam.
Time Required: 10-15 minutes to schedule online
Total Cost: $147 (usually paid by firm)
Study Timeline: Most candidates need 2-3 weeks of preparation with 20-30 total study hours.
Recommended Prep:
• Quality prep course (Kaplan, STC, or TC)
• 800+ practice questions focused on rules
• Simulated exams
• Final review of prohibited practices
Test Day Tips:
• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID
• Read each question carefully for keywords like “agent,” “IAR,” “exempt,” and “prohibited”
• No penalty for guessing
Results: Pass/fail notification immediately after completing exam
Ready to Get Your State License?
The Series 63 is a critical component of your securities licensing. Prepare with a top-rated course to ensure you pass and meet your state registration requirements.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Registration requirements and procedures may change. Always verify current requirements with NASAA, FINRA, and your state Administrator directly.