For thousands of future investment advisors, passing the Series 65 exam is the first step toward a high-earning career on their terms. What makes it even more appealing?
You don’t need to be sponsored by a FINRA member firm to take it. That means you can start building your credentials before even landing a job. With the median salary for advisors sitting at $99,580 and demand rising exponentially, it’s easy to see why so many are hopping aboard.
Of course, you’ll need to clear a pretty big hurdle first: a 130-question exam covering economics, ethics, portfolio management, and state securities laws. What’s the best way to prepare? It all starts with picking the right Series 65 prep course for your budget, goals, and study habits.
I reviewed the most popular Series 65 prep options by digging into course features, testing lesson quality, and checking what real students had to say. I paid special attention to practice exams, ease of use, and how well the materqueials match the actual test format. Let’s dig in!
Top 5 Series 65 Prep Courses
- 🏆 Best Overall: Securities Institute of America
- 🧑🏫 Best for Instructor Interaction: Securities Training Corporation
- 🎓 Best for Passing Fast: Achievable
- 🏫 Best for Comprehensive Learning: Kaplan
- 🧑💻 Best for Bonus Tools: ExamFX
Series 65 Course Comparison
| Feature |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $125-$209 | $212-$372 | $199 | $159-$319 | $240-$275 |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 15% | Save 10% | No Discounts | Save 20% |
| Access | 6 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantees | Money-Back | Money-Back |  | | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Text, Email | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Chat |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
🛒 Shopping Styles: What Kind of Series 65 Student Are You?
SIA – The Savvy Shopper: You want a course that checks every box without draining your bank account. With SIA, you get quality content, thoughtful add-ons like a study calendar and cheat sheets, and a money-back guarantee if things don’t go as planned. Smart, strategic, and built for serious students who still want a good deal.
STC – The Boutique Buyer: You’re willing to pay a little more for the VIP treatment. STC gives you live instruction, an instructor hotline, and polished materials that feel premium. If you want expert support and a guided path to passing, this is your high-end pick.
Achievable – The Minimalist: No fluff, no extras—just a clean, focused plan to pass the Series 65 as quickly as possible. If you value efficiency, want to study on your schedule, and hate distractions, Achievable fits right into your cart.
Kaplan – The Big-Box Buyer: You want everything. Videos, books, live classes, QBank, progress tools—you name it, Kaplan has it. It’s not cheap, and it can be a lot to sort through, but for students who want to be overprepared (or just like having options), this is the ultimate all-in-one bundle.
ExamFX – The Coupon Clipper: You’re looking for balance: a solid prep course with good tools and a few bonuses thrown in. ExamFX won’t wow you with innovation, but it gets the job done. If you love a good deal and don’t need anything too fancy, this one delivers decent value without breaking the bank.
1. Securities Institute of America: Best Overall
If you’re looking for an affordable Series 65 prep course with structure, balanced materials, and a money-back guarantee, the Securities Institute of America (SIA) is an outstanding choice. With more than two decades in the industry and a 90% pass rate, it’s intended for students who want a proven path to success (without paying premium prices).
While testing SIA’s platform, I was impressed by their 4,000+ question bank, which does a great job of mimicking the tone, difficulty, and content of real Series 65 exam questions. You can build unlimited simulated exams with 15 different customization options, so your prep stays fresh and focused every time you study.
The built-in AI tutor, TotalGenius!, is my favorite feature, though. Late-night review sessions are rough, but getting fast, helpful answers when I hit a wall makes studying way less frustrating.
SIA’s Series 65 Course Features
- 4,000+ Practice Questions
- Bonuses Including: Personal Study Calendar, Score-Boosting Test Tips Video, Final Review Cheat Sheets
- Unlimited Practice Exams (Topic-Focused/Simulated Mock Exams)
- Checkpoint Exams and a GreenLight Exam
- Detailed Question and Exam Reports
- TotalGenius! AI for 24/7 Q&A Sessions
- 516-Page Physical or Digital Textbook
- 13 Hours of Video Lessons (19 Videos + 19 Section Tests)
Pros
- Digestible Videos: SIA’s videos are around 40 minutes long each, a good length for most students to understand the concepts without getting bored and zoning out.
- Understand Yourself: Identify your strengths and weaknesses for better study sessions. Save time and track your progress for a more efficient approach.
- Helpful Bonuses: SIA’s personal study calendar, video covering tips for boosting your test score, and “crunch time” cheat sheets are valuable add-ons to the primary study materials.
- Pass or Refund: Follow SIA’s GreenLight Guarantee™ guidelines and receive 100% of your investment back if you fail the Series 65 exam.
- Practice When You Want: With unlimited practice exams—both topic-driven and full-length simulated mock exams—and 15 customization options, you’ll never run out. Literally.
Cons
- No Live Classes: Unlike some other entries on this list, the Securities Institute of America doesn’t offer live instruction options for Series 65 prep.
Securities Institute of America Coupon
No Discounts on the Securities Institute of America’s prep course, which includes a large question bank, customizable practice exams, and a structured study plan for the Series 65 exam.
Bottom Line
The Securities Institute of America knows how to provide a full package for Series 65 prep. From the moment you log in, you can see they’ve structured this course with students in mind. You’ll get video lectures that hold your attention, plus a hefty 516-page textbook that’s perfect for those who like to highlight, annotate, and absorb info the traditional way.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation: Best Instructor Interaction
Securities Training Corporation (also known as STC) checks all the boxes for a lot of aspiring securities professionals. They’ve been industry leaders for 50+ years and have helped over 1.5 million learners prepare for their exams, with an impressive 95% first-time pass rate.
If you’re worried about the risk, STC’s Premier and Premier Plus packages come with a money-back pass guarantee. Just follow their study plan, and if you don’t pass, you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked.
When I tested STC’s platform, I was especially impressed with how accessible the instructors were. I tried out the instructor hotline after struggling with a tricky concept in portfolio management and got a thoughtful, clear explanation within an hour. That kind of live support made a huge difference in keeping me motivated—and prevented a lot of wasted time searching for answers on my own.
The Premier Plus package includes 12 hours of live online classes plus the instructor hotline, so you can get real-time answers from experts whenever you need help. If you learn best with personal guidance and structure, STC is definitely worth a closer look.
Compared to SIA, STC is the better fit if you crave instructor interaction and real-time support, while SIA offers more self-paced structure and tech-based features like their TotalGenius! AI.
STC’s Series 65 Course Features
- Online + Printed Study Manual
- Digital Flashcards with Deck Customization
- Crunch Time Fact Sheet
- Instructor Hotline (Email/Call)
- 12 Hours of Live Virtual Classes and/or On-Demand Videos
- Chapter Quizzes, 8 Final Exams, 8 Progress Exams, 2 Green Light Exams
Pros
- On-Call Instructor: If you have questions about your coursework, you can reach out to your instructors directly through phone and email for guidance on the subjects that have you stumped.
- Great Flashcards: Create custom decks of digital flashcards by chapter, subject, or even your weakest areas, useful for making the most of spaced repetition via spiral review.
- Pass Guarantee: STC’s Premier and Premier Plus packages come with a pass guarantee, so you can earn your money back if you don’t pass the Series 65 on your first try.
- Live Online Classes: You can access 12 hours of live online classes and ask questions directly to your instructors (and yes, the recordings are included).
Cons
- No Unlimited Practice: Though it’s unlikely that students will get through every STC practice exam, ambitious students may be disappointed by the lack of unlimited practice exams.
- More Pricey: Live classes come with a cost, so STC has the most expensive package on the list.
Securities Training Corporation Promo Code
Save 15% off Securities Training Corporation’s courses, which feature live instruction, a substantial question bank, and instructor support to help you prepare for the Series 65 exam.
Bottom Line
STC might run a little higher price-wise, but if live classes are high on your list, the extra money could be well worth it. The instructor hotline is another win because being able to get help by phone or email adds a nice layer of support when you’re stuck on a tough concept.
If you’re more into self-paced study, SIA or Achievable could be a better match. But if real-time interaction and guided prep are your thing, STC is definitely a contender.
Securities Training Corporation
3. Achievable: Best for Passing Fast
Achievable’s mission is simple (and effective): help you learn fast, retain the material, and pass the Series 65 ASAP. Built around learning science, their course has racked up over 50 million practice questions answered and 2 million study hours, plus a reported 95% success rate.
The setup is super simple and modern. You get a digital textbook, video lessons, and practice questions without the bells or whistles. If you prefer a minimalist, no-distractions study plan and want to move quickly, Achievable might be your best bet.
I say this a lot, but I think it’s incredibly important to mention—Achievable also has amazing reviews from students. People genuinely love this platform and the learning materials they offer.
“I just used Achievable and thought it was awesome. I also used PassPerfect, and Achievable was much better. It was much better at explaining things in simple terms, and the chapters are broken out into short sections, making it much easier to keep going (just get one more chapter in before bed!) 10/10”
u/dylnlang
Achievable does a better job than most competitors at simplifying complex content and speeding up the learning curve, but it doesn’t offer live classes, deep simulations, or the kind of in-depth analytics you’ll find with more robust platforms like SIA or STC.
Achievable’s Series 65 Course Features
- 1,300+ Chapter Quizzes
- 44+ Bite-Sized Video Lessons
- Mobile-Friendly Online Textbook
- 20+ Full-Length Practice Exams with Unlimited Attempts
Pros
- Risk-Free Trial: I appreciate the ability to try Achievable’s course for free, no credit card necessary, so you can be sure it’s right for you before paying hundreds of dollars.
- Bite-Sized Lessons: I liked Achievable’s short lessons, which were usually between 5 and 10 minutes long. They also tell you the lesson length, which is perfect for planning your study sessions.
- Access for 1 Year: Achievable offers double the access of the other competitors on the list at 12 months compared to 6 months with SIA, STC, and ExamFX and 5 months with Kaplan.
Cons
- Wordy: Achievable’s bonus videos are in the textbook, but there’s very little in the way of illustrations and visual aids. Without images, the reading can get tedious.
- 1,000s of Practice Tests: Studying is incredibly important before an exam, but at what point are thousands of practice exams too much?
Achievable Series 65 Promo Code
Save 10% off Achievable’s Series 65 prep platform, which provides a streamlined, adaptive learning approach with unlimited practice quizzes and a comprehensive online textbook.
Bottom Line
Achievable is perfect if your goal is to study smart, stay focused, pass, and move on with your life. No flashy extras here—just a textbook, video lessons, and practice questions. If you want to prep at your own pace without distractions, Achievable keeps things simple, efficient, and totally on your terms. Being a student-favorite gives them major points in my book, too. After all, our feedback is critical to the long-term health of the company.
Achievable
4. Kaplan: Best for Comprehensive Learning
Kaplan is one of the respected senior citizens of the education industry. They’ve been in the exam prep world for over 80 years, and their experience is tough to match. You get great instructors, detailed lessons, and more live class hours than just about anyone else (28 in total). That’s ideal if you want structure and plenty of face time with your teachers.
When I tried Kaplan’s Series 65 course, I could instantly tell this wasn’t thrown together—it’s polished, structured, and built with real teaching in mind. The live classes felt like actual classroom experiences, with instructors who took time to explain not just what to study, but why it mattered. I liked how the class notes lined up perfectly with the lectures—it made it easy to follow without scrambling to write everything down.
But I’ll be honest: with the amount of material they give you, it’s not something you can half-commit to. Even just previewing the course, I felt like I needed to block off real time to keep up.
If you have a busy job or a scattered schedule, this might feel overwhelming. But if you’re someone who appreciates thoroughness and benefits from accountability, Kaplan’s depth is a real asset.
Kaplan’s Series 65 Course Features
- Study Plan with Weekly Tasks
- Spiral-Bound Class Notes
- Performance Tracking Tools
- Unit Intro and Wrap-Up Videos
- InstructorLink™ Instructor Q&A Resource
- Thousands of Practice Questions in the SecuritiesPro™ QBank
- Unlimited Randomized Practice Exams
- One Mock Exam, One Mastery Exam, One Midterm Exam, and One Checkpoint Exam per Unit
- 28 Hours of Live Online Classes (On-Demand Video Lessons/Regular or Evening-Only Options)
- Online, Print, and PDF Versions of the License Exam Manual (Your Textbook/Study Guide)
Pros
- Everything You Need (and More): Not interested in a minimalist approach like Achievable’s? Kaplan is on the other end of the spectrum, giving you every study tool you could possibly need.
- Most Live Class/Video Content: Kaplan features 28 hours of live class/on-demand video content compared to roughly 12 hours with SIA or STC.
- Flexible Live Learning: Kaplan offers evening-specific live classes for busy professionals who can only study at night, plus recordings if you miss a class.
Cons
- Distracting Bonus Tools: The flip side of a vast library of study materials? Students who prefer a minimalist approach might feel too overwhelmed to dig in, get started, and stay on task.
- Pricey for No Pass Guarantee: Kaplan is one of the most expensive options on the list, and it does not offer a pass guarantee to ensure your investment is safe. This could cause some undue anxiety.
- Traditional Study Materials: Not everyone loves printed materials when they study. Some want an online-only experience.
Kaplan Series 65 Promo Code
off Kaplan’s Series 65 prep materials, including live classes, QBank practice questions, and structured learning tools designed for comprehensive exam preparation.
Bottom Line
If you’re the type of learner who wants all the study tools, Kaplan was meant for you. You get 28+ hours of live classes, and the instructors, based on my experience, are both knowledgeable and supportive.
That said, Kaplan’s materials are pretty in-depth. Where other courses cover the material in about 12–13 hours, Kaplan is known to be wordy and takes more than twice as long. That’s great if you want every detail explained, but if you’re short on time or prefer a faster pace, SIA, STC, or Achievable might be a better fit.
Kaplan
5. ExamFX: Best for Bonus Tools
If nothing on this list has quite hit the mark for you, take a look at ExamFX. It’s balanced in terms of pricing, materials, and access—right in the middle of the pack. What makes them great is their focus on practice exams and bonus tools, which give you extra ways to prep compared to providers like Achievable or STC.
That said, ExamFX isn’t anything extra special. Their materials are solid, and they’ll get you prepped for the Series 65, but there’s nothing that truly sets them apart from competitors with more profound strengths.
ExamFX’s Series 65 Course Features
- Custom Exam Generator with Unlimited Random Final Exams
- 4 Standard Final Exams, Chapter Quizzes, SpotCheck Quizzes, Checkpoint Exams, Benchmark Final
- Bonus Tools (Best Practices Study Tips Guide, Glossary and Acronyms, TC Critical Facts, Progress Report Center)
- 335-Page Textbook with 15 Chapters (Online or Hard Copy)
- 17 Hours of On-Demand Video Lectures
- Personalized Study Calendar with Performance Tracking
Pros
- Unique Exam Types: No matter where you’re at in your study timeline, ExamFX features a wide variety of options to practice what you’ve learned and assess your progress.
- Solid Bonus Resources: ExamFX throws in some helpful bonuses like their study tips guide, Series 65 glossary and acronyms, critical facts list of key concepts, and progress reporting.
- Comprehensive Approach: Unlike providers like Achievable, ExamFX focuses on comprehension over minimalism, which is helpful for most students.
Cons
- Doesn’t Stand Out: Though ExamFX offers a lot of high-quality study tools and practice materials, they don’t really offer a unique feature to help them stand out from the prep course crowd.
- No Money-Back Guarantee: Unlike competitors like STC or SIA, ExamFX doesn’t offer a pass guarantee with their Series 65 course, which could make it a riskier pick if you’re unsure about how ready you are.
- Feels a Bit Generic: While the content is solid, some students might find the overall experience less engaging or polished compared to more interactive or modern platforms like Achievable or STC Premier Plus.
ExamFX Promo Code
Save 20% off ExamFX’s Series 65 study program, which includes self-paced study materials, practice exams, and interactive learning tools.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Bottom Line
Overall, ExamFX’s tools are solid and well-rounded. Most students should be able to pass using their Series 65 study package. However, it’s worth considering whether SIA—which offers a money-back guarantee at a lower price—provides better value. However, if ExamFX’s features align with your study style, it’s still a reliable choice.
ExamFX
Final Verdict
There are plenty of excellent choices for Series 65 prep courses, but how do you choose the right one for you?
If you need balance and great value, the Securities Institute of America might be your best bet. Prefer live instruction with a bit more personal guidance? Give the Securities Training Corporation a go. Looking for something modern and efficient? Achievable might be the quick and simple solution you need.
Ultimately, the perfect choice depends on your learning style and goals. Ask yourself which course feels like it’s made for you. Trust your gut, write a pros/cons list, begin your studies, and get ready to become a financial advisor!
FAQs
The Securities Institute of America reports a 90% pass rate and has been helping students for over 25 years. STC also boasts a 95% first-time pass rate, making both strong options depending on your study preferences.
Yes—Achievable is a solid choice if you want a streamlined course built on learning science. It’s great for self-paced learners who want to study efficiently and pass quickly without a lot of distractions.
It’s possible, but not recommended. The Series 65 exam is broad and technical, and prep courses provide structure, up-to-date materials, and realistic practice tests that can make a big difference in your score.
It can be challenging—especially if you’re new to financial concepts. The exam covers economics, ethics, investment strategies, and legal guidelines, so a good prep course can help simplify and organize the material.
Go with a self-paced course like Achievable or SIA, follow a daily study schedule, and take practice tests often. Keeping your study time consistent and focused is the key to passing quickly.
