{"id":7546,"date":"2025-12-16T17:37:08","date_gmt":"2025-12-16T23:37:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/?p=7546"},"modified":"2026-06-16T17:12:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T23:12:01","slug":"series-65-vs-66","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/series-65-vs-66\/","title":{"rendered":"Series\u202f65 vs Series\u202f66: Guide for Future Investment Advisers"},"content":{"rendered":" <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With several <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finra.org\/registration-exams-ce\/qualification-exams\">dozen FINRA exams<\/a> available, it can be tough to figure out the right exam pathway to achieve your goals, especially with similar exams. So, when you\u2019re comparing exams like the Series 65 vs. Series 66, how do you make the right decision?<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both can be routes for becoming an investment adviser representative, but there are pros and cons worth weighing before starting your prep. Let\u2019s dig into the key differences and what each exam lets you do.<\/p> <p class=\"custom_key wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\"><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p> <ul class=\"wp-block-list custom_underline\"> <li>Series 65 lets you provide investment advice as a registered investment adviser without needing any other exam.<\/li> <li>Series 66 pairs with the Series 7, and together they let you sell securities and give clients investment advice.<\/li> <li>Series 65 covers more on products, economic factors, and fiduciary duty, while Series 66 focuses on state securities law and ethics.<\/li> <li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/series-65-exam\/\">Series\u202f65 exam<\/a> is longer (130 scored questions, 180 minutes) than the Series\u202f66 exam (100 scored questions, 150 minutes).<\/li> <li>Passing one doesn\u2019t equal being licensed. You still need to register through your state regulator, often via Form U4.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-the-exams-actually-qualify-you-for\"><strong>What The Exams Actually Qualify You For<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Think of it this way: if you want to offer fee-based investment advice without worrying about selling investment products, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/series-65-pass-rate-how-hard-is-the-exam\/\">Series\u202f65 is the easiest path<\/a>. Passing it grounds you as an investment adviser representative (IAR) in most states. There\u2019s no broker-dealer tie\u2011in, and no Series 7 needed.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the flip side, if you fancy being a dual threat\u2014someone who can recommend investments and also execute securities transactions\u2014then the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/series-66-exam\/\">Series\u202f66 works well<\/a> in tandem with the Series\u202f7. It effectively covers both IAR and securities agent duties, but won\u2019t do anything unless you\u2019ve also passed the Series\u202f7.<\/p> <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"986\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-1024x986.png\" alt=\"series 65 vs 66\" class=\"wp-image-7549\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-1024x986.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-300x289.png 300w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-768x739.png 768w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-150x144.png 150w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info-1536x1478.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-info.png 1999w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-exam-format-and-difficulty\"><strong>Exam Format and Difficulty<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how the two compare when you look under the hood.<\/p> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-series-65-uniform-investment-adviser-law-exam\"><strong>Series\u202f65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam)<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>There are 130 scored multiple\u2011choice questions + 10 unscored pre\u2011test questions.<\/li> <li>It lasts 180\u202fminutes, and you need 92 correct to pass (~70%).<\/li> <li>It covers the financial industry\u2019s laws, ethical practices, investment vehicle characteristics, retirement planning, economic factors, fiduciary responsibilities, etc.<\/li> <\/ul> <h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-series-66-uniform-combined-state-law-exam\"><strong>Series\u202f66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam)<\/strong><\/h3> <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Includes 100 scored questions + 10 pre\u2011test, with 150\u202fminutes to finish and a minimum of 73 correct (~73%).<\/li> <li>Since this exam is paired with Series 7, it skips deep product and analysis content, focusing instead on securities regulation, state securities laws, the Uniform Securities Act, and ethical business practices.<\/li> <\/ul> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-registration-and-state-level-bonding\"><strong>Registration And State\u2011Level Bonding<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Passing the test is just half the battle. Here\u2019s where the financial industry regulatory authority and state securities laws come into play:<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you pass Series\u202f65 or Series\u202f66 (with Series\u202f7), your broker\u2011dealer or RIA firm typically files your Form U4 to register you with your state regulator. This is where you become an investment adviser representative or securities agent in practice.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep in mind exam results expire after two years if you&#8217;re not registered. However, some states allow you to extend that via NASAA\u2019s Exam Validity Extension Program (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasaa.org\/exams\/exam-validity-extension-program\/\">EVEP<\/a>) if you meet continuing education requirements.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-based-on-your-professional-goals\"><strong>Choosing Based On Your Professional Goals<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s how to choose the right Series exam based on your career goals:<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If your goal is purely financial advising<\/strong>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.finra.org\/registration-exams-ce\/qualification-exams\/series65\">Series\u202f65<\/a> is your best bet. It\u2019s independent, has no prerequisite exams, and is designed for people focused on investment advising, especially on a registered investment adviser platform.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re on the path to becoming a traditional securities agent\u2014<strong>say, you want to sell mutual funds, handle securities sales, or be involved in a broker-dealer<\/strong>\u2014then go with Series\u202f7 + Series\u202f66. You\u2019ll get both advisory and transactional capabilities without having to take the Series 63 separately.<\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019re the one steering your financial advising or securities business future. If your heart is set on offering investment advice without handling sales, go with the Series\u202f65. But if you want to advise <em>and <\/em>sell, and you don\u2019t mind adding the Series\u202f7 to your study pile, then the Series\u202f66 (with 7) is the better choice.<\/p> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever you decide, as long as you choose the right prep course, follow a solid plan, and do a few practice exams, you&#8217;ll be licensed before you know it. <\/p> <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2> <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765790800721\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is getting a Series\u202f65 worth it?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, especially if you want to provide investment advice without needing a broker\u2011dealer. It qualifies you as an IAR directly.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765790805299\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is the Series\u202f66 license worth it?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you already have the Series\u202f7 or plan to get it, then yes. It bundles advisory and sales capabilities.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765790809041\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do I need a Series\u202f65 if I have a CFP?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Many states waive the Series\u202f65 for some credentials like CFP\u00ae, CFA\u00ae, ChFC\u00ae, etc., but you should always check your state\u2019s rules.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765790813644\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is Series\u202f65 hard to pass?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">It\u2019s considered challenging since it covers ethics, investment strategy, and economic factors, but pass rates hover around 65\u201370%, according to some sources.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1765790817701\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Do the exam fees differ much from the Series 65 and Series 66?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Not by much. Series\u202f65 is only $10 more than Series 66.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div> <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p> ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With several dozen FINRA exams available, it can be tough to figure out the right exam pathway to achieve your goals, especially with similar exams. So, when you\u2019re comparing exams like the Series 65 vs. Series 66, how do you make the right decision? Both can be routes for becoming an investment adviser representative, but [&hellip;]<\/p> ","protected":false},"author":11,"featured_media":7548,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-careers-education"],"acf":{"external_author":[129],"external_editor":"","select_template":"default","not_show_feature_image":false,"hide_toc":false},"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/12\/Series-65-vs-Series-66-feature-img-768x401.png","author_info":{"display_name":"","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kansascity.com\/careers-education\/author\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Series\u202f65 vs Series\u202f66: Guide for Future Investment Advisers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Deciding between series\u202f65 vs series\u202f66? 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