How to Get a Series 6 License: 6 Step-by-Step Instructions

All brokerage firms and their branch offices located within the United States, as well as individuals that are registered to sell securities, are overseen by FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The main goal of FINRA is to ensure that fair practices are provided to public investors in the capital markets of the U.S. Although various licenses exist which cover a variety of security sales criteria, a Series 6 license allows holders to sell a limited number of financial products such as face amount certificates, UITs (unit investment trusts), mutual funds, and new closed-end fund issues.

How Do You Acquire a Series 6 License?

To acquire a FINRA Series 6 license, candidates must secure broker-dealer sponsorship, pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, complete the Series 6 top-off exam, and submit Form U4 registration. The Series 6 license authorizes financial professionals to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, unit investment trusts (UITs), and new closed-end fund offerings.

Here are the six steps to get a Series 6 license, which we'll dive into in further detail in this post.

• Step 1: Secure Firm Sponsorship (Form U4)

• Step 2: Pass the SIE Exam Corequisite

• Step 3: Obtain Series 6 Study Materials & Prep

• Step 4: Schedule Your Exam Date

• Step 5: Pass the Series 6 Exam (70% Passing Score)

• Step 6: Complete FINRA Registration

Step 1: How Do You Get Sponsored for a Series 6 License?

You must obtain sponsorship from a FINRA-member broker-dealer before sitting for the Series 6 exam. Sponsorship is a condition of employment, meaning your license can only be used on behalf of your sponsoring firm.

• Sponsor Benefits: Many sponsoring firms cover your $100 FINRA exam fee, provide study materials, and offer paid study hours.
• Firm Requirements: Your sponsoring employer will initiate your background check and file your Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) with FINRA.

Step 2: What Prerequisites Are Required Before Taking the Series 6 Exam?

Candidates must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam as a corequisite to earning a Series 6 license.

While the Series 6 top-off exam requires firm sponsorship, anyone 18 or older can take the SIE exam without a sponsoring firm. Many prospective agents complete the SIE first to demonstrate initiative and stand out to prospective employers.

Step 3: What Study Materials Do You Need for the Series 6 Test?

To pass the Series 6 exam, candidates need comprehensive study materials covering FINRA’s four primary job functions. These core areas include investment company products, variable contracts, customer disclosures, and transaction processing.

Key topics to master during study prep include:

• Mutual funds, open-end vs. closed-end funds, and unit investment trusts (UITs)
• Variable annuities, variable life insurance, and separate accounts
• Tax rules, retirement plans, and customer suitability guidelines
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and FINRA communication rules

Step 4: How Do You Schedule the Series 6 Exam?

Once your Form U4 is approved and you complete your study prep, schedule your test through FINRA's testing vendor (Prometric) or via your employer's compliance portal.

• Study Timeframe: Most candidates dedicate 30 to 50 hours over 3 to 4 weeks reviewing course material and completing practice questions.
• Testing Format: The Series 6 exam consists of 50 scored multiple-choice questions (plus 5 unscored pretest items) with a 90-minute time limit.

Step 5: What Score Do You Need to Pass the Series 6 Exam?

You must score at least 70% (35 out of 50 scored questions correctly) to pass the Series 6 exam.

• If You Pass: You will receive an official pass notification at the testing center.
• If You Fail: FINRA enforces a 30-day waiting period before your second or third retake attempt. Focus your review on the performance feedback report provided at the test center to target weak job functions.

Step 6: How Do You Finalize Your Series 6 Registration?

After passing the exam, your sponsoring firm submits final documentation to activate your FINRA registration.

Passing the exam alone does not grant authority to conduct business; you are only licensed to solicit or sell securities once FINRA and state regulatory authorities officially approve your Form U4 registration.

Ready to begin studying for your Series 6 exam? Get started today.