About the Series 65 Exam
What are the topics covered on the Series 65 Exam?
The Series 65 exam is broken down into four parts (by content area). These topics include:
- Economic factors and business information
- Investment vehicle characteristics
- Client investment recommendations and strategies
- Laws, regulations and guidelines, including prohibition or unethical business practices
See below for more detailed breakdown or visit NASAA.
Investment Vehicle Characteristics
- Basic economic concepts
- Financial reporting
- Quantitative methods
- Types of risk
Economic Factors and Business Information
- Types and characteristics of cash and cash equivalents
- Types and characteristics of fixed income securities
- Methods used to determine the value of fixed income securities
- Types and characteristics of equity securities
- Methods used to determine the value of equity securities
- Types and characteristics of pooled investments
- Methods used to determine the value of pooled investments
- Types and characteristics of derivative securities
- Alternative Investments
- Insurance-based products
Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies
- Type of client
- Client profile
- Capital Market Theory
- Portfolio management styles and strategies
- Portfolio management techniques
- Tax Considerations
- Retirement plans
- ERISA issues
- Special types of account
- Trading securities
- Performance measures
Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines, including Prohibition on Unethical
Business Practices
- State and Federal Securities Acts and related rules and regulations
- Ethical practices and fiduciary obligations