The Series 6 registration can be essential for many financial securities professionals, including financial advisors (FAs), retirement plan specialists, investment advisors, and even private bankers. The importance of this registration is that it gives a person the ability to offer some of the most sought after financial products. As to be expected, passing the Series 6 Exam on the first try requires an efficient study plan.
What the Series 6 Exam Covers
The FINRA-administered Series 6 Exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover a variety of different topics, such as mutual funds, variable annuities, insurance products, and retirement plans, as well as both securities and tax regulations.
The specific breakdown of the exam is as follows:
| Major Job Functions | Number of Questions |
| 1 – Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer from Customers and Potential Customers | 12 |
| 2 – Opens Accounts After Obtaining and Evaluating Customers’ Financial Profile and Investment Objectives | 8 |
| 3 – Provides Customers with Information About Investments, Makes Recommendations, Transfers Assets, and Maintains Appropriate Records | 25 |
| 4 – Obtains and Verifies Customers’ Purchase and Sales Instructions; Processes, Completes, and Confirms Transactions | 5 |
A person is allotted 90 minutes to complete the exam and must correctly answer 35 out of 50 questions to pass.
Why Financial Advisors Should Offer Annuities
As indicated above, passing the Series 6 Exam qualifies a person to offer a variety of products, one of which is annuities. An annuity allows investors to pool their funds on a tax-deferred basis and eventually use them for their future retirement. For many clients, this can be a great option, especially because there’s no annual contribution limit and they can choose from a variety of payment options.
Many financial advisors offer annuities to their clients because they’re a great way for clients to save their hard-earned dollars, to secure retirement income, and to complement other sources that provide retirement income. By offering annuities, FAs are able to provide more well-rounded resources and reduce the chances of their clients turning elsewhere for assistance.
The Series 6 Exam Allows FAs to Offer Insurance Advice
When constructing a financial plan for a client, providing insurance advice can be an important element. FAs who have a life insurance license and have also passed the Series 6 Exam are in a great position to offer optimal advice. They can help their clients identify their budgets and determine their specific financial needs so that the right plan can be chosen. In the role of a third party for the client, an FA can offer unbiased insurance advice that best suits their clients’ objectives.
STC Helps Students Gain Knowledge, Pass the Test, and Apply the Concepts In the Real World
With more than 50 years of experience, Securities Training Corporation has only one goal in mind — to help students pass their licensing exams and gain the knowledge they need to succeed in the finance industry. In fact, STC has spent countless hours perfecting its study programs to help students excel on their tests and learn concepts for life.
Not only does STC offer double the number of course offerings of any competitor, but it also understands that learning is different for each individual. STC tailors its study materials to each student’s needs through the use of:
- Flashcards and custom practice exams
- One-on-one conversations with instructors
- Live online (virtual) lectures
- Recorded lectures
- Detailed videos of concepts
STC’s user-friendly technology makes courses and study materials easily accessible. Whether students want to learn via laptop, desktop, or even cell phone, STC provides the options to make it possible to study and learn in the most convenient way.
Clients Want Well-Rounded Advisors
Receiving well-rounded training is essential for a financial advisor, especially because all areas of financial planning are intertwined in some way. Consider this, if a new tax law is released, the change can impact both estate planning and investment strategy.
Any change in the financial services industry can have a ripple effect on a client’s entire financial future. When FAs are well-informed, they have the education and experience needed to properly plan and protect their client’s financial future. The Series 6 Exam is an important part of this process since it gives FAs the qualification they need to offer additional services.
Tips for Passing the Series 6
Listed below are some tips to help financial advisors pass Series 6 like a pro:
- Skip tough questions and come back to them.
- The test generally begins and ends with easier questions; therefore, the more difficult questions are found in the middle. Don’t get flustered with the complicated questions; you’ll face easier ones soon.
- Don’t second guess yourself.
- Read each question completely, and then carefully consider each of the answers.
- Don’t rush. Rushing can lead to careless mistakes and missed questions.
To help your financial advisors pass the Series 6 Exam on their first attempt, contact Securities Training Corporation today. STC takes pride in having the high
