How to Get Your Series 7 License

What is a Series 7 license?

Known as the General Securities Registered Representative license, this license allows you to sell a broad range of securities. A holder is allowed to sell corporate stocks and bonds, municipal bonds, mutual funds, variable annuities, options, direct participation program (DPP) partnerships, and packaged securities (i.e., collateralized mortgage obligations).

The Series 7 is generally preferred by banks and broker dealers for new recruits coming directly into the financial services industry. Those who get this license are officially listed as registered representatives by FINRA, but are more commonly referred to as stockbrokers.

4 Steps to Earn Your Series 7 License

Below are the four steps to earn your Series 7 license.

Step 1: Take and Pass the SIE Exam

The SIE exam tests common topics such as fundamentals, regulatory agencies and their functions, product knowledge, and acceptable and unacceptable practices. You can take the SIE exam before being sponsored by a firm and even while you are still in school. You have a four-year window in which to take and pass any of the representative level top-off exams, like Series 7, after passing the SIE exam. Note that FINRA says that the SIE and Series 7 exams are "corequisites," which does not mean you have to take them at the same time. What FINRA means is that you have to pass both to get your license, but you can take them in any order.

Download "A Candidate's Guide to the SIE Exam" to take your first step toward SIE Exam success.

Step 2: Secure a Sponsorship

To take the Series 7 exam, you must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm or a self-regulatory organization (SRO). Firms apply for candidates to take the exam by filing a Uniform Application for Security Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4). There is also an exam fee that is commonly covered by the sponsoring firm.

Step 3: Study for the Series 7 Exam

Once you secure your sponsorship, you can take the top-off exam for the Series 7 license. Most candidates also choose to take the SIE before they take the Series 7, but you can take it first if you prefer and the SIE afterwards.

The licensing exam is not exactly a walk in the park. You need to study with purpose and planning. To help you out, many retail brokerage firms have an in-house training program or, in some cases, they have an agreement with an external training provider. Series 7 study materials go a long way toward helping you pass your Series 7 exam the first time.

Series 7 Exam Format

The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete it.

The following table shows the major job functions covered by the exam (1 through 4) with the associated number of questions:

Step 4: Pass the Series 7 Exam

FINRA makes it easy to enroll for your exams, because they also administer the exams for your NASAA licenses. Simply visit this page.

Ready to Start Preparing for the Series 7 Exam?

Series 7 licensing exam prep can really give you the edge you need to pass. Learn more about our live and online study options, and how to purchase a Series 7 exam prep.