Should I take the 7 or 66 first?

You should generally take the Series 7 first, as it's required to sell a broad range of securities, and then the Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam) to fulfill state-specific requirements for Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) or securities agent status, often after passing the SIE first. The Series 7 covers general securities, while the Series 66 focuses on state laws and regulations, complementing the Series 7 by adding the necessary state-level authority.

Do you take series 66 or 7 first?

Series 7 is a prerequisite for the 66. You can take the 65 and then the 7 instead.

Which exam is harder, Series 7 or 66?

The Series 66 is challenging but not as comprehensive as some other financial exams: Compared to Series 7: Series 66 is more focused on state-specific regulations and compliance, whereas Series 7 covers a much wider range of investment products and trading practices.

What percent of people pass Series 7 on first try?

The FINRA Series 7 pass rate is not officially published by FINRA, but industry estimates place it around 65-70% for first-time takers, meaning roughly 1 in 3 people fail initially, though pass rates for large corporate programs can be higher (75-80%). To pass on the first attempt, comprehensive study, including a strong prep course and focused review of tricky concepts, is crucial, with some sources suggesting 80-150+ study hours depending on prior finance experience. 

What is the difference between Series 7 and 66?

Distinct from the Series 7 exam, the Series 66 license does not permit the direct sale of securities. Instead, the focus of this exam is to assess eligibility to function as an investment adviser representative (IAR) and securities agent, provided the candidate has already obtained a Series 7 license.

Which test should I take? Series 65 or Series 66?

What is the hardest FINRA exam to pass?

The FINRA Series 7 (General Securities Representative Exam) is widely considered the hardest due to its breadth, depth, length, and complexity, covering a vast array of financial products and regulations, requiring application of concepts, not just memorization. Other difficult exams include the Series 79 (Investment Banking Representative) for its technical focus on valuation and deal structuring, and the Series 3 (National Commodities Futures), known for its extensive content and difficulty, especially for options. 

What is the average salary for a Series 7 and 66?

As of Jan 11, 2026, the average annual pay for a Series 7 Series 66 Licensed in the United States is $127,750 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $61.42 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,456/week or $10,645/month.

Is Series 7 harder than CPA?

The CPA exam is generally considered harder than the Series 7 because it's much broader, covering accounting, auditing, regulation, and business, while the Series 7 focuses specifically on securities, requiring four times the material (four exams vs. one), with lower pass rates for each CPA section (around 50%) compared to the Series 7's ~65-70%, making the CPA a greater test of endurance and comprehensive knowledge. However, the Series 7's length and detailed investment questions can be challenging, especially without prior finance knowledge, notes Sacramento Bee and Miami Herald. 

Did Kim Kardashian pass the bar exam to be a lawyer?

No, Kim Kardashian has not yet passed the California Bar Exam; she failed her most recent attempt in late 2025 but shared tearful reactions and vowed to keep studying, fueled by coming "so close," with plans to retake the difficult exam in 2026. She announced the setback on social media, expressing determination despite the disappointment, which was also featured on The Kardashians. 

What is the hardest insurance exam to pass?

There's no single "hardest" insurance exam, but the Property & Casualty (P&C) and Life, Accident & Health (L&H) exams are often cited as challenging due to complex liability concepts (P&C) or dense policy details (L&H), with Nevada's P&C exam noted for its higher 80% passing score. For those seeking advanced financial roles, FINRA exams like Series 7 are considered much harder, covering stocks, bonds, and complex regulations, though these are securities licenses, not pure insurance. 

Is Series 7 a lot of math?

Math Exists, But It's Manageable: You'll encounter basic calculations, but don't worry—it's mostly about understanding investments, not doing calculus. Practice Tests Are Essential: Using tools like free Series 7 practice tests helps you get used to the format and build testing stamina.

Can I take series 66 without Series 7?

To pass the Series 66 exam, candidates must correctly answer at least 73 of the 100 scored questions. There is no prerequisite for the Series 66 exam. However, the Series 7 exam is a co-requisite to the Series 66 exam. The Series 66 exam is available online only for candidates who require a testing accommodation.

How long should I study for Series 66?

The Series 66 qualifies you to act as both a securities agent and an investment adviser representative, assuming you've also passed the Series 7 exam. How long should I study for the Series 66 exam? Most candidates spend about 60–100 hours studying.

Is the 66 easier than the 7?

NASAA assembled a committee of securities industry experts to avoid overlap with the Series 7 exam. This helped eliminated duplicate questions between the two tests. As a result, the Series 66 exam is considered by most to be an easier test.

How to get a 100% on every test?

To get 100% on every test, you need active learning, consistent habits, and error analysis, focusing on understanding concepts deeply (not just memorizing), practicing with mock tests to mimic exam conditions, using techniques like active recall and spaced repetition, and analyzing past mistakes to prevent repeats, ensuring you know the material so well you can perform without notes. It requires discipline and strategic effort, focusing on how you learn as much as what you learn, while also managing your body and mind with rest and nutrition. 

Is studying 3 hours a day enough?

Research suggests that students should spend approximately 2-3 hours, per credit hour, studying in order to be successful in their courses. STEM classes often require 3-4 hours, per credit hour, of studying to be successful. Think about how you normally study.

How many times did Michelle Obama take the bar exam?

Michelle Obama took the Illinois bar exam twice, failing the first time but passing on her second attempt, which she found devastating but ultimately insignificant to her future career, according to her book Becoming and legal sites like JD Advising and Bar Exam Toolbox. 

How did Kim lose 16lbs in 3 weeks?

She lost 16 pounds in 3 weeks to fit into her vintage Met Gala gown. How did Kardashian lose weight? She says she cut carbs and ate “just the cleanest veggies and protein.” She also ran on a treadmill and wore a sauna suit twice a day. Kardashian's 3-week weight loss sparked concern over the impact on mental health.

Who's richer, Taylor Swift or Kim Kardashian?

Kim Kardashian just pulled ahead of Taylor Swift in terms of net worth — and she did it with her shapewear brand. According to Forbes, the business mogul's fortune has climbed to an estimated $1.9 billion, officially surpassing Taylor Swift's recently reported 1.6 billion net worth.

Can a CPA make 300k a year?

Yes, a CPA can absolutely make $300k, especially in senior leadership roles like Partner, CFO, or Director in large firms or corporations, or by owning a successful practice, though it typically requires significant experience (10+ years), specialization, business development, and working in high-cost areas like major cities, with partners at large firms often earning well over $300k. 

Is the Series 7 harder than the bar?

No, the Series 7 is generally considered less difficult than the Bar Exam, as the Bar tests broad legal principles with essays and is seen as more comprehensive, while the Series 7 focuses on specific financial products and rules through multiple-choice questions, making difficulty depend on your background, though both are challenging. Many find the Bar Exam's scope and essay component harder, while the Series 7's detailed application of complex financial rules can also be demanding.
 

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

What profession makes $400,000 a year?

Professions making $400,000 a year generally fall into medicine (specialty surgeons, anesthesiologists, dentists), high-level corporate roles (CEOs, C-Suite), finance (investment banking, top finance execs), law (partners), technology (senior engineers, tech sales), and top-tier sales (medical equipment, enterprise software). These roles demand significant education, experience, specialized skills, or high performance, often with compensation including bonuses and stock. 

Can financial advisors make $500,000 a year?

Yes, many experienced financial advisors earn $500k or much more, though it depends heavily on experience, client base (Assets Under Management), specialization (like CFP), and business structure, with some top advisors exceeding $1 million annually. While the average advisor's salary is lower, senior advisors with significant experience and large AUM can easily reach and surpass the $500k mark by focusing on high-net-worth clients, strategic partnerships, and delivering high-value services. 

Can you make 300K as an actuary?

Yes, an actuary can definitely make $300k, especially in senior executive roles (like CFO, CRO) or as a top consultant, with full credentials (FCAS/FSA) and significant experience (20+ years), often boosted by bonuses, specialized skills in high-demand areas like data science, and working in lucrative sectors like reinsurance or investment. While most actuaries don't reach this level, it's a realistic goal for those who advance to leadership or specialized positions in the finance and insurance industries.