About the Series 63 Exam
Everything you need to know about the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination.
60
Questions
Multiple choice format
75
Minutes
To complete the exam
72%
Passing Score
43 of 60 correct
NASAA State Law Exam
About the Series 63 Exam
The Series 63 exam, officially called the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, is administered by FINRA on behalf of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Passing the Series 63 is required by most states for individuals who want to become registered securities agents.
The exam covers state securities regulations, ethical business practices, and the Uniform Securities Act. However, it must be paired with a FINRA qualification exam (such as the Series 6 or Series 7) and sponsorship by a FINRA-member firm to obtain full registration.
Who is the Series 63 Exam for?
The Series 63 exam is required for professionals who want to represent a broker-dealer and solicit or process securities transactions at the state level. Most states require the Series 63 in addition to a FINRA qualification exam, such as the Series 6 or Series 7. Check your state's specific registration requirements. You don't need firm sponsorship to take the Series 63 exam. You can self-enroll through FINRA by filing Form U10 and paying the exam fee directly. If you're already affiliated with a firm, they'll typically register you using Form U4 instead.
What is covered on the Series 63 Exam?
The Series 63 exam tests what a securities agent needs to know about state laws and ethical practices—not product math. It focuses on how agents and broker-dealers must register, communicate, and conduct business ethically under the Uniform Securities Act and related NASAA rules. The test covers several key areas:
- Ethical Practices & Obligations (25%)
- Communication with Customers & Prospects (20%)
- Regulation of Broker-Dealers (12%)
- Regulation of Agents of Broker-Dealers (13%)
- Regulation of Securities & Issuers (9%)
- Remedies & Administrative Provisions (11%)
- Regulation of Investment Advisers (5%)
- Regulation of Investment Adviser Representatives (5%)
You have 75 minutes to complete the exam. The exam fee is $147, and you have 120 days from enrollment to schedule your exam at a Prometric testing center. Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam Specifications
Series 63 Exam Details
Key facts about the Series 63 Exam.
[icon]mdi:clipboard-list-outline[/icon]
[title]Exam Format[/title]
[text]60 scored multiple-choice questions plus 5 unscored pretest questions.[/text]
[icon]mdi:timer-outline[/icon]
[title]Time Limit[/title]
[text]1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) to complete the exam.[/text]
[icon]mdi:check-circle-outline[/icon]
[title]Passing Score[/title]
[text]72% required (at least 43 of 60 scored questions correct).[/text]
[icon]mdi:account-outline[/icon]
[title]Prerequisites[/title]
[text]No sponsorship required. Self-enroll via Form U10 or through your firm.[/text]
What's Covered on the Series 63 Exam
The Series 63 Exam focuses on state securities law and ethics.
[title]Ethics & Obligations[/title]
[icon]mdi:scale-balance[/icon]
[text]25% of exam - Ethical practices and obligations under state law.[/text]
[title]Communications[/title]
[icon]mdi:message-text-outline[/icon]
[text]20% of exam - Rules for communicating with customers and prospects.[/text]
[title]Broker-Dealers[/title]
[icon]mdi:office-building[/icon]
[text]12% of exam - Regulation of broker-dealers under state law.[/text]
[title]Securities & Issuers[/title]
[icon]mdi:certificate-outline[/icon]
[text]9% of exam - Regulation of securities and issuers.[/text]
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Everything you need to pass the Series 63 Exam on your first try.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for the Series 63?
There are no specific education, age, or experience prerequisites set in the exam rules—states set their own registration requirements. Most candidates are adults preparing for state registration. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Do I need to be sponsored to take the Series 63?
No. You don't need firm sponsorship to take the Series 63 exam. Non-sponsored candidates can open an exam window and pay through FINRA using Form U10. If you're already affiliated with a firm, they'll typically register you using Form U4 instead. However, firm sponsorship is required for actual state registration.
How much does the Series 63 Exam cost?
The Series 63 exam registration fee is $147. You have 120 days from enrollment to schedule and take your exam at a Prometric testing center.
What is the retake policy if I fail the Series 63?
If you fail the exam the first or second time, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. If you fail a third time (or more), you must wait 180 days before attempting again. At Acadio, we extend your course access for free until you pass.
How long is my Series 63 registration valid?
Your Series 63 registration stays active as long as you are associated with a broker-dealer and remain properly registered in your state. If you leave your firm, check your state's specific requirements for maintaining or transferring your registration.
What registration do I get after passing?
After passing the Series 63 (and assuming you are associated with a broker-dealer), you become registered as a Uniform Securities Agent in your state. This allows you to legally solicit and process securities transactions at the state level, in conjunction with a FINRA license like the Series 6 or Series 7.
Will my results appear on BrokerCheck?
Yes. Once your registration is approved, your passed Series 63 exam will appear in your FINRA BrokerCheck file. This file includes the exams you have passed, your work history, and any reported incidents or disclosures.
Why do most states require the Series 63?
The Series 63 tests your knowledge of state securities law and the Uniform Securities Act. Most states require it in addition to a FINRA qualification exam (like Series 6 or 7) to ensure securities agents understand state-level regulations, ethical practices, and investor protections beyond federal requirements.
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