Choosing your Series 6 vs Series 7 comes down to matching the exam to your role. This guide separates the introductory SIE, the FINRA representative exams, and the NASAA state-law and adviser exams, then points you to securities exam prep providers — including current CertLaunch partner pricing — so you can compare before you buy.
Securities exam overview
The Series 6 and Series 7 are both FINRA representative exams that need the SIE and a sponsoring firm. The difference is scope: the Series 6 covers packaged investment products, while the Series 7 covers general securities.
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Same category, different scope12
Both the Series 6 and the Series 7 are FINRA representative-level top-off exams. Both have the SIE as a corequisite, and both require association with and sponsorship by a FINRA member firm. What separates them is what they let you sell.
The Series 6 is the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative exam: it covers packaged products like mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts, and municipal fund securities such as 529 plans. The Series 7 is the General Securities Representative exam: it covers a much broader range, including individual stocks and bonds, options, and direct participation programs, in addition to packaged products.
Series 6 vs Series 7 at a glance12
The two exams differ in length, difficulty, and fee.
The Series 61
50 scored questions, 1 hour 30 minutes, passing score 70, $100 fee. Narrower product scope; a common fit for insurance agents adding variable products or roles focused on packaged investments.
The Series 72
125 scored questions, 3 hours 45 minutes, passing score 72, $395 fee. Broad general-securities authority and the more demanding exam of the two.
Which one do you need?12
It comes down to the products your role involves. If you only need to sell mutual funds and variable insurance products, the Series 6 is the narrower, lighter path. If you need to handle individual securities and options too, the Series 7 is required. Many firms default to the Series 7 because it is broader, but confirm with your firm what your role actually requires.
Which is harder, and how to prepare12
The Series 7 is the harder exam by scope and length (125 vs 50 questions, higher passing score, broader content). Both test application and suitability rather than pure recall, so realistic practice questions matter for either.
Once you know your exam, compare providers on the matching CertLaunch page. Two carry CertLaunch partner pricing: Kaplan Financial Education (20% off) and ExamFX / Training Consultants (30% off with code Cert30).
Compare securities exam prep providers
Once you know your exam, use the securities exam prep comparison to see current package prices, provider formats, and available CertLaunch partner pricing. Compare before you buy instead of paying the first list price you see.
Compare securities exam prep providers side-by-side — with available partner pricing.
Review provider format, package level, exam-prep support, current price, and discount workflow in one place before you enroll.
Securities exam FAQs
What is the difference between the Series 6 and the Series 7?12
Both are FINRA representative exams with the SIE corequisite and a sponsor requirement. The Series 6 covers packaged products (mutual funds, variable annuities/life, UITs, 529s); the Series 7 covers general securities including individual stocks, bonds, and options.
Should I take the Series 6 or the Series 7?12
Take the Series 6 if your role is limited to packaged investment products; take the Series 7 if you need broad general-securities authority. Your firm and role decide.
Is the Series 7 harder than the Series 6?12
Generally yes. The Series 7 is longer (125 vs 50 questions), has a higher passing score (72 vs 70), and covers a much broader range of securities.
Do both require a sponsor?12
Yes. Both the Series 6 and the Series 7 are representative-level exams that require the SIE as a corequisite and sponsorship by a FINRA member firm.
How much do the Series 6 and Series 7 exams cost?12
Per FINRA, the Series 6 exam fee is $100 and the Series 7 exam fee is $395. Exam-prep prices are separate; compare them on the Series 6 and Series 7 exam-prep pages.
Sources and citations
CertLaunch uses official state, application, exam-vendor, statute, and administrative-code sources for regulated licensing facts. Verify details before forms, exams, fingerprints, or renewal.
- 1Official sourceFINRA Series 6 examhttps://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series6 ↗
- 2Official sourceFINRA Series 7 examhttps://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/qualification-exams/series7 ↗