Hi there, our dear reader.

Welcome to our insightful article on the Series 6 exam prep.

This is our first article in our eight-series Series 6 exam study resources.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of the articles in this study hub.

By the end of the session, you’ll have tips to help prepare and take the Series 6 exam.

In brief, we’ll discuss:

  • How to navigate the Series 6 study hub
  • Series 6 test prep tips
  • Tips to take the Series 6 exam

Let’s get started right away.

Other free series 6 study materials:

  1. Series 6 exam prep
  2. Series 6 study plan
  3. Series 6 study guide
  4. Series 6 practice exam
  5. Series 6 flashcards
  6. Series 6 cheat sheet
  7. Series 6 Exam FAQ
  8. Best Series 6 study materials

How to Navigate the Series 6 Study Hub

Our Series 6 study hub has all the resources you need to ace the exam.

The first navigation menu allows you to skip to the article you are interested in in the hub.

The second navigation menu takes you to any topic in this article.

The sidebar navigation gives you a snapshot of the topics we’ll cover in this article.

You can also use the sidebar navigation to choose a topic.

The sidebar navigation is on the bottom right if you are using a mobile device.

With the brief guideline on our series 6 study hub, let’s give you an overview of the different articles in the hub.

The Series 6 study plan article has downloadable study calendars for one month, three months, six months, and twelve months.

You can download the study plan that best suits you.

The article also covers how long it takes to study for the Series 6 exam, creating an effective study plan, and tips to make the most of the Series 6 study plan.

Here you can check our Series 6 study plan.

The Series 6 study guide gives you the guidelines you need to cover the Series 6 exam content.

This article covers the four functions of the Investment Company, and Variable Contracts Products Representative tested in the exam.

The guide gives you a brief introduction to each of the functions and then introduces you to the study guide for each chapter.

Here is a link to our Free Series 6 study guide.

The practice exam article has five full-length Series 6 practice exams.

The full-length exams give you an overview of your areas of strengths and weaknesses.

From there, you can take the practice tests that cover the individual exam sections to enhance your knowledge in the sections you are weak in.

We’ll also give you tips to make the most of the practice tests.

Here is a link to our Free Series 6 practice exam and practice quizzes.

Flashcards are an excellent way to learn.

Thus, this article offers free digital flashcards.

We have 500 plus flashcards.

The flashcards are divided into the four functions tested in the exam.

The cards have several navigation functions, which we’ve explained in the article, to make your work easy.

Here is a link to our Free Series 6 Flashcards.

Find a downloadable Series 6 cheat sheet you can use at your own time.

Learn how you can use the cheat sheet for the best results.

Here is a link to our Series 6 cheat sheet.

The Series 6 study materials cover our top picks regarding Series 6 exam prep courses.

The top providers we’ll discuss include Securities Institute of America, Securities Training Corporation, Kaplan Financial Education, ExamFX, and Knopmanmarks.

We’ll talk about the study packages, materials, and costs.

We’ll also let you know what makes these prep course providers stand out and what they need to improve.

Here is a link that talks about the Best premium Series 6 study materials.

Our last article on the Series 6 study hub is FAQs.

Our goal is to address all the questions you’ve been asking us about this qualification exam.

We’ll also highlight the exam structure and pass-fail rate.

Here is link to our Series 6 exam frequenntly asked questions page.

Series 6 Test Prep Tips

We always get questions like, “How do I pass the Series 6 exam?”

There are no hard and fast rules here other than ensuring you are prepared. 

It’s recommended that candidates taking the Series 6 exam put in at least 40 to 60 hours of study time. 

Studying for Series 6 by following just the coursework is often not enough.

For some, it may be, but for most, additional study tools are necessary.

This includes extras such as:

  • Using Series 6 flashcards
  • Taking as many Series 6 practice tests as you can
  • Following Series 6 exam study guides
  • Going through exam prep courses

Over and above that, candidates can prepare thoroughly by using Series 6 mock exams. 

Our Series 6 study hub has all the study resources you need to prepare for this qualification exam.

That said, with the Series 6 study materials, what strategies can you employ to ace the exam?

Here are expert insights into Series 6 exam prep.

Create a Study Schedule

Once you’ve registered for your exam, you have a 120-day period to write it.

That’s four months and certainly more than enough to cover all the coursework, take extra tests and work through the study guide. 

But the best way to plan all this is by drawing up an effective Series 6 study plan.

For some, this might be very in-depth, while for others, a framework is good enough.

Whatever works for you, make sure you prepare the schedule and stick to it.

Another top tip is to include revision time as the exam approaches to help refresh your memory.

Series 6 practice questions are the best.

You can get better results if you start with full-length Series 6 practice exams to identify the sections you are weak in and then use the practice tests to polish those areas.

It’s recommended that you dedicate 40 to 60 hours of study time for Series 6 exam preparation.

Cramming Won’t Work

While some test-takers thrive under pressure and love to cram, we want to clarify that it doesn’t help you much.

Series 6 test questions are more situational than definitional.

That means you must thoroughly review the Series 6 exam materials to have any chance of passing.

Cramming will backfire big time.

And that’s why creating a study schedule is important.

Use the 120 waiting days effectively.

If you spread your Series 6 prep across the four months, you won’t need to cram.

Passing the Series 6 exam will be a lot easier.

Use Internet Resources

There is so much information online that you can use to help you prepare properly.

Use them to your advantage and as part of your preparation.

Straight up, there are dozens of Series 6 prep courses online.

These online courses come with many study resources, including flashcards, a study guide, simulation exams, and video classes that make exam prep easy.

Exam prep courses generally aren’t free, but they will go a long way to help ensure that you are part of the 59% that pass the Series 6 exam the first time.

There are also podcasts and YouTube videos on the Series 6 exam.

Don’t limit yourself.

Find additional information online for content you don’t understand.

Take Many Exam Practice Questions

We cannot stress enough just how critical practice exams are to pass any FINRA securities exam. 

They’ll give you the best idea of how your Series 6 studying is going and if you are ready for the exam or not. 

Take as many as you can!

You’ll know areas you struggle in and have an idea of the questions you can expect in the actual exam.

Your Series 6 exam prep time should have a specific time for the practice exams.

Be sure to review the tests after you are done.

You’ll better understand the concepts, find out how different ideas connect, and better apply that knowledge.

Understand the Concepts

As we’ve already mentioned, this exam tests your understanding using situational scenarios.

Thus, it goes without saying that understanding the concepts is key.

While the exam will have questions where you will need to know certain formulas and definitions, understanding concepts are far more important in reaching the passing score.

In other words, memorizing all the formulas isn’t necessary if the concept behind them makes sense to you.

Take Many Exam Practice Questions

We cannot stress enough just how critical practice exams are to pass any FINRA securities exam 

They’ll give you the best idea of how your Series 6 studying is going and if you are ready for the exam or not. 

Take as many as you can!

You’ll know areas you are struggling in for knowledge, and also give you an idea of the questions you can expect in the actual exam.

Your Series 6 exam prep time should have a specific time for the practice exams.

Be sure to review the tests after you are done.

You’ll better understand the concepts, find out how different ideas connect and better apply that information.

Understand the Concepts

As we’ve already mentioned, this exam doesn’t test definitions to a large extent.

Thus, it goes without saying that understanding the concepts is key.

While the exam will have questions where you will need to know certain formulas and definitions to answers, understanding concepts is far more important to obtaining the passing score.

In other words, memorizing all the formulas isn’t necessary if the concept behind them makes sense to you.

Tips to Take the Series 6 Exam

Preparing for the Series 6 exam is one thing and applying the knowledge learned to pass the exam is another.

When taking the actual exam, you need more than the Series 6 study materials you’ve gone above and beyond to master.

There are a few tricks that will determine whether you’ll pass the exam on the first try or not.

Luckily, we are kind enough to share test-taking tips to make your investment company variable contracts products representative exam bearable.

Get Enough Sleep the Night Before the Exam

While you might be tempted to pull an all-nighter the night before the exam, we want to warn you early on that’s the worst choice you’ll ever make.

Reading too much over a short period will cause information overload.

There are high chances that your brain will shut down and barely recall the information you hammered in at night.

Plus, if you’ve been studying all along, there’s honestly no need to panic.

You need to rest well the night before the exam.

Read the Questions and Answers Carefully

Understanding the question first before reviewing the answers is key to passing any exam.

Although it sounds simple enough, many people jump straight to the answer they think is right without thoroughly checking out the question or the answers.

This approach will guarantee you failure in the FINRA Series 6 exam without a shadow of a doubt.

An excellent way to give yourself a fighting chance is to read the question carefully and all the answers.

Consider each of the choices carefully before settling for the most correct one.

If you are struggling with the question, it makes sense to move on and come back to it when you have the time.

Don’t let a tough question eat up your exam time.

Use the Elimination Process

When reading the answer choices, eliminate the ones that are outrightly wrong.

Continue the elimination process until you find the correct answer among the choices given.

This strategy works most of the time because it forces one to read the question carefully a few times to determine which choices are not suitable.

You’ll also need to thoroughly study the test question before you settle for the correct answer.

Remember Series 6 top-off exam takes 90 minutes.

That means you’ll spend a few seconds short of two minutes on each question.

Please don’t dwell on elimination, even when it’s clear you don’t know the answer.

Guess If You Must

This Series 6 exam tip is a follow-up to the point above.

If you don’t have the slightest idea of what the answer is, give it your best guess.

Guessing is better than not answering a question at all.

Plus, there is a 50/50 chance that you’ll get it right.

Take that chance.

Let’s also point out that guessing shouldn’t be a habit.

Resort to guessing when you genuinely don’t know the answer.

Thank you for taking the time to read our comprehensive guide to Series 6 exam prep.

We’ve given you a breakdown of our Series 6 study hub.

Further, we’ve highlighted some great tips to help you prepare and take the Series 6 exam.

We hope these tips will come in handy.

Series 6 Exam Prep Frequently Asked Question

How do I study for the Series 6 exam?

The best way to study for the Series 6 exam is to check the content outline and create a study schedule that covers all the exam content and stick by it. Read your exam prep course textbook first, then reinforce that knowledge using flashcards and practice exams.

Is the Series 6 exam hard?

The Series 6 exam is moderately difficult. The fail rate is 41% for first-time test-takers. There are several study packages you can purchase to help you prepare for the exam. Some of the prep course providers offer online classes. Also, take quizzes at the end of the chapters and practice exams.

How long do you need to study for Series 6?

The recommended study time is 40-60 hours. However, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority gives test-takers 120 days to take the exam from the registration day. You can start your exam prep for the licensing exam immediately. You’ll have enough time to prepare adequately for the Series 6 exam.

Is Series 6 or 7 easier?

The Series 6 is easier than the Series 7 exam. Series 6 exam covers a limited number of securities products, including variable annuities, retirement plans, life insurance, mutual funds, and investment unit trust. Series 7 is more comprehensive, covering many investment products, including options, securities, etc.

Is Series 6 hard to pass?

No! You only need to know how to prepare for the Series 6 exam. You can leverage Series 6 exam prep courses. Use different study materials to review the exam content. Test your understanding using practice exams. And keep taking them until you consistently score 80% and above.

What’s harder, Series 6 or 7?

The Series 7 exam is harder than Series 6. Series 7 exam has 125 multiple-choice questions that take 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The exam is quite comprehensive. Series 6 has 55 multiple-choice questions that take 90 minutes to complete.

What is the Series 6 exam?

It’s formerly referred to as the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Qualification Examination. The exam tests candidates on mutual funds, retirement plans, variable annuities, securities and tax regulations, and variable life insurance products. The securities industry essentials (SIE exam) is a co-requisite to earn the Series 6 license.

How much does it cost to take the Series 6?

The Series 6 exam costs $40. The amount is paid by the sponsoring firm, which may be a FINRA member firm or an SRO. The firm fills the form U4 and makes the payment. Once they’ve booked the exam, they’ll notify you so that you start preparing.

What is the passing score for Series 6?

The passing score for the Series 6 exam is 70%. The exam has 50 scored questions. Hence, test-takers must score 35 questions or more to pass the exam. If you fail, you’ll have 30 waiting days to retake the exam. Further, you’ll be required to pay the full exam fee.

References

Test-Guide

Securities Training Corporation

Investopedia

State Requirement

Knopmanmarks

Solomon Exam Prep

Securities Institute of America

Kaplan Financial Education


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