Series 7 Exam Pass Rate: How Hard is the Series 7? (2024)

The Series 7 is a tough exam, and the pass rate reflects that. At present, the overall pass rate is 65%. That means that nearly four out of every ten people who take the exam fail.

The good news is that the pass rate has been trending upward in recent years. In 2015, the Series 7 pass rate was just 57%. So there’s been an eight percentage point increase over the last seven years.

Still, a 65% pass rate means that you can’t afford to walk into the exam unprepared. You need to study hard and make use of all the resources at your disposal if you want to have a chance of passing.

What Is the Series 7 Exam?

The Series 7 exam is a test administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It is a general securities representative exam that’s taken by candidates who wish to become a registered representative of a broker-dealer.

The examination covers a wide range of topics related to the corporate securities industry and financial services industry. It requires a thorough understanding of both theory and practice.

What Is the Series 7 Pass Rate?

The overall Series 7 exam pass rate is approximately 65%. However, this number can vary depending on the specific administration of the test, as well as the difficulty level of the questions.

Additionally, candidates who have already passed one or more sections of the Series 7 exam may have a higher likelihood of success than those taking it for the first time. Ultimately, though, the best way to achieve a passing score is to be thoroughly prepared for the exam.

How Hard Is It to Pass Series 7?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the difficulty of the Series 7 exam. First, it covers a lot of material. The exam is divided into sections, each covering different topics.

These sections include:

  • Client & margin accounts
  • Life insurance, annuities
  • Equities
  • Regulation
  • Mutual funds, ETFs
  • Options
  • Municipal bonds
  • Taxation
  • Debt securities
  • Retirement and 529 plans
  • Various finance concepts

These sections cover everything from investment objectives to evaluating customers’ financial profile records.

Each section has a corresponding weight, which determines how many questions will be asked from each topic. The total number of questions on the exam is 125.

Moreover, the questions on the Series 7 are very difficult. They are designed to test your knowledge of the material, as well as your ability to apply it in real-world situations.

In addition, the time limit for the exam is very short. You have only 3.45 hours to complete all 125 questions. This means that you need to be able to work quickly and accurately under pressure.

How Many People Pass the Series 7?

Around 6.5 out of 10 people, or 65%, will pass the Series 7 exam on the first try. The first-time pass rate for the Series 7 has been between 60% and 70% for the past few years.

This is an important distinction, as it shows how difficult the exam is and how prepared you need to be in order to pass it. If the pass rate is low, it means that many people are failing the exam, which could indicate that the exam is too difficult or that people are not adequately preparing for it.

But if you studied and prepared properly, you have a good chance of passing the exam. However, even if you don’t pass the first time, you can still take the exam again.

How to Pass the Series 7

To pass the Series 7 exam, it is important to have a strong understanding of the material covered on the test. One way to gain this understanding is to take an online training course offered by a reputable provider, such as Kaplan or The Securities Institute of America.

Another way to prepare for the Series 7 exam is to use practice tests. These practice tests can be found online and will give you an idea of what types of questions are likely to be asked on the actual exam.

When taking the Series 7 exam, it is important to be well rested and have a positive attitude. The test is challenging, but it is possible to pass if you are prepared and stay calm under pressure.

If you are having difficulty getting a passing score on the Series 7 exam, there are a number of resources that can help you. These resources include Series 7 study guides, practice exams, and online courses.

Tips for Studying for the Series 7

The Series 7 exam is a challenging test, but there are ways to make studying for it more manageable. Here are some tips:

1. Start early and give yourself plenty of time to study. The earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to review material and build your knowledge base.

2. Create a study schedule and stick to it. Consistent daily or weekly study sessions will help you retain information better than cramming right before the test.

3. Understand the format of the exam and focus your studies accordingly. There are 100 multiple-choice questions on the test, so make sure you know how to answer them quickly and accurately.

4. Use practice exams to gauge your progress and identify areas where you need to focus your studies. Taking practice exams under timed conditions will also help you get used to the pacing of the actual test.

5. Get plenty of rest and eat healthy meals on the day of the exam. You want to be mentally and physically prepared for the challenge ahead.

With some hard work and dedication, you can pass the Series 7 exam and begin your career in the investment company securities industry.

COMPARE SERIES 7 PREP COURSES

FAQs on Passing the Series 7

How to pass the Series 7 in a week?

The best way to know how to pass the Series 7 in a week is to study for at least several hours each day for several weeks. Additionally, it can be helpful to take practice exams and to use study aids such as flashcards to help learn and remember the material.

What is the pass rate for Series 7?

The Series 7 license pass rate is around 65%.

How hard is it to pass Series 7?

Yes. The test is difficult, so you need to make sure you are fully prepared before you take it.

Conclusion

With a passing rate of 65%, you’ll want to increase your chances by studying as early and often as you possibly can. It’s worth investing in Series 7 study materials, and most students pass their Series 7 the first time that study with exam prep courses.

Series 7 Exam Pass Rate: How Hard is the Series 7? (2024)

FAQs

Series 7 Exam Pass Rate: How Hard is the Series 7? ›

The Series 7 license pass rate is around 65%. How hard is it to pass Series 7? Yes. The test is difficult, so you need to make sure you are fully prepared before you take it.

How hard is it to pass the Series 7? ›

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) does not report on a Series 7 exam pass rate, but the Series 7 pass rate is estimated to be around 65%. With 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete 125 questions at a required score of 72%, the Series 7 exam doesn't offer a large margin for error.

How many people pass Series 7 on First Try? ›

It is said that roughly 3 out of 10 applicants will fail the Series 7 exam on their first attempt. This would put the Series 7 pass rate at around 70% first time.

Is the Series 7 harder than the bar exam? ›

Is the Series 7 exam harder than the bar exam? The Series 7 and the bar exam are both known for their difficulty. You can't really compare the two because of the differences in content and purpose. Both exams require dedicated study and preparation.

Is the Series 7 or 65 harder? ›

For students who have recently completed the Series 7, this is a moderately difficult exam. The Series 65 is more challenging for students who have not completed the Series 7. It's recommended that students learn through a variety of methods, such as reading, as well as continuous practice exams.

Why is Series 7 exam so hard? ›

The Series 7 exam is broken down by the four job functions (detailed below) that a general securities representative will perform in their role. The questions are designed to test your ability to apply your knowledge of the tasks, rules, and regulations to real-world scenarios.

Can I pass Series 7 in a week? ›

Most financial institutions will provide new hires with Series 7 study materials and will encourage them to allocate about 1 week of dedicated study time. In reality, test takers should spend close to 100 hours, of which at least 20-30 hours should be dedicated to practice exams and questions.

How to pass Series 7 quickly? ›

First, read the Series 7 textbook book completely and fully. Take notes and highlight the key points. Once you have completed the textbook, take as many Series 7 practice questions as you can. The Series 7 exam prep software is designed to help you master the application of the knowledge.

How long should I study for Series 7? ›

How Long To Study For Series 7 Licensing: Recommended Study Time To Pass Your Series 7 Exam: You should plan to spend between 100-150 hours in preparing for both the SIE and Top-Off exams.

Is there a lot of math on the Series 7? ›

How Many Math Questions Are on the Series 7 Exam? There are typically less than 10 math questions on the exam, but they will likely be detailed and require multiple steps. A math question may also incorporate suitability.

What is the hardest bar to pass? ›

Yes, the California bar exam is widely considered to be the most difficult of all state bar exams in the US. The California bar exam has a pass rate of 34%.

Is having a Series 7 license worth it? ›

The Series 7 license is a strong entry into the securities industry. After becoming licensed, professional designations can be earned to further qualify your abilities and reputation.

What is the hardest test in the US? ›

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.

What is a good score on the Series 7? ›

Although the passing score for the Series 7 is a 72, we tend to recommend that people are consistently scoring in the mid-80s to feel confident. Taking the real exam in inherently stressful and you won't be performing at your best, so it's nice to build in a bit of a buffer to compensate for this.

How hard is Series 7 compared to 6? ›

Is Series 6 or Series 7 harder? The Series 7 exam is often viewed as more challenging due to its extensive coverage of securities regulations and financial products, including individual stocks and bonds. Series 6 primarily focuses on how to sell mutual funds and is generally easier for newcomers to the industry.

Is the Series 7 like the bar? ›

Most agree if you don't study seriously, you're dead meat simply because there are so many topics covered in the six-hour, 250-question exam. But it may get more hype than it's worth. Mary Schapiro, NASDR president, has compared the Series 7 to the medical exam for doctors, or the state bar for attorneys.

Is Series 7 harder than CFA? ›

Comparing the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program with the Series 7 is an apples-to-oranges comparison. The CFA program is a rigorous, three-level advanced program, while the Series 7 exams are meant for entry-level registered representatives.

How to pass Series 7 on first try? ›

Key Series 7 Test-Taking Tips Covered Below:
  1. Read the full question before answering.
  2. Identify what the question is asking.
  3. Identify key words and phrases.
  4. Watch out for hedge clauses, for example, except and not.
  5. Eliminate wrong answers.
  6. Identify synonymous terms.
  7. Be wary of changing answers.

What is the hardest exam in America? ›

1. The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) takes the top spot as the most challenging exam in the US, with an average preparation time ranging from 200 to 400 hours for each of its three steps.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Last Updated:

Views: 6210

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (74 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Refugio Daniel

Birthday: 1999-09-15

Address: 8416 Beatty Center, Derekfort, VA 72092-0500

Phone: +6838967160603

Job: Mining Executive

Hobby: Woodworking, Knitting, Fishing, Coffee roasting, Kayaking, Horseback riding, Kite flying

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Refugio Daniel, I am a fine, precious, encouraging, calm, glamorous, vivacious, friendly person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.