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What is the Series 66 exam?

Two registrations in one exam — if you are taking the Series 7 anyway.

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In short

The Series 66 — NASAA's Uniform Combined State Law Examination — qualifies you as both a broker-dealer agent and an investment adviser representative. It has 100 scored questions plus 10 unscored, a 150-minute limit, and a passing mark of 73 of 100. It has no prerequisite, but the Series 7 is a corequisite — which is exactly why it exists: for people going through the full broker path who also need the adviser registration, it replaces taking the 63 and 65 separately.

The exam, as published

From FINRA's Series 66 page (read 2026-09-01).
FactValue
Scored questions100 (plus 10 unscored)
Time limit150 minutes
Passing73 of 100 correct
PrerequisiteNone — the Series 7 is a corequisite
Qualifies asBroker-dealer agent and investment adviser representative

The decision, plainly

Which state-law exam fits which path.
Your pathExam
Broker-dealer agent onlySeries 63
Investment adviser representative only, no Series 7Series 65
Series 7 holder who needs both registrationsSeries 66

Because the 66 pairs with the Series 7, the full stack for a dually registered representative is SIE → Series 7 → Series 66. The 66's two halves can each be kept valid between jobs under NASAA's EVEP, in states adopting the model rule.

The ladder starts at the SIE

Whichever top-off you end up needing, the SIE comes first — and it is the one exam you can prepare for before any firm hires you.

Start free SIE practice

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Series 66?

100 scored questions plus 10 unscored, with 150 minutes to finish. Passing requires 73 of the 100 scored questions correct.

Does the Series 66 require the Series 7?

The Series 7 is a corequisite: the 66 has no prerequisite, but the combined registration it grants pairs with a Series 7. Without one, the adviser route is the Series 65.

Does the Series 66 replace the 63 and 65?

For a Series 7 holder, yes — it grants both the broker-dealer agent and investment adviser representative qualifications that the 63 and 65 grant separately.

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