If you want to work for an investment or insurance company, chances are, you passed the SIE exam—congratulations! But now, you need to take the FINRA Series 6 exam.
Though the pass rate isn’t published, top exam prep providers estimate the number to be around 58%.
With just over half of exam candidates succeeding, finding the right prep course is a big deal. Luckily for you, I’ve spent countless hours writing about the best exam prep courses, and today, I’ll share my findings for the Series 6 exam.
Whether you want the best of the best or the best for your budget, this list has you covered. Ready to dig in? Let’s do this.
Top 5 Series 6 Exam Prep Courses
Here are my top 5 picks for Series 6 exam candidates!
| Company |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $109-$159 | $143-$285 | $129 | $79-$159 | $149-$169 |
| Access Length | 6 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantee | GreenLight Guarantee™ | STC Pass Guarantee |  | | |
| Practice Exams | Yes, Unlimited | Yes | 35, full length | Yes, Limited | Yes |
| Live Instruction | | Yes, 8 Hours | | Yes, 8 Hours | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Instructor Hotline, 24/7 Tech Support | Phone, Email, Text | InstructorLink™, Phone, Email, Social Media | Phone and Chat Instructor Support |
| Get Started | Get Started | Get Started | Get Started | Get Started |
1. Securities Institute of America (SIA)
My #1 pick has helped over 400,000 students pass securities exams since 1996, which translates to over 10 million test questions answered. They boast a whopping 90% pass rate, meaning prospective Series 6 exam takers can confidently invest in SIA.
Here are some of the top features of their Series 6 prep course:
- 6-Month Access Period
- 100% Money-Back GreenLight Guarantee™
- 10 Hours of Video Content
- 384-Page Textbook (Physical and Digital Options)
- 1,500 Practice Questions
- Detailed Question Answers and Exam Reports
- Unlimited Simulated Final Exams and Topic-Focused Tests
- A Personal Study Calendar
The SIA offers a comprehensive self-study package, a video-specific package (no textbook), or a textbook-specific package (no video content). So, if your learning style emphasizes reading or video, you can save money by opting for a package centered around that type of content.
Pros
- Easy to Understand: SIA’s Series 6 prep course does a phenomenal job breaking down complex topics so they’re easy to understand.
- Exam Quantity and Customization: Not only do you have unlimited mock exam simulations and topic-centric practice tests, but you also have 15 unique ways to customize your exams.
- Tough Questions: SIA prides themselves on their difficult questions, which means candidates are overprepared and pass with ease on exam day.
- Budget-Friendly: SIA’s Series 6 packages range from $109 to $159, which makes them an “easy yes” for candidates on a budget.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Every package comes with their GreenLight Guarantee™, which ensures students can earn their investment back if they fail the exam after performing well in practice.
Cons
- Lack of Live Classes: Some competitors offer live one-off classes for final review. However, the Securities Insitute of America doesn’t provide any live Series 6 courses.
Is the Securities Institute of America Right for You?
The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SIA is an excellent choice for most candidates, with a proven track record of success and a budget-friendly price tag. They’re experts in making tough concepts easy, and their money-back guarantee is second to none. Unless you need some sort of live instruction to pass, SIA is a safe bet for nearly every candidate.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation (STC)
The Securities Training Corporation has a longer history than their competitors, with over 50 years in the industry and over 1.5 million professionals trained through their instruction and study materials. They also boldly state that their students experience 95% first-time pass rates.
Here are some of the top features of their Series 6 prep course:
- STC Pass Guarantee
- 6-Month Access Period
- Instructor Hotline
- 24/7 Tech Support
- Crunch Time Facts
- Digital Flashcards
- Study Manuals (Digital and Printed)
- 21 Hours of Video Lectures
- Chapter Quizzes, Final Exams, Progress Exams, and Green Light Exams
They have three different packages: a fundamental self-study package, an elevated package with additional exams and materials, and a premium package that includes a live virtual class with the recording provided.
Pros
- Live Virtual Class: The Series 6 Top-Off Premier Plus package includes an 8-hour-long virtual class to cover key exam topics. If you can’t attend live, you can view the recording.
- Crunch Time Facts: Any provider that gives you a quick and easy way to remember everything you’ve learned for last-minute studying is doing it right in my book.
- STC Pass Guarantee: If a product doesn’t do what you bought it for, you deserve your money back. STC agrees. Fulfill some prerequisites, and you’re eligible for a 100% refund if you fail.
- Package Variety: Whether you want the bare minimum or everything and more, STC has the perfect package for your Series 6 prep plans.
Cons
- Pricier Than Competitors: STC’s options aren’t the cheapest, but it may be worthwhile if you prefer additions like their live class.
Is the Securities Training Corporation Right for You?
The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
STC is a great pick, with the only flaw being their higher price tag. However, for additional resources like their live classes, you may want to pay more. Their Crunch Time Facts, pass guarantee, and package variety make it a solid option, but SIA is as solid an option for a more affordable price.
Securities Training Corporation
3. Achievable
Achievable feels like a modern response to more “serious” prep options like the Securities Institute of America and the Securities Training Corporation. Their clever and quietly colorful brand exemplifies exactly what and who they truly are: bright, fun, and different.
Their Series 6 prep course includes:
- 12-Month Access Period
- 14+ Short Video Lectures
- Digital Textbook
- 35+ Practice Exams
- 800+ Chapter Quizzes (Not a Typo!)
- Adaptive Learning Technology
Unlike Achievable’s competitors, you only have a single package to choose from, but it includes everything listed for the reasonable price of $129.
Pros
- Adaptive Learning Tools: Another feature of their modern edge, Achievable incorporates adaptive learning tech, which helps students identify their knowledge gaps for efficient study sessions.
- Mobile Platform: Achievable’s courses aren’t just accessible on your phone—they were designed for learning on the go.
- Attention-Span Friendly: Achievable focuses on “quick bite” content, so the modern person with a hectic schedule and diminished attention span (thanks, TikTok) can still learn tough concepts.
- Tons of Practice Content: Achievable doesn’t have unlimited practice options like SIA does; however, 800+ chapter quizzes and 35+ practice exams are nothing to sneeze at.
Cons
- Less Video Content: Though quick bites are great for some, some students may prefer longer and more in-depth video content for learning new material.
- “Bare Bones” Prep: Achievable boasts a shorter study time, but it’s likely because there are fewer study materials. If you need a “no stone unturned” approach, Achievable may not be right for you.
Is Achievable Right for You?
The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Achievable’s modern approach to exam prep is needed and appreciated. Their adaptive learning technology, science-driven approach to building knowledge and memory retention, and their easy reading and quick videos reflect this. And they’re fantastic! Their access length is double the top two on this list. However, if you don’t know anything (or only know very little) about the material already, I’d suggest choosing a course with more depth and coverage, like SIA or STC.
Achievable
4. Kaplan
Kaplan is a test prep juggernaut, and I’m as surprised as you are that Kaplan isn’t higher on this list. After all, they’ve been around for over 80 years—a certified octogenarian. Further, Kaplan proudly and prominently features their instructors as having an average of 20+ years of experience in their teaching industry. Why aren’t they at the top? We’ll get to that, but first things first.
Kaplan’s Series 6 prep course offers:
- 5-Month Access Period
- Live and On-Demand Classes
- SecuritiesPro™ QBank
- Performance Tracking Tools
- A Practice Exam, Midterm Exam, Checkpoint Exams, and a Mastery Exam
- Study Plan
- Class Notes
- InstructorLink™
Kaplan offers four unique packages, ranging in price between $79 for their practice materials package and $159 for their premium offer with live classes.
Pros
- Live Class Option: Though STC offers an 8-hour session, Kaplan features true live classes to cover the material at an affordable price.
- Surprisingly Affordable: Kaplan’s Basic and Essential packages are both fewer than $100 for study materials from one of the most well-known prep providers in the world.
- Quality Questions: Kaplan’s question bank has a wealth of questions that are similar to the difficulty of the questions you’ll find on the actual exam.
Cons
- No Guarantee: Unlike all of the previous entries, Kaplan doesn’t offer a pass guarantee for their Series 6 exam prep packages.
- One-Off Practice Exams: Whereas competitors offer dozens, hundreds, and even unlimited practice exams and quizzes, students can only take Kaplan’s exams once.
Is Kaplan Right for You?
The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
Kaplan is a well-established leader in the exam prep world, offering an affordable Series 6 prep course that stands out as the most budget-friendly option. While it may not offer as many practice exams or a guarantee like some competitors, it delivers value with a comprehensive live class schedule and a decent question bank.
Kaplan
5. ExamFX
ExamFX has helped millions of candidates pass their exams over the course of 4 decades and then some. They offer FINRA Series prep courses, naturally, but they also offer courses for state-specific licensing and prelicensing insurance courses.
Their Series 6 review course presents the following features:
- 6-Month Access Period
- 270-Page Textbook (Digital and Physical)
- On-Demand Video Lectures
- Personalized Study Plan
- Competency Exams, SpotCheck Quizzes, Practice Question Sets, Checkpoint Exams, Benchmark Final, Standard Final Exams
- Custom Exam Generator
- Glossary and Acronyms
- Digital Flashcards
ExamFX technically has two packages, but really, when one is just $20 more and includes additional exams, practice materials, and support, as well as having the video lectures and the eBook version of the textbook, there is one option.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Pros
- Tons of Exam Types: Not only do you get every possible type of exam and quiz you could ask for, but you also gain access to a custom exam generator.
- Beautiful User Interface: If clean and calm speaks to you, you’ll love ExamFX’s minimalist-aesthetic learning portal.
- Best Practice Guide: ExamFX’s guide helps you make the most of your study time with top tips to study for success, from learning science strategies to quick tips.
Cons
- No Guarantee: Unlike many top competitors, ExamFX doesn’t offer a money-back guarantee, nor do they offer any pass rate calculations for their students.
- No Live Courses: Unlike some other entries on this list, ExamFX doesn’t offer any live courses. However, if you prefer self-study, this probably isn’t too big of a knock.
- Great Practice, Less Learning: ExamFX really focuses on practice materials. However, that focus means it lacks a bit in the “learning the material” department.
Is ExamFX Right for You?
The Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐
ExamFX may not have all the features of a traditional prep course, such as live content or a pass guarantee, but it shines in providing a wealth of practice exams and quizzes. If you’re already confident in your understanding of the material and are looking for tools to reinforce your knowledge through practice, ExamFX could be an acceptable resource. See this review of ExamFX to learn more.
ExamFX
Honorable Mentions
Not every course can make it on the list. Here are some honorable mentions that have some good features but not enough to make the cut.
- Pass Perfect: Good for comprehensive coverage and strong practice question bank. Weak on user interface and can feel outdated.
- Knopman Marks: Great faculty support and video quality. Expensive and less effective for self-starters.
- PassMasters: Engaging video lectures and solid question bank. Lacks depth in materials for complex topics.
- WebCE: Convenient and mobile-friendly. Practice exams are less rigorous than competitors.
- A.D. Banker & Company: Affordable and easy to follow. Limited interactivity and fewer advanced study tools.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, it’s tough to go wrong with any of the top three, but the Securities Insitute of America takes the cake for its excellent content, affordable pricing, exam customization, and pass guarantee.
Whichever you choose, pay attention to what you need the most. Before you even look at any of the options, consider writing a list of your needs and wants in the perfect prep course. Then, when you find it, your choice will be a no-brainer.
With the right prep and some elbow grease, I have no doubt that you’ll nail your exam. You got this!
FAQs
Choose a reliable prep course, create a study schedule, and focus on practice questions. Review key concepts like mutual funds, annuities, and regulations. Practice with mock exams and quizzes.
It can be challenging due to its focus on specific financial products and regulations. However, with proper preparation, many find it manageable.
Most people need 4-6 weeks, studying 10-15 hours per week. The timeline depends on your background and how consistently you study.
Pass rates vary by prep provider, but roughly 50% to 60% of candidates pass on their first attempt.
Aim for 50-80 total hours of focused study time on Series 6, including practice exams and reviewing weaker areas.
