For many Series 65 exam takers, the ultimate goal is to become a financial advisor. Not only is helping others make the most of their budget, investments, and retirement funds rewarding, but it’s also highly lucrative, with an average salary just over the six-figure mark. Plus, with a growth rate of 17% (compared to the average of just 4%), there’s never been a better time to get into the field.
To unlock those sweet rewards, however, you’ll have to start by passing the 3-hour, 130-question long Series 65 exam. What is the best way to ensure success? Choosing the perfect prep course for your needs, budget, and learning style.
I’ve combed through Series 65 prep courses to find the best of the best by analyzing course materials, taking sample lessons, and reviewing feedback from real test-takers. In particular, I tested courses for usability, depth of instruction, and how similar the practice questions are to those on the actual exam.
Now, it’s time to explore some of the top courses and find your perfect match. Let’s go!
Top 5 Series 65 Prep Courses
- Best Overall: Securities Institute of America
- Best for Instructor Interaction: Securities Training Corporation
- Best for Passing Fast: Achievable
- Best for Comprehensive Learning: Kaplan
- Best for Bonus Tools: ExamFX
Series 65 Course Comparison
| Provider |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $125-$209 | $212-$372 | $199 | $159-$319 | $240-$275 |
| Discounts | No Discounts | Save 15% | Save 10% | No Discounts | Save 20% |
| Access | 6 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantees | Money-Back | Money-Back |  | | |
| Support | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Email | Phone, Text, Email | Phone, Email, Chat | Phone, Chat |
| Get Started | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Securities Institute of America: Best Overall
For an affordable, in-depth Series 65 prep course with a structured study plan and a money-back pass guarantee, the Securities Institute of America stands out. With a 90% pass rate over 25 years in the industry, SIA is a strong choice for self-paced learners who value a proven track record.
I found that their bank of over 4,000 practice questions closely resembled the style and format of actual Series 65 exam questions. Plus, you can customize unlimited practice tests in 15 different ways, so you’ll never feel like you’re repeating the same stuff over and over. I especially appreciated their AI instructor. Sometimes, reviewing courses goes late into the night, and having an “expert on call” for questions about the material was super helpful.
Here’s another review from an SIA student:
“I had tried to pass the Series 65 using another provider. I wish I had used your materials from the start. The course is incredibly well designed. The videos really helped me understand the topics I was reading. I passed and I am so excited.”
SIA’s Series 65 Course Features
- TotalGenius! AI for 24/7 Q&A Sessions
- 516-Page Physical or Digital Textbook
- 13 Hours of Video Lessons (19 Videos and 19 Section Tests)
- 4,000+ Practice Questions
- Unlimited Practice Exams (Topic-Focused and Simulated Mock Exams)
- Checkpoint Exams and a GreenLight Exam
- Detailed Question and Exam Reports
- Bonuses Including:
- Personal Study Calendar
- Score-Boosting Test Tips Video
- Final Review Cheat Sheets
Pros
- Pass or Get a Refund: Follow SIA’s GreenLight Guarantee™ guidelines and receive 100% of your investment back if you fail the Series 65 exam.
- Practice Until You Drop: With unlimited practice exams—both topic-driven and full-length simulated mock exams—and 15 customization options, you’ll never run out. Literally.
- Quick, Digestible Videos: SIA’s videos are around 40 minutes long each, a good length for most students to understand the concepts without getting bored and zoning out.
- Understand Yourself: Identify your strengths and weaknesses for better study sessions. Save time and track your progress for a more efficient approach.
- Helpful Bonuses: SIA’s personal study calendar, video covering tips for boosting your test score, and “crunch time” cheat sheets are valuable add-ons to the primary study materials.
Cons
- Lacks Live Classes: Unlike some other entries on this list, the Securities Institute of America doesn’t offer live instruction options for Series 65 prep.
Securities Institute of America Coupon
No Discounts on the Securities Institute of America’s prep course, which includes a large question bank, customizable practice exams, and a structured study plan for the Series 65 exam.
Bottom Line
The Securities Institute of America really covers all the bases. You get engaging video lectures and a 516-page textbook (great for reading/writing learners!). Then, you can test your knowledge with 4,000+ exam-style questions and unlimited mock exams. I also loved their bonuses—they’re actually helpful in building a study schedule, refreshing key concepts before test day, and boosting your confidence going in.
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation: Best Instructor Interaction
Securities Training Corporation—better known as STC—checks all the boxes for a lot of aspiring securities pros. They’ve been around for 50+ years and have helped over 1.5 million learners prep for their exams, with a solid 95% first-time pass rate.
If you’re worried about the risk, STC’s Premier and Premier Plus packages come with a money-back pass guarantee. Follow their study plan, and if you don’t pass, you can get a full refund—no stress.
What makes STC stand out? The Premier Plus package includes 12 hours of live online classes plus an instructor hotline to get real-time answers from experts. If you learn best with personal guidance, STC is definitely worth considering.
One Redditor shared the following about their experience with STC:
“I used STC, was scoring 67s on practice exams but ended up passing. Actual exam was much easier and straight forward than practice exams. I got the level 2 package from STC watched the on demand videos and took quizzes and exams and I felt very prepared on the exam. I knew I was going to pass before submitting.”
STC’s Series 65 Course Features
- Online and Printed Study Manual
- 12 Hours of Live Virtual Classes and/or On-Demand Videos
- Chapter Quizzes, 8 Final Exams, 8 Progress Exams, 2 Green Light Exams
- Digital Flashcards with Deck Customization
- Crunch Time Fact Sheet
- Instructor Hotline (Email or Call)
Pros
- STC Pass Guarantee: STC’s Premier and Premier Plus packages come with a pass guarantee, so you can earn your money back if you don’t pass the Series 65 on your first try.
- Live Online Classes: You can access 12 hours of live online classes and ask questions directly to your instructors (and yes, the recordings are included).
- Lots of Practice Exams: While STC doesn’t offer the same level of unlimited exams as SIA, they still feature 8 Final Exams, 8 Progress Exams, and 2 Green Light Exams, for a total of 18.
- Instructor on Call: If you have questions about your coursework, you can reach out to your instructors directly through phone and email for guidance on the subjects that have you stumped.
- Fantastic Flashcards: Create custom decks of digital flashcards by chapter, subject, or even your weakest areas, useful for making the most of spaced repetition via spiral review.
Cons
- Most Expensive: Live classes come with a cost, and though the price increase is just ~$50 more than competitors, STC has the most expensive package on the list.
- Lacks Unlimited Practice: Though it’s unlikely that students will get through every STC practice exam, ambitious students may be disappointed by the lack of unlimited practice exams.
Securities Training Corporation Promo Code
Save 15% on Securities Training Corporation’s courses, which feature live instruction, a substantial question bank, and instructor support to help you prepare for the Series 65 exam.
Bottom Line
STC might be a little pricier, but if you’re looking for live classes, the extra $50 could be an easy yes. A lot of students will also appreciate the convenience of the instructor hotline, which lets you get help by phone or email. If you’re more of a self-study learner, SIA or Achievable might be a better fit—but if you value real-time support and interaction, STC is right up your alley.
Securities Training Corporation
3. Achievable: Best for Passing Fast
Achievable’s MO? Helping you learn fast, retain the material, and pass the Series 65 A.S.A.P. Their program is built on learning science, and they report a 95% success rate—with over 50 million practice questions answered and 2 million study hours logged.
You’ll either love or hate Achievable’s minimalist approach. It’s just a textbook, video lessons, and practice questions—no extra fluff. But if you’re a quick learner, this streamlined setup makes it easy to stay focused, pass efficiently, and save some time (and money) along the way.
One Achievable student shares their success:
“I passed the SIE, 6, 63, and 65 using Achievable. The content really teaches you the concepts in a way that normal every day people with no experience or exposure to the industry could understand.”
Achievable’s Series 65 Course Features
- Mobile-Friendly Online Textbook
- 20+ Full-Length Practice Exams with Unlimited Attempts
- 1,300+ Chapter Quizzes
- 44+ Bite-Sized Video Lessons
Pros
- Year-Long Access: Achievable offers double the access of the other competitors on the list at 12 months compared to 6 months with SIA, STC, and ExamFX and 5 months with Kaplan.
- Thousands of Quizzes: Achievable features over 1,300 chapter quizzes with built-in adaptive learning tech, so you can focus on studying the topics you need to earn the most points.
- Risk-Free Trial: I appreciate the ability to try Achievable’s course for free, no credit card necessary, so you can be sure it’s right for you before paying hundreds of dollars.
- Short Lessons: I liked Achievable’s short lessons, which were usually between 5 and 10 minutes long. They also tell you the lesson length, which is perfect for planning your study sessions.
Cons
- Text-Heavy: Achievable’s bonus videos are in the textbook, but there’s very little in the way of illustrations and visual aids. Without images, the reading can get tedious.
Achievable Series 65 Promo Code
Save 10% on Achievable’s Series 65 prep platform, which provides a streamlined, adaptive learning approach with unlimited practice quizzes and a comprehensive online textbook.
Bottom Line
If you just want to dive in and get the job done as quickly and efficiently as possible, Achievable might be the right pick for you. There are no bonuses, no distractions: just the textbook, videos, and practice materials. If you prefer to study at your own pace, on your own time, and want to finish studying so you can get on with your life, give Achievable a try.
Achievable
4. Kaplan: Best for Comprehensive Learning
With over 80 years in exam prep, Kaplan has built a strong reputation. But does that legacy translate to what today’s test-takers need? In some ways, yes—their live classes and experienced instructors are definite strengths. But in other ways, Kaplan can feel a bit old-school.
The biggest issue? While the program is undeniably thorough, it can also be overwhelming. You get a massive amount of study materials, and with 28 hours of live/video instruction—more than SIA (13 hours) or STC (12 hours)—it’s a serious time commitment. That makes it an excellent choice for full-time students, but if you’re a busy professional, the workload might feel like overkill.
One Reddit review explains their experience with Kaplan:
“I personally used Kaplan. Passed today in fact. Read the book. Did about 2,800 QBank questions. The exam was on par with the QBank. The exam was super easy. Felt very prepared.”
Kaplan’s Series 65 Course Features
- 28 Hours of Live Online Classes
- Also Available as On-Demand Video Lessons
- Regular or Evening-Only Options
- Online, Print, and PDF Versions of the License Exam Manual (Your Textbook/Study Guide)
- Unit Intro and Wrap-Up Videos
- InstructorLink™ Instructor Q&A Resource
- Thousands of Practice Questions in the SecuritiesPro™ QBank
- Unlimited Randomized Practice Exams
- One Mock Exam, One Mastery Exam, One Midterm Exam, and One Checkpoint Exam per Unit
- Study Plan with Weekly Tasks
- Spiral-Bound Class Notes
- Performance Tracking Tools
Pros
- Everything You Need (and More): Not interested in a minimalist approach like Achievable’s? Kaplan is on the other end of the spectrum, giving you every study tool you could possibly need.
- Most Live Class/Video Content: Kaplan features 28 hours of live class/on-demand video content compared to roughly 12 hours with SIA or STC.
- Flexible Live Learning: Kaplan offers evening-specific live classes for busy professionals who can only study at night, plus recordings if you miss a class.
- Printed Study Materials: If you’re a reader, you’ll appreciate Kaplan’s comprehensive License Exam Manual and spiral-bound class notes.
Cons
- Distracting Bonus Tools: The flip side of a vast library of study materials? Students who prefer a minimalist approach might feel too overwhelmed to dig in, get started, and stay on task.
- Pricey for No Pass Guarantee: Kaplan is one of the most expensive options on the list, and it does not offer a pass guarantee to ensure your investment is safe. This could cause some undue anxiety.
Bottom Line
If you want access to every study tool possible, Kaplan delivers. With 28+ hours of live classes, there’s plenty of opportunity to interact with instructors, who I found knowledgeable and engaged. But here’s the tradeoff—while other providers cover the material in 12–13 hours, Kaplan stretches it out over more than double that time. For some, that depth is a huge plus. For others, it might feel unnecessary. If you want comprehensive coverage, Kaplan is worth considering. If efficiency is your priority, SIA, STC, or Achievable might be better options.
Kaplan
5. ExamFX: Best for Bonus Tools
If nothing on this list has clicked for you so far, ExamFX is an amalgamation of all of them. They’re right in the middle of the pack when it comes to pricing, access, and volume of materials. However, they have a bit of a stronger angle toward practice and bonus tools than providers like Achievable or STC.
While other providers have a clear specialty, ExamFX doesn’t have a strong differentiator. Their materials are solid and will get the job done, but nothing makes them stand out compared to competitors with more distinct strengths.
One ExamFX user said it did the job well:
“I passed my SIE, 6, 63 and 65 using ExamFX and utilized Series 7 Guru and Capital Advantage videos on YouTube to cement it all.”
ExamFX’s Series 65 Course Features
- 335-Page Textbook with 15 Chapters (Online or Hard Copy)
- 17 Hours of On-Demand Video Lectures
- Personalized Study Calendar with Performance Tracking
- Custom Exam Generator with Unlimited Random Final Exams
- 4 Standard Final Exams, Chapter Quizzes, SpotCheck Quizzes, Checkpoint Exams, Benchmark Final
- Bonus Tools
- Best Practices Study Tips Guide
- Glossary and Acronyms
- TC Critical Facts
- Progress Report Center
Pros
- Unique Exam Types: No matter where you’re at in your study timeline, ExamFX features a wide variety of options to practice what you’ve learned and assess your progress.
- Solid Bonus Resources: ExamFX throws in some helpful bonuses like their study tips guide, Series 65 glossary and acronyms, critical facts list of key concepts, and progress reporting.
- Comprehensive Approach: Unlike providers like Achievable, ExamFX focuses on comprehension over minimalism, which is helpful for most students.
Cons
- Doesn’t Stand Out: Though ExamFX offers a lot of high-quality study tools and practice materials, they don’t really offer a unique feature to help them stand out from the prep course crowd.
ExamFX Promo Code
Save 20% on ExamFX’s Series 65 study program, which includes self-paced study materials, practice exams, and interactive learning tools.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Bottom Line
Overall, ExamFX’s tools are solid and well-rounded. Most students should be able to pass using their Series 65 study package. However, at $275, it’s worth considering whether SIA—which offers a money-back guarantee at a lower price—provides better value. However, if ExamFX’s features align with your study style, it’s still a reliable choice.
ExamFX
Other Courses Reviewed
- Agent Broker Training Center
- Knopman Marks
- Latitude License Exam Prep
- Morton-Barber Learning Center
- Pass Perfect
- Shmoop
- Study.com
- TestGeek Exam Prep
Final Verdict
There are a lot of good options in this list, but which do you choose?
Well, it depends. If you want the best overall value, consider the Securities Institute of America. If you learn best through live interaction with your instructors, check out the Securities Training Corporation. Looking to pass as quickly as possible? Take Achievable for a spin.
The bottom line is only you know the best fit for your needs. So, which course speaks to you? Chances are, that perfect fit is already calling your name. Now, make a decision, get studying, and start getting excited about one of the most rewarding career paths out there!
FAQs
Top options include the Securities Institute of America, Securities Training Corporation, and Achievable. These providers offer comprehensive study materials, practice exams, and expert guidance.
STC is better because of its clear explanations, strong question bank, and efficient study tools. It also offers a 100% money-back guarantee on several courses, which Kaplan lacks for Series 65.
The FINRA exam Prep mobile device app is a great tool for studying on the go. It includes practice questions, flashcards, and progress tracking, all created by content experts.
Choose a structured prep course like STC, Kaplan, or Achievable. Stick to a focused study plan and take timed practice exams to reinforce key concepts and familiarity for the actual exam.
Experienced candidates may need 20-30 hours of study time to successfully complete the licensing exam, while most others should plan for 50-100 hours to build the necessary knowledge fully.
