The two most popular FINRA Series exams are Series 6 and Series 7. However, of the two, Series 7 is much more comprehensive and gives successful candidates access to a wealth of new career opportunities.
Needless to say, if you want to break into a successful career in the financial services industry, you’re in the right place.
Let’s face it: sifting through dozens of courses to decide which is right for you can be stressful and time-consuming. Luckily, my job is to evaluate the best prep courses in the industry.
I’m going to share my top 7 Series 7 exam prep options with you and share who will benefit the most and least from each choice. Your perfect pick is on this list. Get ready to stop searching and start studying!
Top 5 Series 7 Exam Prep Courses
| Company |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ranking | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| Price | $149-$289 | $257-$542 | $199 | $139-$309 | $309-$349 |
| Access Length | 6 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months | 5 Months | 6 Months |
| Guarantee | GreenLight Guarantee™ | STC Pass Guarantee |  | | |
| Practice Exams | Yes, Unlimited | Yes | Yes | Yes, Limited | Yes |
| Live Instruction | | Yes, 20+ Hours | | Yes, 20+ 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)
Highlights: 6 Months Access | GreenLight Guarantee™
SIA is my top pick due to their extensive high-quality question bank, money-back guarantee, affordable pricing, highly customizable exams, and top-notch study materials.
SIA’s Series 7 packages offer over 5,200 practice questions, known for a high level of difficulty, which overprepares students for exam day. Further, their textbook and video content excels in breaking down complex topics so they’re simple to understand.
Add their 100% money-back guarantee as the cherry on top, and you have an unbeatable Series 7 prep option.
Pros
- Money-Back Guarantee: Though some prerequisites apply, SIA’s 100% money-back refund option if you fail your exam makes it a sound investment for any candidate.
- Tough Questions: SIA is known for their questions with a nearly identical format and content to those found on the actual exam, but a few notches tougher so the actual exam will be a breeze.
- Affordable Pricing: SIA blends affordability with stellar content, proving that a good education doesn’t need to break the bank.
- Videos for Every Learning Style: SIA’s videos blend visuals, audio, reading, diagrams, examples, and slides, making them a great learning tool no matter your learning style.
- Cheat Sheets: The Series 7 exam cheat sheets are perfect for wrapping up your study time. Hammer down the most important concepts you need to know in the days before the exam.
Cons
- No Live Instruction: Most Series 7 prep courses either offer no or limited live instruction; however, if live learning is really important to you, you might prefer a different option.
Securities Institute of America: Pick or Pass?
Pick SIA if you:
- Prefer self-study courses
- Want challenging practice questions
- Learn well from video content
- Do best with a variety of learning styles
- Simply want the best value for your money
Pass on SIA if you:
- Want a Series 7 exam prep course with live interactive learning options
Securities Institute of America
2. Securities Training Corporation (STC)
Highlights: 6 Months Access | STC Pass Guarantee
STC is another standout for Series 7 exam prep. They’re the most expensive option on the list, but it may be worthwhile if you’re looking for live instruction. STC features a three-day virtual course, with each day lasting 8 hours, for Series 7 students.
Students also gain access to a one-off, 4-hour long live class on Options, Suitability, and Product Selection, as well as live weekly Q&A sessions with instructors. You get even more support with 24/7 tech support and access to an instructor hotline.
If all of that isn’t convincing enough, if you fail your exam after fulfilling their requirements, you’re eligible for a 100% refund on your purchase thanks to the STC Pass Guarantee.
Pros
- Live Learning: Whether you’re participating in their three-day course, one-off lesson, or weekly Q&A session, STC sets the bar for live instruction for Series 7 exam prep.
- Superior Support: Not only do you get support in the form of live content, but you also have access to an instructor hotline and 24/7 tech support. 24/7 anything is rare for test prep, so this is huge!
- Crunch Time Facts: STC’s take on cheat sheets, their Crunch Time Facts are an invaluable resource when you’re entering the final review phase.
- STC Pass Guarantee: Pass guarantees are rare for FINRA Series exam prep providers, and it’s especially comforting to have one when you’re spending a little more compared to STC competitors.
Cons
- Pricey Packages: STC is by far the most expensive option on the list. I believe the value is worth the price, but if you’re on a tight budget, it may not be right for you.
Securities Training Corporation: Pick or Pass?
Pick STC if you:
- Love live learning and are willing to spend more for it
- Thrive with additional support
- Can study more confidently with a pass guarantee
Pass on STC if you:
- Have a very tight budget
- Feel indifferent to live instruction
Securities Training Corporation
3. Achievable
Highlights: 12 Months Access | No Pass Guarantee
Achievable is a more modern take on exam prep, focusing on adaptive learning technology, maximizing memory retention, and catering to hectic schedules and shorter attention spans.
Achievable caters to the 20-something like no other test prep company with content created for mobile platforms. They also focus on bite-sized, easily digestible content, like short videos, quick tips, and casual, conversational written materials.
However, “more digestible” doesn’t mean less. The Series 7 course includes 2,000+ chapter quizzes, 35+ practice exams, 44+ bonus videos, and double the access length of the next closest provider.
Their program is based entirely on learning science, and their system uses methods like personalized content to strengthen your weaknesses, smart repetition to reinforce ideas, tracking and analytics to show you your progress and maintain motivation, and all wrapped with an “I can’t believe it’s that cheap” bow.
Pros
- Budget-Friendly: Regardless of your budget, chances are, Achievable’s Series 7 prep course can fit in it. The total package is at a lower price than many competitors’ cheapest package.
- For Real People: Traditional study methods are a tough sell when our attention spans have been through the social media ringer. Achievable makes study materials for real people with busy schedules.
- Optimized Learning: Achievable uses cutting-edge technology and proven study strategies backed by science to help students succeed.
- Mobile in Mind: Some companies will have an app, but it’s a lesser experience than the desktop-based learning portal. Achievable delivers the best mobile learning experience for FINRA Series prep.
Cons
- Lacks Depth: Achievable doesn’t dig as deep in their materials as competitors like SIA and STC. Quicker content is great, but it may not be what you need if you aren’t familiar with Series 7 topics.
- Minimal Support: Achievable lacks an instructor hotline or any live learning options. It makes sense with the low price tag, but it may not be ideal for all students.
Achievable: Pick or Pass?
Pick Achievable if you:
- Struggle to stay focused through long lectures or wordy textbooks
- Have a busy schedule and plan to do most of your studying on the go
- Want a full “study suite” on a tight budget
- Have enough familiarity with the topics that mid-level depth is sufficient
Pass on Achievable if you:
- Thrive under personalized, 1-on-1 support
- Are brand new to all of the information on the Series 7 exam
- Learn best from long, “deep dive” lectures
Achievable
4. Kaplan
Highlights: 5 Months Access | No Pass Guarantee
Chances are, you’ve heard of Kaplan, as they’re one of the greatest test prep companies in the world (if not the biggest). As a result, Kaplan is a pretty trustworthy choice.
One of their biggest differentiators in the Series 7 exam review space is their live instruction option, most of which is provided over the course of six sessions between three and four hours each.
They receive particularly high praise for their top-tier practice questions and practice exams (within the SecuritiesPro™ QBank), which closely resemble those found on the actual exam. However, it’s a tougher sell because they aren’t securities specialists, they don’t give a pass guarantee, and they’re pricier than most options.
Pros
- Live Online Classes: Kaplan features a live online course selection with a wide variety of dates and times to accommodate every schedule and preference.
- Excellent Practice Materials: From their standalone practice questions to their practice exams, students laud the company for their practice materials’ similarity to the real thing.
- Big Name, Big Trust: Kaplan has a brand that surpasses securities industry essentials training alone. Investing in Kaplan is a safe bet, even if they lack a pass guarantee.
Cons
- Can’t Compete: Kaplan’s biggest flaw is their inability to compete with the other companies listed in terms of pass guarantees, pricing, and specialization in securities exam prep.
Kaplan: Pick or Pass?
Pick Kaplan if you:
- Feel safest choosing the biggest company
- Need live instruction and personalized support to succeed
- Prefer Kaplan’s teaching style to STC
Pass on Kaplan if you:
- Have a tight budget
- Prefer a pass guarantee, especially for higher-ticket courses
- Don’t mesh with traditional study methods
- Want to work with a company that focuses 100% on securities training
Kaplan
5. ExamFX Series 7
Highlights: 6 Months Access | No Pass Guarantee
If nothing thus far has tickled your fancy, the last Series 7 prep course that I’d recommend is ExamFX. My biggest problem with ExamFX isn’t that it’s bad. It’s that it isn’t good enough compared to the other options, especially with such a bold asking price.
You get a ton of testing options: competency exams, SpotCheck quizzes, practice question sets, checkpoint exams, a benchmark final exam, standard final exams, and a custom exam generator. While this sounds like a lot, it’s comparable to offerings from SIA and STC.
Save Up to 20% on ExamFX Securities Review Courses
Pros
- Multi-Level Testing: Regardless of where you’re at in your Series 7 studying journey, ExamFX has practice questions and exams for your level.
- Solid Selection of Additional Tools: ExamFX offers a mini database made up of a glossary and acronyms, online flashcards, and a “cheat sheet” for last-minute study.
- Instructor Support: Though many providers offer support, ExamFX is unique in that you can access your instructors via chat or phone.
Cons
- Can’t Compete: Like Kaplan, ExamFX is fine, but the high price isn’t warranted when they have strong similarities with more affordable competitors and lack a pass guarantee.
- Expensive Without Live Classes: Competitors usually have a higher price because they offer live instruction. However, ExamFX is one of the priciest options, yet they don’t offer live content.
ExamFX: Pick or Pass?
Pick ExamFX if you:
- Haven’t clicked with the other options so far
- Appreciate having phone access to instructors
Pass on ExamFX if you:
- Are low on funds
- Can study more confidently with a pass guarantee
- Want live instruction
See the full ExamFX review for more details.
ExamFX
Honorable Mentions
Finally, here are two more picks that didn’t quite make the cut:
Pass Perfect
Highlights: 7 Months Access | Pass Promise
Pass Perfect stands out for its adaptive learning approach, which tailors the study process to your strengths and weaknesses. With over 5,000 practice questions, it’s ideal for candidates who prefer extensive drills. However, its interface feels outdated, and the lack of robust multimedia resources might not suit all learning styles.
Pros
- Extensive question bank
- Adaptive technology for personalized learning
Cons
- Outdated interface
- Limited multimedia resources
Knopman Marks
Highlights: 12 Months Access | No Pass Guarantee
Knopman Marks offers a premium prep experience with a combination of on-demand video content and live instruction. Their materials are clear and concise, designed to optimize time-strapped schedules. While their courses are highly effective, the high price tag may not be feasible for all candidates.
Pros
- Live and on-demand options
- Well-structured and concise materials
Cons
- Expensive
- No Pass Guarantee
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best Series 7 study materials depend on a lot of variables that are unique to you, whether it be your budget, learning style, or support needs.
However, I feel that the Securities Institute of America offers the best packages. For a relatively low price, candidates gain access to thousands of top-quality practice questions, fantastic study materials across every learning style, and a 100% money-back pass guarantee to top it all off.
Regardless of which package you choose, I hope this list has made it easier for you to find your perfect match so you can pass your Series 7 exam with flying colors. You got this!
FAQs
The best study program depends on your learning style, but top-rated options include SIA for affordability, tough Series 7 practice questions, and STC for live instruction and structured materials.
Create a consistent study schedule, focus on key concepts like options and regulations, and practice extensively with mock exams to build confidence and identify weak areas. Become confident, build your knowledge, and earn that passing score.
Aim for 80-100 hours of focused study time, spread over several weeks, to cover all topics thoroughly and allow time for practice exams.
While challenging, Series 7 is not considered the hardest FINRA exam; its difficulty largely depends on your familiarity with the material and preparation. The Series 86 exam is usually regarded as the hardest.
You must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam and be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm to qualify for Series 7. Series 6 is often a good complement to Series 7.
Salaries with a Series 7 license typically range from $50,000 to $100,000+ annually, depending on your role, experience, and location. Financial advisors, stockbrokers, and other licensed professionals often earn additional income through commissions and bonuses.
You might want a Series 79 or Series 24 license to go along with the Series 7. You can check out these top Series 79 prep courses and Series 24 study materials to find which is right for you.
