Sponsorship by exam
| Exam | Sponsor required? | How you enroll | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| No | Self-enroll on FINRA.org (18+) | $100 | |
| Yes | Firm enrolls you through CRD | $395 | |
| Yes | Firm enrolls you through CRD | $100 | |
| No | Self-enroll via FINRA TESS | $147 | |
| No | Self-enroll via FINRA TESS | $187 | |
| No | Self-enroll via FINRA TESS (register only with SIE + 7) | $177 |
- 1,706 original questions across 6 exams
- Section drills + timed full-length exams
- 12 months, one-time - emailed to you after purchase
Your course access is emailed to you after purchase. 14-day money-back guarantee. Refund policy
Why the Series 7 still needs a sponsor
FINRA requires candidates for representative-level qualification exams, including the Series 7 and Series 6, to be associated with and sponsored by a member firm (or other applicable SRO member). The SIE was created in 2018 precisely so that people outside the industry could show basic knowledge first. There is no legitimate way to sit for the Series 7 without a sponsor.
The unsponsored route that works
- Pass the SIE (valid four years).
- If you want the advisory side, pass the Series 65 (no sponsor, no prerequisite).
- Apply to firms; the sponsor then enrolls you for the Series 7.
- Add the Series 63 or 66 as needed. NASAA exams are valid for two years before you register.
SIE to Series 66 prep course - $39
SIE, Series 6, 7, 63, 65 and 66 in one prep course: 1,706 outline-weighted practice questions with explanations, section drills and timed full-length exams. One-time payment, 12 months of access, emailed to you after purchase.
Your course access is emailed to you after purchase. 14-day money-back guarantee. Refund policy
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the Series 7 without a sponsor?
No. FINRA requires sponsorship by a member firm.
Can I take the Series 66 without a sponsor?
Yes, you can sit for it through FINRA’s TESS system, but registering on it requires a valid SIE and Series 7.
Can I take the Series 65 without a sponsor?
Yes. NASAA lets unaffiliated candidates self-enroll through TESS.
Sources
- FINRA - SIE Exam and Exam Restructuring FAQ (accessed 2026-09-23)
- FINRA - Series 7 General Securities Representative Exam (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NASAA - Exam FAQs (accessed 2026-09-23)
- FINRA - Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam (accessed 2026-09-23)