r/Series66Exam

AHHH!!! I can't even express how huge of a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am DONE!!! It took me three tries to get the 7 (not a math gal), but breezed through this one in a little over an hour.

What they say is true - if you hammer the questions and practice exams, and take the time to understand why you got something wrong, you'll come out successful on the other end!

Things that helped me were this subreddit and reading about other people's experiences, taking all of the full length practice exams through STC (tested anywhere between 68 & 82 on those), realizing that I tested much better in the morning versus the evening so I scheduled a 9am test, I took both of Ken's brutal exams twice (two weeks apart), and created exam style flashcards (about 300) thru Quizlet that I reviewed in any downtime I had. I did the "learn" or "test" function and that really helped hammer home certain concepts. If anyone would like a link to my Quizlet flashcards, please let me know!

As far as the tutor goes, Sebastian E. via Wyzant was amazing in helping to give me confidence and learn how to break down questions and answers in an incredibly helpful way. I was lucky enough that my firm paid for his services, as he isn't the cheapest, but if you are able to use a tutor, I can't recommend him enough. He helped me finally pass the 7 and pass this test first time.

Now, lastly, for my draw...

I was blessed by the test gods to only have to pull out my calculator for one question. As expected, a ton of questions on registration requirements for securities and individuals, who qualifies as an IAR, joint account questions, a couple on insurance products, a bunch on suitability, a couple on employer sponsored plans. Shockingly, I had no questions on irr, holding period return, finding alpha, etc.. I think that my one math questions was just calculating future value....and it was the same question that was on one of ken's brutal exams soooo maybe definitely make sure you watch those!

My biggest advice would be to make sure you understand exactly what the question is asking for as there were a few questions that had answers that were technically correct but didn't apply to the question being asked.

Thank you to Ken, Sebastian, and all of you here on this subreddit!! YOU GOT THIS!

***edited for typo

Not sure what this means but I’ve taken 3 simulated exams 77,77,82 and then took the practice exam today and scored a 61? Is the practice exam significantly harder? Is this a fluke on my part? Or do I really need to reconsider taking the exam next week?

I just took the series 66 on Friday and really expected to pass. I was scoring way better on practice tests than I was with the series 7, and I felt like I really understood the content.

In my opinion, the passperfect material was nothing like the real test.... Maybe I got a weird draw, IDK.

My plan is to get the Kaplan Qbank and practice tests, as well as redo every chapter on passperfect and make sure I'm scoring 90s on all the chapter tests.

I was completely devastated when I failed and let a lot of people at work down... I have to pass this next time around. Please any tips greatly appreciated!!!!

I’m planning on taking my 66 this Friday and was hoping to get some feedback. I’ve used Achievable’s textbook and chapter reviews with Kaplan’s Q bank and practice exams. On my last five I’ve scored 77, 70, 72, 73 and 79, however these are the scores graded out of 110 questions not 100. Graded out of 100 my scores are in the high 70’s and 80’s.

I was hoping to hear if you guys think that’s a good spot to be in or if should get my scores up more before I take the exam.

Hey guys, I'm starting my Series 66 studying soon and trying to decide between Kaplan and STC.

I used Kaplan for both the SIE and Series 7 and passed both first try, so I’m already familiar with their style and QBank. I liked how hard the questions were for the 7 because I felt overprepared going into the exam.

That said, I’ve heard some people say STC is better for the 66 specifically and more similar to the actual exam wording. I plan to supplement with Kens videos as well.

For those who’ve taken the 66 recently:

• Which vendor prepared you better?
• Did you feel Kaplan overcomplicated things?
• Is STC enough by itself?
• Anyone use both together?

Appreciate any feedback.

Hi All,

I passed the Series 66 a couple of hours ago on my first attempt. I used Achievable for the "book", using their written material, quizzes, and exam, along with purchasing Kaplan Qbank questions. I didn't really like Achievable for the Series 66. I felt there was too much interpretation and not enough of just the straight facts of how things are. I loved Achievable for the SIE (which I passed on first attempt) but didn't love it for the Series 66. I would probably find another resource for the text portion. I also felt Achievables practice exams and quizzes were too heavy on knowing the math for the ratios and other problems.

Again, someone could very easily read what I read via Achievable and loved it. Regardless, here are my recommendations for the exam:

My Recommendations:

• You HAVE to watch Kens brutal exam on YT. I watched his videos a couple of days leading up to taking the test, and it was the difference maker for me
• There will be questions on the exam you just straight up have no idea the answer to on first read through - and that's ok. Use process of elimination to give the best answer. I'm convinced that at least 5 questions on the exam were purposefully not in any study material but were there to make you use your critical thinking of what the best answer was when there wasn't an obvious "right" answer
• My strategy was to take about 5-10 seconds after reading the question to come up with my snap judgment answer. I would then move on to make sure I finished the entire exam. After answering every question, I would reread each one and be a little more thorough in evaluating the answers. It's too easy to get stuck thinking about what could be right, and you don't want to have to rush at the end because you took too long on a single question.
• Know NPV, PV, and IRR - solidify why you use those and the formula (kens video had a couple of questions that were very similar to the exam with calculations)
• Know annuities and the life insurance questions - it's annoying seeing as how this is a state exam about securities, but I had about 10 questions about universal life insurance, variable annuities (which are securities), and fixed annuities
• Be 100% on who has to register as an IR - even if they're LATE (Lawyers, Accountants, Teachers, Engineers). I also had several questions about Federal Covered advisors and when they need to register in other states
• I had maybe 7ish questions on current ratio, debt to equity, and/or PE ratio - you don't need to memorize the formula to do the math, you just need to know what goes into the formula. There were questions giving what was in the formula, and then you had to name which ratio they were talking about

Good luck all!

I’m on the final stretch of my licensing journey and the 66 the my final step. My firm has me using ExamFX and I hate it! I used STC and Kaplan for all
My other tests and liked those a lot.

My question is, can I read this poorly written and formatted ExamFX book and take my quizzes and tests on Kaplan without too much issue?

Kens Brutal Exams are mandatory in your last few days reviewing. I completely tanked his brutal exams when I took them which made nervous but in the end helped me by solidifying my review!

I finally completed the hat trick yesterday.

Easier than the Kaplan practice/final tests. First 10 questions felt like series 7, 20 I had to guess and the rest I could identify the answer or reason on it. Here are some suggestions from others that helped me:

I read the book, I’m not good at memorizing everything. I would ask myself why is this important, or how would I use this? That was like a third of the exam. Deen, Ken and Brian have wonderful videos that explain why laws are in place.

Here are the most common topics that I found on the exam: Balance sheet, Analytical (Capm, discount method for bonds, preferred and common stock, Future/Presemt Value…), when a BD, Agent, IA or IAR needs to register (TestGeek has great notes on this that you can purchase), Administrator authority.

The last two days before the exam I took Ken‘s brutal exam and listened to Deen’s mighty 90. In fact, I listened to Deen’s mighty 90 video once a week just to remind myself of the main concepts of the exam. I hope this helps.

Sharing my study tips after passing the 66 today. i was a bit overwhelmed initially because i hadnt taken the 7 and i know there is a lot of foundational knowledge you get from the 7 that is used in the 66, but i didnt think the actual 66 exam was as difficult as i had anticipated. I studied HARD and think my method was pretty effective so here it is.

I used Kaplan and was scoring in the high 70s/80s in qbanks / practice exams before test day, but imo the exam had a lot more of the no brainer questions than the kaplan exams did which is why it felt easier. I read the whole chapter without taking notes and took the checkpoint quizzes, THEN went back through it and took notes. this helped because i felt like it took me so long to get through a chapter while taking notes and when i looked at them they didnt help because i was just copying what i read. get an understanding first of what the chapter is about then note taking will be more efficient and tailored to your understanding of the material. i use excel and tab each chapter, using colors for specific things (ie dates / timelines to remember are green, state laws are blue, fed laws are orange, etc). that was helpful on my final review before test day. i also copy/pasted the answers to any qbank questions i got wrong in the corresponding chapter tabs and only deleted them once i understood them and i was confident i wouldnt make those mistakes again. that also helped me visualize the chapters i was struggling with.

USE THE TEST SPECS. Nasaa literally tells you which subjects are weighted more heavily on the exam and once i completed the coursework i use the specs to focus on the chapters that have the most questions on the exam (i was struggling with retirement plans but theres only 3 questions on the test about them so i didnt waste more time than was needed in that area). i spammed the qbanks but made sure to spend more time on wrong answers that fell in the heavily weighted categories. USE THE TEST SPECS.

Ken Finnen is the man. i listened to his videos in the car or at the gym and it was a great supplement to the study material because he doesnt speak like a textbook reciting information, he makes it intuitive on a different level and isnt slow or boring. his videos are super engaging.

i truly believe anyone who finds a study method that works for them and actually dedicates themselves to it can pass these exams. theyre tough, yes, but theyre so doable if youre spending your time correctly while preparing for them. also recognize when you need to give yourself breaks. even if you procrastinated and are on a time crunch, studying on a fried brain is a waste of time- you arent retaining information. towards the end i scored a 73 on a practice exam then played video games for 4 hours then went back and scored an 87 lol.

im no genius but i found a good study method and it got me the pass. good luck my dudes you got this!

I’m fairly shaken up I was doing well on quizzes and practice tests I don’t really know where to go from here other than just starting over I guess. I would rather have gotten a 30 or 50 and missed by a mile than missed by 2 questions.

71/100

Section 1 Economic factors and Business information 6/8
Section 2 Investment Vehicle Characteristics 13/17
Section 3 Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies 18/30
Section 4 Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines 34/45

The question draw was likely fair some were easier than Achievable and others as difficult or more so than Kaplan

If anyone has tips or advice that would be great.

Well, I gotta say this is a bit of a humble brag but today I passed the 66 on my first try! And that completes the trifecta…I started studying on March 2 and in the last two months I have passed the SIE the 7 and the 66 on my first try. Wishing everyone the best of luck.

Got a 67 which was very surprising to me as I was doing well on practice tests and Ken’s brutal exam. I even thought the test overall was pretty easy so I am more confused than defeated. I had a couple weird questions on joint accounts that were pretty vague. Also believe I messed up a few exempt securities/ registration questions. Will hit the books harder and pass next time!

I am starting with a new firm soon in a new role, and I am required to take and pass the 66. I supposedly get 2 attempts at a month each using PassPerfect. I already have the SIE, 7, and 63. However I keep hearing mixed things on how difficult the 66 is.

I passed the SIE and 7 the first try, but failed the 63 by one point, which is why I'm a little concerned since it seems to just be that exam with the 65 material added on top of that. The second attempt though was a breeze and felt very comfortable with the material.

Any advice or insight on the exam given my situation would be helpful. Just getting nervous since if I don't pass I'll lose my new job.

Hi! Taking 66 on Tuesday. I am averaging 84% on Kaplan, and 80% on both STC and Passperfect. Which would you say is most similar to the questions on exam? Thanks!

Just accepted an offer to a financial services company in my hometown in NC. I’m expected to complete the NC Life and Health, SIE, Series 66, and Series 7 preferably by August since it will be “peak season”. I am taking my capstone classes over the summer to complete my finance degree with also a part time job on the weekends. I am stressing a little bit because it seems like a lot of studying I will have to be doing obv. Any tips or words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated thx.