The Series 6 exam (Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative) licenses you to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, 529 plans and unit investment trusts. It’s a FINRA “top-off” exam: you also need to pass the SIE exam, and you need a sponsoring member firm.
Here’s the format, what’s tested and how to pass. Then drill with the free Series 6 practice test.
Key takeaways
- 50 scored questions (plus 5 unscored) in 90 minutes.
- A 70% scaled score is needed to pass.
- The SIE is a corequisite, and you need firm sponsorship.
- Covers packaged products only. Individual stocks and bonds need the Series 7.
USA Series 6 Exam: Quick Facts
- Administered by
- FINRA
- Questions
- 50 scored + 5 pretest
- Time
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- 70%
- Corequisite
- SIE exam
- Sponsorship
- Required
What Is the Series 6 Exam?
The Series 6 lets you sell “packaged” investment products. Many bank and insurance-company reps take it with the Series 63 (state law), and often with a life and health insurance license so they can sell variable annuities.
| Function | Approx. share |
|---|---|
| Seeks business for the broker-dealer from customers | about 12% |
| Opens accounts after obtaining and evaluating customer information | about 16% |
| Provides customers with information on investments, makes recommendations, transfers assets | about 62% |
| Obtains and verifies customers’ purchase and sale instructions | about 10% |
Series 6 vs. Series 7
The Series 7 (125 questions, 225 minutes) is broader and covers stocks, bonds, options and more. The Series 6 is shorter and limited to funds, variable contracts and similar products. If you may ever need to trade individual securities, the Series 7 is more versatile.
More on Series 6 vs. Series 7 →How to Pass the Series 6
- Pass the SIE first (or plan both exams close together).
- Master mutual fund pricing: NAV, sales charges, breakpoints, rights of accumulation.
- Know variable annuity phases, taxation and suitability rules.
- Practice suitability questions, which make up the largest share of the exam.
- Take timed practice with our Series 6 practice test.
Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA Series 6 Exam practice test →USA Series 6 Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the Series 6 exam?
50 scored questions plus 5 unscored pretest questions, with 90 minutes to finish.
Full answer →Do I need the SIE for the Series 6?
Yes. You must pass the SIE as well as the Series 6 to register as an investment company and variable contracts representative.
Full answer →Is the Series 6 hard?
It’s narrower than the Series 7. Most candidates pass with 30–50 hours of focused study and practice.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information and is not financial, tax, insurance or investment advice. Exam details, fees, blueprints and product terms change. Confirm with the official organization or a licensed professional. Read our editorial policy.