I recently took the Series 66 exam for the second time and scored a 71 — just 2 questions shy of the passing 73. While it’s frustrating to be that close, I’m staying motivated and committed to getting it done on the third try.
Here’s a quick breakdown of my performance:
• Economic Factors & Business Info: 6/8
• Investment Vehicle Characteristics: 10/17
• Client Investment Recommendations & Strategies: 26/30
• Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines: 29/45
I’ve clearly made progress between my first and second attempts (went from 68 to 71), but I’d really appreciate any advice from those who have successfully passed after a retake. Specifically:
• What changes did you make to your study strategy between attempts?
• How did you review and retain the dense regulatory content (my biggest weak spot)?
• Any daily schedules, high-yield areas, or Achievable tools you found most helpful? I’m balancing part time work with family commitments (wife and a toddler) so what type of schedule would work best for that.
I’m open to trying anything that helped you push over the line — drills, re-reading, flashcards, videos, etc. I’d love to build a smart and efficient plan to pass on my next try.
Thank you for sharing your detailed breakdown. You’re right that the official exam report highlights regulations as your biggest challenge, and your practice exam data with us confirms the same.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
1. Zero in on your weakest sections
From your practice reports, the biggest opportunities are in:
Insurance within Characteristics
Registration, Ethics, and Communications within Regulations
Focus on these areas first. Re-read the chapters, retake the section quizzes, and use the Review feature to see new question variations (so you don’t just memorize the quizzes).
2. Set a benchmark before retesting
Aim to consistently score in the mid-to-upper 80s on at least 5 practice exams. This gives you a buffer for test-day stress or a tougher question set.
3. Build a realistic study routine
Since you’re balancing work and family, short daily sessions are often more effective than long weekend marathons. For example:
20–30 minutes on a single weak section each day (multiple if time allows), followed by deep learning when needed
Rotate topics across the week (e.g., Regulations Mon/Wed/Fri, Characteristics Tue/Thu)
Review during quick breaks to reinforce memory (review what was learned the day before or a few days before)
4. Slow down and learn deeply
When working through your weakest sections, don’t rush to finish. Take the time to understand why each answer is correct or incorrect. That depth of learning will lift your scores across the board.
You’ve already shown progress between attempts, from 68 to 71, and with a targeted plan, you’re in a great position to cross the finish line on your next try.