Let me start by saying I have used Achievable test prep material to pass the SIE, Series 6, and Series 63 (all on my first attempt). I swear by their methods, material, and overall learning style and recommend them to every single person who asks me what study prep material I use. However, I feel a little uneasy after attempting the Series 65 two weeks ago. Here’s why:
I read every single chapter of the material and I took every single chapter quiz. I did the recurring practice questions daily (although I’ll admit I fell behind as my testing day approached as I was spending most of my daily study time taking practice exams). I had been consistently passing the practice exams in the high 80’s and low to mid 90’s leading up to the actual exam and I went into the exam just as confident as ever. I know the material and I know it well!
My exam experience on the Series 65 was unlike any exam I have ever taken before, including the three prior securities exams I have passed over the last four months. Out of the 140 questions I answered on the series 65, I only knew with 100% certainty the answer to 30 questions. If we exclude the 10 experimental questions, that means I made educated guesses on 100 questions. My test day method includes notating every question I made an educated guess on so that I can go back and review those questions before exiting the exam. I finished the exam and scored a 69% which means I missed passing by roughly four questions.
I feel as though I completely understood every question I read (and had a good idea of what the answer was before reading the multiple choice answers). However, most of the questions I guessed on either had two very similar (and correct) answers, or, the correct answer wasn’t listed (obviously the correct answer was listed but it didn’t appear correct to me).
I say all this so that hopefully my following question can be answered more specifically.
How should I go about studying for the Series 65 this go around so that I can pass it on my second attempt?
I think the world of everyone at Achievable and I can’t wait to pass the Series 65 next go around.
Hi @Nater_Potater - I’m sorry your test experience was not optimal. Unfortunately, this happens sometimes, and I primarily credit your “draw” of questions. There’s always an element of randomness to these exams, and it sounds like you randomly stumbled upon a very difficult test. Next time will certainly be different, and possibly easier.
Here’s the good news - it sounds like you’re a good test taker. Scoring a 69% on an exam you had to guess on nearly 100 questions tells me you may know more than you’re giving yourself credit for.
In terms of advice, it depends on a few factors. When is your retake? What were your scores in the 4 units? Was there any material in particular that felt challenging? In general, we would the following to someone only 3 points off a passing score:
Take and review a practice exam
Do a thorough review, take notes, think “beyond the question” (focus on the concepts, not the specific question itself)
Periodically review your finals notes, especially prior to your next practice exam and your retake
Identify low-scoring sections on your exam breakdown
Re-read chapters covering those sections and take practice quizzes in this sections
Just like with practice exams, do a thorough review of each question and take notes
Review your practice quiz notes periodically
Repeat the steps above as many times as possible prior to your retake
Also, keep up on your assigned reviews
If you want some personalized advice, send me a direct message with answers to the questions above. I might have a custom approach based on your situation.
Again, sorry the exam didn’t go your way. I’m confident you’ll get it next time. Good luck!
I passed the Series 65 on my second attempt!! I appreciate everyone at Achievable for giving me the tools to be a successful SIE, Series 6, 63, and 65 test taker! I’ll continue to refer everyone I know in need of test prep material to Achievable.