As a 23-year-old recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in BA, no prior finance experience (outside of a few courses and some novice crypto investing), and a 4 month internship as a research analyst at an international securities company in Tokyo, I embarked on a journey to break into the financial industry. My starting point: the unsponsored licensing exams.
I first heard about these exams after my internship in June 2024 and began prepping in August, starting with the SIE to boost my resume. Midway, I discovered the Series 63 was a shorter exam, so I pivoted to tackle it first. With about three weeks of focused study, I passed the 63 on my first attempt and followed it up with the SIE two weeks later in September. While the SIE required more effort (six weeks of study), the overlap in topics like BD and IA registration made the transition smoother.
Feeling confident, I set my sights on the Series 65. Achievable’s textbook and practice materials felt familiar after my prior exams, but the test itself was a reality check. My first attempt in October was a failure, despite feeling well-prepared. The exam included concepts like Form 13F, 8K, insurance policies, and intricate IA/BD registration scenarios that were either unfamiliar or not deeply covered in Achievable’s materials.
Not one to give up, I analyzed where I went wrong and doubled down on my prep. While Achievable’s materials provided clear explanations and were beginner-friendly, I supplemented with Kaplan’s textbook and Q-bank, which dove deeper into the material and mirrored the actual exam’s complexity. My second attempt in December was a success, and the relief of passing after such intense preparation was incredible.
Comprehensive Review of Study Materials
SIE Exam
Material Used: Achievable
Study Time: 150 hours (also used for 63 prep)
Difficulty: 7/10
Achievable’s clear and concise explanations were perfect for a beginner like me. The textbook and practice questions adequately covered the content, making this my sole resource.
Series 63 Exam
Material Used: Achievable
Study Time: 70 hours
Difficulty: 4/10
Achievable’s materials are more than sufficient for the 63. The overlap with the SIE streamlined my preparation, and the manageable question bank made it easier to focus on key concepts.
Series 65 Exam
Material Used: Achievable + Kaplan (Q-bank and textbook)
Study Time: ~92 hours with Achievable + ~40 hours with Kaplan
Difficulty: 10/10 (1st attempt), 7/10 (2nd attempt)
Achievable is excellent for introducing the core concepts but lacks the depth (For me) required for the nuances of the 65. Kaplan’s Q-bank questions were closer in difficulty to the actual exam, and their textbook filled in gaps in Achievable’s coverage, especially for advanced topics.
Final Thoughts
For beginners: Achievable is an outstanding resource for understanding foundational concepts, particularly for the SIE and 63. However, for the 65, Kaplan’s Q-bank and textbook are indispensable for tackling the exam’s more complex and less predictable content.
If you’re preparing for these exams:
Use Achievable for textbooks—it simplifies concepts.
Supplement with Kaplan’s Q-bank, especially for the Series 65. The extra depth could be the difference between passing and failing.
Don’t underestimate the exam’s difficulty. Study strategically and make sure you’re comfortable explaining wrong answers rather than memorizing them.
I hope my journey and insights help you on your path to licensure. Best of luck, and happy studying!
Next up for me: tackling the Series 7 with the same approach—Achievable for the textbook, Kaplan for the questions. Let’s see how it goes!
Happy New Year!
(P.S.: For new graduates, I found that the SIE didn’t significantly increase my interview opportunities for analyst and associate financial advisor positions. However, the 63 provided a slight boost. With the addition of the 65 and my updated resume, I’ve noticed a significant improvement—interview opportunities are now flooding in, and I feel it really helps you stand out as a new grad!)