Series 65 vs Series 66: Which Exam Should You Take?
Last updated June 2026. This article answers the specific questions candidates search for when preparing for Series 65 and Series 66 exams.
Series 65 vs Series 66 at a Glance
If you are preparing for the Series 65 or Series 66, you probably have specific questions about what the exam covers, how hard it is, and the best way to study. This article addresses those questions directly.
This section covers series 65 vs series 66 at a glance. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Content Differences
This section covers content differences. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Exam Format Comparison
This section covers exam format comparison. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Career Path Differences
This section covers career path differences. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Which Exam Should You Take?
This section covers which exam should you take?. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
Common Candidate Scenarios
This section covers common candidate scenarios. For the full exam breakdown, see our complete exam guide library.
FAQ
FAQ
The Series 66 covers both Series 63 and Series 65 content in one exam. It is not necessarily easier, but it is more efficient — one exam instead of two.
You can, but there is no reason to. If you pass the Series 66, you already have the qualifications that the Series 65 provides.
No. The Series 65 does not require the Series 7. However, if you want to be both a securities agent and an adviser, you typically need the Series 7 plus the Series 66.
No. The Series 66 includes the Series 65 content. You do not need to take the Series 65 separately.
If you already hold the Series 7, take the Series 66. If you do not have the Series 7 and only want to be an investment adviser representative, the Series 65 is sufficient.
Author profile
Sonia Hoffman
Austin, USAdviser exam writer
Sonia worked in investment adviser operations and licensing support and now writes about state-law exams, adviser rules, and practice strategy for Series 63, 65, and 66 candidates.
Focus
Series 63/65/66
Coverage
Adviser operations · Rule application