Best Series 65 Prep Courses (2026)
We purchased and tested every major Series 65 prep course. Here are our honest, unbiased rankings based on question quality, content accuracy, and real-world testing.
Last updated: January 2026 | See our methodology
Quick Verdict: Best Series 65 Prep Courses
Achievable
Adaptive learning algorithm, excellent mobile app, comprehensive content. Best for most test-takers.
Read full review →STC
Industry standard, comprehensive materials, excellent question bank. Best bang for your buck.
Read full review →Kaplan
Structured learning path, excellent instructor-led options, proven track record.
Read full review →Complete Series 65 Prep Course Comparison Table
Compare all major Series 65 prep courses side by side. Click any provider name for our full in-depth review.
| Provider | Score | Price | Questions | Access | Pass Guarantee | Flashcards | Video | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Achievable #1 Overall | 9.2/10 | $199 | 1,300+ | 12 months | Yes (Refund) | No | 40+ explainers | Most users |
| Kaplan #2 Overall | 8.7/10 | $159-$319 | 4,230 | 5 months | No | No | 12+ hours | Beginners |
| STC #3 Overall | 8.5/10 | $219-$384 | 2,800+ | 6 months | Yes (Premier+) | 1,500+ | 12 hours | Traditional |
| Knopman Marks #4 Overall | 8.4/10 | $395-$1,020 | 2,000-2,500 | 12 months | No | 1,000+ | 9-30 hours | Firm-sponsored |
* Prices current as of January 2026. Some providers offer periodic discounts. Pass guarantee terms vary by provider.
Detailed Series 65 Prep Course Reviews
Below are our in-depth reviews of each Series 65 prep course. Each review is based on 2-4 weeks of hands-on testing by team members who have passed the Series 65 exam.
Achievable
9.2/10AI-powered adaptive learning, 12-month access, pass guarantee. Best overall value for self-paced learners.
Kaplan
8.7/10Industry standard with 4,230 practice questions. Excellent for beginners who want structured learning.
STC
8.5/1050+ years experience, 1,500+ flashcards, instructor hotline. Best for traditional learners who want structure.
Knopman Marks
8.4/10Premium prep with extensive faculty support and live classes. Best for firm-sponsored candidates.
What is the Series 65 Exam?
The Series 65 (officially the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) is a securities license exam administered by NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association). Passing the Series 65 qualifies you to work as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR), allowing you to provide investment advice for compensation.
Series 65 Exam Quick Facts
Series 65 Exam Topics
The exam covers four main content areas, weighted as follows:
| Topic Area | Weight | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Economic Factors and Business Information | 15% | ~20 questions |
| Investment Vehicle Characteristics | 25% | ~33 questions |
| Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies | 30% | ~39 questions |
| Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines | 30% | ~39 questions |
Who Needs the Series 65?
You need the Series 65 if you want to:
- Work at a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) as an investment adviser representative
- Start your own RIA firm and provide investment advice
- Offer fee-based financial planning services
- Manage client portfolios on a discretionary basis
Unlike the Series 7 or Series 6, the Series 65 does not require employer sponsorship. You can self-register through FINRA, making it ideal for career changers or those building an independent practice.
Series 65 vs. Series 66: Which Do You Need?
If you already hold a Series 7 license, consider the Series 66 instead. It combines investment adviser content with state securities agent requirements, but requires a Series 7 prerequisite.
If you don't have a Series 7, the Series 65 is your standalone path to becoming an investment adviser representative.
Need more details? Read our comprehensive guide: Series 65 vs Series 66: Which Should You Take?
Head-to-Head Comparisons
Can't decide between two providers? Here are our direct comparisons of the most common matchups:
Achievable vs. Kaplan
Winner: Achievable for most users. Kaplan wins on question quantity, but Achievable's adaptive algorithm and pass guarantee provide better value.
Read full comparison →Achievable vs. STC
Winner: Achievable for self-paced learners. STC wins if you want flashcards and prefer talking to human instructors.
Read full comparison →Kaplan vs. STC
Winner: STC for most users. Kaplan wins on price and question count, but STC's flashcards, pass guarantee, and instructor support provide better overall value.
Read full comparison →STC vs. Knopman Marks
Winner: STC for value and pass guarantee. Knopman wins only if you need extensive faculty support and your firm is paying.
Read full comparison →Achievable vs. Knopman Marks
Winner: Achievable for most users. Modern AI learning at half the price with a pass guarantee. Knopman only wins if you need weekly faculty coaching.
Read full comparison →Kaplan vs. Knopman Marks
Winner: Depends on needs. Kaplan for budget and question volume. Knopman for instructor support and physical materials. Neither has a pass guarantee.
Read full comparison →How to Choose the Best Series 65 Prep Course
Not all prep courses are created equal. Here's what matters most when choosing Series 65 study materials:
1. Question Bank Quality > Quantity
A course with 5,000 mediocre questions is worse than 2,000 high-quality questions. Look for:
- Questions that mirror actual exam difficulty
- Detailed explanations that teach concepts (not just answer keys)
- Regular updates to reflect current regulations
- Performance tracking to identify weak areas
2. Learning Style Matters
Different courses fit different learning styles:
- Visual learners: Kaplan (excellent video content)
- Self-paced learners: Achievable (adaptive algorithm)
- Structure-seekers: Kaplan or STC (guided study plans)
- Mobile learners: Achievable or CertFuel (mobile-first design)
3. Budget vs. Value
The most expensive course isn't always the best. Consider:
- What's included (practice exams, mobile app, instructor support)
- Money-back guarantee terms
- How long you have access (90 days vs unlimited)
- Your timeline (if you're starting 3 months out, don't pay for 1-year access)
4. Pass Guarantee Fine Print
Many courses offer "pass guarantees," but read the terms carefully:
- Some require completing 100% of content (unrealistic for busy professionals)
- Some only extend access, not refund money
- Some have strict deadlines (must complete within X days)
Frequently Asked Questions About Series 65 Prep Courses
Answers to the most common questions about the Series 65 exam and choosing the right prep course.
What is the Series 65 exam?
The Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) is a NASAA-administered exam required to become a registered investment adviser representative (IAR). It covers investment adviser regulations, economics, investment vehicles, and ethics. The exam has 130 scored questions with a 180-minute time limit and requires a 71% passing score (92 of 130 questions).
How long should I study for the Series 65?
Most candidates study 6-8 weeks (80-120 hours total). If you have a financial background or hold other securities licenses, 4 weeks may suffice. If you're completely new to finance, plan for 10-12 weeks of dedicated study.
What is the Series 65 pass rate?
The industry average first-time pass rate for the Series 65 is approximately 68%. Using quality prep materials with practice exams that mirror actual exam difficulty can significantly increase your odds of passing on the first attempt.
Which Series 65 prep course is best?
Based on our testing, Achievable is the best overall Series 65 prep course for most candidates due to its AI-powered adaptive learning, 12-month access, and pass guarantee at $199. However, the best choice depends on your learning style: Kaplan is best for beginners, STC for traditional learners, and Knopman Marks for those wanting extensive instructor support.
Can I take the Series 65 without a sponsor?
Yes. Unlike the Series 7 or Series 6, the Series 65 does not require employer sponsorship. You can self-register through FINRA and take the exam independently, which makes it popular for those transitioning into financial advisory roles.
What's the difference between Series 65 and Series 66?
The Series 65 is a standalone exam that qualifies you as an investment adviser representative (IAR). The Series 66 combines investment adviser content with state securities agent law but requires you to first pass the Series 7. If you already hold a Series 7, the Series 66 is more efficient. Otherwise, the Series 65 is your path to becoming an IAR.
How much does the Series 65 exam cost?
The Series 65 exam fee is $187, paid directly to FINRA when you schedule. Combined with prep course costs ($159-$1,020 depending on provider), total investment ranges from $350-$1,200. Most candidates spend $400-$600 total including exam fee and prep materials.
Is the Series 65 harder than the SIE?
Yes, the Series 65 is generally considered harder than the SIE. The Series 65 has a higher passing score requirement (71% vs 70%), covers more complex investment adviser regulations, and includes detailed questions on economics and portfolio management. The SIE is broader but shallower.
What topics are covered on the Series 65 exam?
The Series 65 covers four main areas: Economic Factors and Business Information (15%), Investment Vehicle Characteristics (25%), Client Investment Recommendations and Strategies (30%), and Laws, Regulations, and Guidelines (30%). The heaviest emphasis is on regulations and client recommendations.
Do Series 65 prep courses have pass guarantees?
Some do, but terms vary significantly. Achievable offers a full refund if you fail after meeting study requirements. STC offers a course repeat or refund for Premier/Premier Plus packages. Kaplan and Knopman Marks do not offer pass guarantees despite higher prices. Always read the fine print.
How many questions are on the Series 65 exam?
The Series 65 has 140 total questions: 130 scored and 10 unscored pretest questions. You won't know which questions are unscored, so treat all 140 seriously. You have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the exam, averaging about 77 seconds per question.
Can I use a calculator on the Series 65?
Yes, an on-screen calculator is provided during the exam. You cannot bring your own calculator. The provided calculator handles basic functions sufficient for the math-related questions on time value of money, bond yields, and portfolio calculations.
What happens if I fail the Series 65?
If you fail, you must wait 30 days before retaking the exam. After three failures, the waiting period extends to 180 days. You'll need to pay the full $187 exam fee again. This is why investing in quality prep materials upfront is often more cost-effective than retaking.
How do I register for the Series 65 exam?
Register through FINRA's Web CRD system by submitting Form U10 (if self-sponsored) or having your employer file Form U4. Once approved, you'll receive an enrollment window to schedule at a Prometric testing center. The process typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Are Series 65 practice exams worth it?
Absolutely. Practice exams are the single most important study tool. They familiarize you with question formats, identify weak areas, and build exam stamina. Look for courses with 1,000+ practice questions and full-length simulated exams that mirror the actual 130-question format.
Our Review Methodology
We take our reviews seriously. Here's how we evaluate each Series 65 prep course:
Anonymous Purchase
We purchase each course anonymously at full price. No free review copies or special treatment.
Hands-On Testing
Our team spends 2-4 weeks with each course, completing lessons, practice exams, and testing all features.
15 Scoring Criteria
We evaluate content quality, question accuracy, UX, mobile experience, support, and value across 15 weighted factors.
User Feedback
We aggregate reviews from Reddit, Trustpilot, App Store, and industry forums to capture real-world experiences.
Quarterly Updates
We re-test courses every quarter to catch pricing changes, content updates, and feature additions.
Independence
Rankings are based purely on merit. Providers cannot pay for better placement or remove negative feedback.
Series 65 Study Resources
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