Series 65 Exam Day Guide: Calculator Rules, What to Bring & Test Center Policies
Everything you need to know before walking into the Prometric test center. No surprises, no stress.
Last updated: January 2026 | Based on official FINRA and NASAA guidelines
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✅ BRING
- • Valid photo ID (driver's license, passport, or military ID)
- • Confirmation email (optional but helpful)
- • Arrive 30 minutes early
❌ DON'T BRING
- • Phone, watch, or electronics
- • Food, water, or drinks
- • Study materials or notes
- • Wallet, purse, or bags
🎁 PROVIDED AT TEST CENTER
4-Function Calculator
Whiteboard & Markers
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Secure Locker
What to Bring to the Series 65 Exam
The good news: you only need to bring one thing to your Series 65 exam. Everything else is either provided or prohibited.
Required: Valid Government-Issued Photo ID
You must present one valid, unexpired, government-issued photo ID with your signature. Acceptable forms include:
Driver's License
Most common choice
Passport
US or foreign
Military ID
Active or veteran
Critical ID Requirements
- • Name must match exactly with your exam registration (check for middle names, suffixes, etc.)
- • Must be unexpired. Expired IDs are no longer accepted as of July 2023
- • No photocopies or faxes. Original ID only
- • Must have photo AND signature
Optional but Helpful
- • Confirmation email with your appointment details (on your phone, which you'll leave in the locker)
- • Light jacket or sweater (test centers can be cold, but you may need to remove it during security screening)
What NOT to Bring (Prohibited Items)
Prometric has strict security policies. Leave these items in your car or at home. While lockers are provided, the test center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
Electronics
- ✗ Cell phones (must be powered off in locker)
- ✗ Smartwatches & fitness trackers
- ✗ Regular watches (any type)
- ✗ Tablets, laptops, e-readers
- ✗ Calculators (one is provided)
- ✗ Headphones or earbuds
Personal Items
- ✗ Wallets & purses
- ✗ Bags & backpacks
- ✗ Hats, scarves, or bulky clothing
- ✗ Jewelry (except wedding bands)
- ✗ Pens, pencils, or any writing instruments
- ✗ Tissues (request from proctor)
Food & Drinks
- ✗ Water bottles
- ✗ Coffee or other beverages
- ✗ Snacks or food of any kind
- ✗ Gum or mints
Study Materials
- ✗ Notes or flashcards
- ✗ Textbooks or study guides
- ✗ Formula sheets or cheat sheets
- ✗ Any reference materials
Do not bring study materials to the test center. You won't have time to review, and they may raise suspicion.
Series 65 Calculator: What You Get and How to Use It
Personal calculators are not allowed. The test center provides a basic calculator for your use.
At the Test Center
You'll receive a non-programmable, four-function calculator from the Test Center Administrator when you enter the testing room.
Available Functions:
- • Addition (+)
- • Subtraction (−)
- • Multiplication (×)
- • Division (÷)
For Online Exams
If you're taking the exam online (typically for candidates with accommodations), a virtual four-function calculator is available on screen.
Note:
Physical calculators are not permitted during online testing.
Good News About Math on the Series 65
The Series 65 has very few calculation-heavy questions. Most math questions test your understanding of concepts (like time value of money or return calculations) rather than requiring complex computations. If you understand the formulas, the four-function calculator is more than sufficient.
What If Your Calculator Doesn't Work?
Raise your hand to alert the proctor. They'll provide a replacement calculator. Don't waste exam time troubleshooting a faulty device.
Prometric Test Center Policies
The Series 65 is administered at Prometric testing centers nationwide. Here's what to expect.
🕐 Arrival Time
Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in procedures.
Arrive Early Perk
If a seat is available, you may be allowed to start your exam early.
Late Arrival Warning
Arriving 30+ minutes late may result in forfeiture of your $187 exam fee.
🔒 Security Procedures
Prometric takes security seriously. Expect airport-level screening:
- 1. Store all personal items in your assigned locker
- 2. Empty your pockets completely
- 3. Pull up pant legs and roll back sleeves for inspection
- 4. Have your photo taken for the exam record
- 5. Be scanned with a metal detector wand
- 6. Sign the rules of conduct agreement
Note: If wearing a face mask, you'll be asked to briefly lower it for photo verification.
👁️ Exam Monitoring
All exams are continuously monitored through:
- • Video and audio recording
- • Physical walk-throughs by proctors
- • Observation through the testing room window
Warning: Cheating violations can result in immediate exam termination, score invalidation, and prohibition from future FINRA registration.
The Check-In Process (Step by Step)
Arrive at the Test Center
Get there 30 minutes early. Check in at the front desk with your photo ID.
Store Personal Belongings
Put all personal items (phone, wallet, keys, watch) in your assigned locker. Keep only your ID.
Security Screening
Empty pockets, show pant legs and sleeves, get scanned with metal detector.
Photo & Signature
Have your photo taken and sign the rules of conduct agreement.
Receive Materials
Get your calculator, whiteboard, dry-erase markers, and noise-cancelling headphones.
Begin Your Exam
You'll be escorted to your workstation. The 180-minute timer starts when you begin.
During the Exam
Materials at Your Workstation
- 🧮 Four-function calculator
Basic arithmetic only
- 📝 Erasable whiteboard
For notes and calculations
- ✏️ Dry-erase markers
Request more from proctor if needed
- 🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
Optional, to block distractions
Break Policy
Breaks are only permitted for restroom use.
- • Raise your hand to alert the proctor
- • You cannot leave the test center
- • You cannot access your locker
- • Your timer does NOT pause
- • You'll go through security screening again upon return
Tip: Use the restroom before entering the testing room. Breaks cost precious exam time.
Time Management
You have about 1 minute and 17 seconds per question. The exam software displays a countdown timer, so you can pace yourself. Flag difficult questions and return to them later.
Series 65 Exam Structure
| Total Questions | 140 (130 scored + 10 unscored pilot questions) |
| Time Limit | 180 minutes (3 hours) |
| Passing Score | 92 out of 130 scored questions (approximately 70.8%) |
| Question Format | Multiple choice (4 answer options) |
| Exam Fee | $187 |
| Results | Immediate (pass/fail displayed on screen) |
| Administered By | FINRA (on behalf of NASAA) |
| Retake Wait Period | 30 days after 1st/2nd failure; 180 days after 3rd failure |
About Unscored Questions
10 of the 140 questions are unscored pilot questions being tested for future exams. You won't know which ones they are, so treat every question as if it counts. These pilot questions do not affect your score.
Common Exam Day Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake #1: Arriving with an expired ID
Check your ID expiration date today. If it's expired or expires before your exam date, renew it immediately. No ID = no exam, and you forfeit your $187 fee.
Mistake #2: Bringing study materials to review in the lobby
You won't have time or mental capacity to study in the waiting area. Worse, it may raise suspicion. Your prep should be complete before exam day. Trust your preparation.
Mistake #3: Wearing a smartwatch or fitness tracker
All watches are prohibited, including analog watches, smartwatches, and fitness trackers. Leave them at home or in your car to avoid hassle at security.
Mistake #4: Taking long restroom breaks
Your timer keeps running during breaks. A 10-minute break costs you 7-8 questions worth of time. Use the restroom before the exam starts.
Mistake #5: Changing your answers
Studies show that when you change an answer, you're more likely to change it to the wrong answer. Trust your first instinct unless you have a clear reason to change.
Mistake #6: Spending too long on difficult questions
If a question stumps you, flag it and move on. You can return to it later. Don't let one question eat into time for easier questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own calculator to the Series 65 exam?
No. Personal calculators are not allowed. Prometric provides a basic four-function calculator (add, subtract, multiply, divide) at the test center. For online exams, an on-screen calculator is provided.
What happens if I arrive late to my Series 65 exam?
If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled appointment time and no seat is available to accommodate your full testing time, you may forfeit your exam fee and need to reschedule. Always arrive 30 minutes early.
Can I take a break during the Series 65 exam?
Breaks are only permitted for restroom use. You cannot leave the test center or access your locker during breaks. Important: Your exam timer does NOT pause during breaks, so use them sparingly.
What ID do I need for the Series 65 exam?
You need one valid, government-issued photo ID with your signature, such as an unexpired driver's license, passport, or military ID. The name on your ID must exactly match the name on your exam registration. Expired IDs are not accepted.
Can I wear a watch during the Series 65 exam?
No. Watches (including smartwatches and fitness trackers) are prohibited in the testing room. You must store them in your assigned locker. The exam software displays a timer on screen.
What if I need to use the restroom during the exam?
You can take restroom breaks, but your exam timer continues to run. Raise your hand to alert the proctor, and you'll be escorted out. You'll go through security screening again when you return.
How many questions can I get wrong and still pass?
You can miss up to 38 questions and still pass. The Series 65 has 130 scored questions, and you need 92 correct answers to pass (approximately 70.8%). There are also 10 unscored pilot questions mixed in.
Do I get my results immediately after the exam?
Yes. You'll receive your pass/fail result immediately upon completing the exam at the test center. A printed score report will be provided before you leave.
Can I bring water or snacks into the testing room?
No. Food and drinks (including water and coffee) are not allowed in the testing room. You must leave them in your locker or car. Some test centers have water fountains in the lobby.
What happens if I fail the Series 65?
You must wait 30 days before retaking the exam after your first or second failed attempt. After a third failure, you must wait 180 days (6 months). Each retake costs $187.
Ready to Pass the Series 65?
Now that you know what to expect on exam day, make sure you're prepared with the right study materials.
Series 65 Study Resources
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