Best Series 6 Study Guides
If you are working to advance your career in an investment company and made the decision to get your Series 6 license, you’ve probably been hearing a lot of people talk about how difficult it can be. Having the right study materials can make a huge difference between passing the test or needing to take it again.
The FINRA Series 6 exam is designed to be incredibly difficult, with a wide range of exam topics (much like the SIE exam). But don’t lose hope! There are a lot of self study options, as well as professional study guides and exam prep courses that can help you pass the exam with only a little time and patience.
We put together some of the best study guides out there for the Series 6 exam. These guides are all great material for studying alone or using as supplemental material for your course. Each guide has its strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to find a guide that works well with your learning style.
These are the best Series 6 study guides we found:
- Securities Institute of America Series 6 Study Guide
- Securities Training Corporation Series 6 Review Guides
- ExamFX Series 6 Review Guides
- Knopman Marks Series 6 Exam Prep Guide
- Kaplan Series 6 Exam Review
| CRUSH RANKING | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| COURSE NAME |  |  |  |  |  |
| PRICE | $124 | $206 | $169 | $190 | $129 |
| DISCOUNTS | Save 12% | Save 15% | Save 20% | No Discount | |
| PRACTICE EXAMS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| LIVE CONTENT | Yes* | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| BONUS CONTENT | Textbook 10-hour online class Test question bank eBook | Practice exams with answer explanations PDF version of study materials | Flashcards Mobile app | 6 hrs video lectures Personal instructor support Digital flashcards Printable practice exams Mobile app | Exam tips Study calendar, Checkpoint exams Free access video library Performance tracker |
| GET STARTED | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now | Start Now |
1. Securities Institute of America Series 6 Study Guide
Securities Institute of America is one of the stronger Series 6 options if you want a course that feels focused, flexible, and easy to build around your schedule.
When I reviewed SIA’s Series 6 materials, I liked that the course didn’t force every student into the same study path. You can choose a more complete package with video, online exams, a textbook, and an e-book, or keep things simpler if you mainly want reading materials and practice questions. That makes it a good fit for candidates who already know how they study best.
The course also feels more polished than some basic securities exam prep programs. The video lessons are useful if you want more guidance than a textbook alone can provide, and the practice exams give you a better way to check whether the material is actually sticking.
The GreenLight Guarantee is another major reason SIA stands out. To qualify, you need to pass SIA’s GreenLight Exam within the required window before your real Series 6 exam. If you pass the GreenLight Exam but fail the actual exam, you may be eligible for a refund on your study materials.
Overall, SIA is a strong choice if you want Series 6 prep with flexible package options, solid practice tools, and a clear final readiness check before test day.
2. Securities Training Corporation Series 6 Review Guides
Securities Training Corporation is a strong Series 6 option if you want a more established, structured course with clear study steps built in.
When I reviewed STC’s Series 6 materials, the course felt organized and easy to follow. Each package includes the core tools most candidates need, including a study guide, mock exams, and a study calendar to help you stay on track. That structure is especially useful if you don’t want to build your own study plan from scratch.
STC also gives you room to choose how much support you want. The Standard package covers the basics, while higher-tier packages add tools like extra quizzes, video lessons, flashcards, and live online lectures. I like that setup because it gives self-directed students a lower-commitment option while still giving more support-heavy learners a path to upgrade.
The money-back guarantee is another plus, though it only applies to certain packages and usually comes with specific requirements. I’d treat it as a helpful safety net, not the only reason to choose the course.
Overall, STC is a good fit for Series 6 candidates who want a traditional exam prep course with a clear schedule, dependable study materials, and the option to add more guidance if they need it.
3. Kaplan Series 6 Exam Review
Kaplan is a good Series 6 option if you want a flexible course built around practice questions and self-paced review.
When I reviewed Kaplan’s Series 6 materials, the SecuritiesPro QBank stood out most. It lets you work through a large set of practice questions, build custom quizzes, and focus on the topics where you’re weakest. That makes Kaplan a better fit for candidates who like to learn by testing themselves instead of just reading through a study guide from start to finish.
I also like that the QBank can be purchased on its own or as part of a larger package. That gives you more control over how much support you want and how much structure you need.
The main drawback is that Kaplan does not offer a money-back guarantee. There also is not a dedicated mobile app, though the materials are designed to be accessible across devices. Overall, Kaplan is a solid choice if you want a question-heavy Series 6 course with flexible practice tools.
4. ExamFX Series 6 Review Guides
ExamFX is a straightforward Series 6 option if you want a shorter course with practice tests, instructor support, and mobile review tools.
When I reviewed ExamFX, the package structure was easy to understand. You can stick with a basic self-study course or upgrade for video lessons and additional study content. The simulated exams are useful because they help flag weaker areas as you study, so your review can feel more targeted instead of just repetitive.
I also like that ExamFX includes instructor support and a mobile app. The app is not something I’d use as my main study tool, but it is helpful for quick review when you’re away from your desk.
The main drawback is the 90-day access window for some packages. That can work if you have a clear exam date, but it may feel rushed if your schedule changes. Overall, ExamFX is a solid fit for candidates who want a simple, practice-focused Series 6 course without a lot of extra complexity.
5. Knopman Marks Series 6 Exam Prep Guide
Knopman Marks is a solid Series 6 option if you want a course with longer access, instructor support, and flexible study tools.
When I reviewed Knopman’s materials, the biggest advantage was the full year of access. That gives you more breathing room than shorter 90-day or six-month courses, especially if you’re studying around work or waiting on a test date. The course includes textbook materials, online practice exams, video lessons, and a mobile app, so you can study in a few different ways instead of being tied to one format.
I also like that instructor support is included. That matters for a licensing exam like the Series 6 because small misunderstandings can slow you down quickly.
The main downside is that Knopman does not offer a money-back guarantee. Still, it’s a strong pick for candidates who want a more flexible study window, dependable materials, and access to instructors when they need help.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Series 6 Exam
How long do you need to study for Series 6?
Based on the length of time recommended by some of the top FINRA review course companies, it’s a good idea to devote between 50 and 75 hours of study time to the Series 6 exam. The most effective study schedule should be spread out between 3 and 6 months.
How hard is the FINRA Series 6 exam?
Due to its length and subject matter, Series 6 is one of the easiest FINRA exams to pass. However, you also have to pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam alongside it in order to work in a large number of professional careers, so keep that in mind when determining the difficulty of this exam!
What does Series 6 allow you to do?
If you obtain both Series 6 and SIE licenses, you’ll be qualified to work in entry-level positions as a representative for investment companies. These jobs involve selling annuities and mutual funds, but they may also require you to obtain additional FINRA licenses such as the Series 63 or Series 7.
How do you pass the Series 6 Exam?
Since it’s one of the easier FINRA exams to pass, you shouldn’t have a lot of trouble with the Series 6 exam if you’ve already passed the SIE exam. However, the best way to ensure a passing grade is to sign up for an online Series 6 review course and spend several hours working through the study material.
Kenneth W. Boyd is a former Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and the author of several of the popular "For Dummies" books published by John Wiley & Sons including 'CPA Exam for Dummies' and 'Cost Accounting for Dummies'.
Ken has gained a wealth of business experience through his previous employment as a CPA, Auditor, Tax Preparer and College Professor. Today, Ken continues to use those finely tuned skills to educate students as a professional writer and teacher.
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