FINRA Series 10 Best courses
Summary: Best Series 10 prep courses (2026)
The Series 10 exam, which constitutes one-half of the General Securities Sales Supervisor Exams, is a crucial step for professionals seeking to advance into supervisory roles. The Series 10 is specifically designed to assess your ability to oversee general securities sales representatives and related supervisory activities within member firms. Many candidates begin their licensure journey by preparing for and passing the Series 10 exam, an exhaustive, 4-hour assessment featuring 145 questions. Eligibility requires sponsorship by a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member firm and successful completion of both the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 7 exams.
Selecting the best Series 10 study guide is vital for effective preparation and increased chances of passing the Series 10 exam. High-quality Series 10 study material should thoroughly cover all fundamental topics relevant to general securities supervision, including customer account approvals, supervisory procedures for sales teams and staff, and financial recordkeeping requirements. Distinct from the Series 9 exam, which focuses extensively on options, the Series 10 covers a broader range of general securities concepts. Both examinations are necessary to obtain your principal-level license, and they must be completed within a two-year period (though you may take the Series 9 and Series 10 in any order).
The reviews below spotlight Series 10 exam prep solutions dedicated exclusively to the Series 10, instead of combined or bundled offerings. A successful Series 10 study plan incorporates proven study materials, mastery of financial and regulatory concepts, and consistent practice with full-length practice exams to ensure test readiness. To help you choose the optimal Series 10 study guide, we have compared the leading providers, including Kaplan, Knopman Marks, Securities Training Corporation, and Securities Institute of America. Each comparison highlights unique strengths and standout features as presented by their official materials. Explore these Series 10 exam prep options and review authentic user testimonials to find the best fit for your learning style.
Some user reviews have been slightly edited for length and clarity.
How we evaluated these resources
Our top picks for Series 10 study materials offer a well-rounded selection that caters to a range of learning styles. Whether you prefer independent study or structured guidance, we break down the advantages and possible drawbacks of each provider's approach and study plan. We selected these resources based on:
- Cost
- Are the materials fairly priced and competitive? What do costlier options offer that inexpensive alternatives do not, and are they worth it?
- Variety
- What extra features does the program come with: adaptive study plans, performance tracking, customizable question banks (QBanks), etc.?
- Coverage
- How well does the material cover all topics on the exam, from rules and regulations to ethical concerns? Which resources are best used for quick reviews, and which courses will fully prepare you for the test?
- Accessibility
- Are complex subjects presented in a way that's easy to understand for maximum retention? Does this product suit a specific learning style better than others?
- Community feedback
- What do learners praise about this vendor's instructional materials, practice tests, and other resources? Is the course recommended for Series 10 preparation?
- Score boosters
- Is the program rigorous enough to help you pass the Series 10 exam on your first try? Does it come with a pass guarantee?
For each provider, we highlight the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of their study tools, giving you a clear understanding of what they offer. We also outline pricing and package options so you can choose a solution that fits your budget. Use this guide to make an informed decision about your exam prep and move one step closer to earning your license.
Most recognizable brand: Kaplan Financial Education Series 10
- Kaplan's licensing courses are well known for their extensive range of study materials and personalizable options.
- They provide a broad range of Series 10 prep options tailored to different learning styles, schedules, and levels of experience.
- The QBank allows you to build customized quizzes in addition to taking full-length practice exams
- Every package includes a Performance Tracker and a personalized study plan
- Ongoing content updates and exam tips help ensure your preparation stays up to date
- All courses have a short access window of only 5 months
- The Basic tier only includes one full-length Practice Exam
- While Kaplan is usually known for its difficulty and rigor, some learners found the Series 10 exam program insufficiently challenging
- No pass guarantee for any level
- Print and digital License Exam Manual (LEM)
- Personalized Study Plan
- Checkpoint and Midterm Exams (not included in Basic tier)
- Mastery Exam (Premium only)
- Instructor Link™ (Premium only)
- Higher-priced tiers include on-demand video lessons and instructor-led online classes
- Individual exam tools can be purchased separately on Kaplan Financial's website
- Bundled Series 9/10 classes are also available at a discount
Kaplan's Series 10 prep offers a comprehensive suite of study packages, ranging from Basic to Premium, to suit a variety of study preferences. Each package blends printed and digital resources, interactive study tools, practice exams, and, in the higher tiers, options for live instruction. Central features include the detailed License Exam Manual, the SecuritiesPro™ QBank with hundreds of practice questions, mastery and practice exams, flashcards, and a tailored study plan to support your review of key supervisory and regulatory topics.
Kaplan's prep programs are built for flexibility and adaptability, catering to different learning styles and schedules. Depending on the chosen package, you can access on-demand video lessons and live online classes to enhance your Series 10 exam preparation. The curriculum thoroughly covers securities regulations, supervisory duties, sales practices, and account management, critical knowledge areas for General Securities Sales Supervisor candidates. Tools such as progress tracking and full-length mock exams are integrated to help you assess your readiness and boost your confidence on test day.
However, one notable drawback cited by some students is that Kaplan Series 10 materials may not fully match the exam's difficulty. Certain learners report that the questions and content in the Kaplan Series 10 prep felt too simple or straightforward, suggesting that additional challenging practice may be necessary to achieve optimal preparedness.
“I took the Series 10 in August and passed first time using Kaplan, but I was scoring mid-80s on my simulated exams.”
“Kaplan does not prepare you for the exam. The content on Kaplan is so high level, and the questions are so easy.”
Bottom line: Kaplan Series 10 prep offers a versatile range of study options to suit both independent learners and those seeking more structure. While Kaplan provides foundational coverage, you may need to supplement with additional practice questions and exams to further strengthen your readiness.
Best instructor-led courses: Knopman Marks Series 10 Exam Prep
- Knopman is a well-established leader in financial licensing exam prep and a trusted training partner to many major U.S. firms, recognized for its comprehensive study materials and instructor-led resources.
- Its Series 10 programs provide a high-touch learning experience, blending video instruction with modern online tools, including preset exams, customizable question banks, and more.
- In-depth Series 10 instruction designed by industry professionals
- Live review sessions and interactive blended classes are accessible from anywhere
- Private faculty strategy calls included
- Adaptable practice questions
- No lower-cost options or pass guarantee
- Full-length exams are preset, rather than customizable
- Not well-suited for learners with limited study time
- Classes are recorded, no live instruction
- No cheaper, bundled option with the Series 9
- 1-year access period
- Physical and digital textbooks
- Client Experience and faculty team support
- Automated performance monitoring
Knopman Marks Series 10 Course is one of the many leading FINRA Series 10 General Securities Sales Supervisor exam prep solutions, designed to maximize candidate success through premium study materials and robust support. The program features a comprehensive textbook and eBook, full access to the Knopman Marks Training Center digital hub, engaging video lectures led by industry experts, an extensive practice question library, realistic benchmark exams that mirror the actual Series 10 test, and a suite of supplemental resources to reinforce learning. Upon enrolling in the course, students receive an onboarding call, a tailored action plan, and regular check-ins from the Knopman Marks support team to ensure consistent progress.
Knopman Marks focuses on data-driven study guidance and detailed performance tracking, empowering candidates to identify weaker areas and monitor their readiness as the Series 10 exam approaches. The Knopman Marks materials are engineered for deep content mastery, utilizing predictive analytics to customize practice questions and scheduled reminders to sustain study momentum. Renowned for its highly involved support from both the Knopman Marks Client Success and Faculty teams, this course is often priced higher than some competitors' due to its intensive features and extended access. Unfortunately, some students have reported that the Knopman Marks Series 10 course did not fully prepare them for the exam, despite the program's comprehensive approach, resulting in first-time fail rates.
“I felt Knopman really shone with the lectures and other class material they provide. The lectures give you a good framework.”
“I used Knopman Marks for the 10 and failed.”
Bottom line: For traditional learners seeking instructor-led Series 10 prep, Knopman Marks offers classroom-style courses with expert guidance. However, it's important to note that some candidates felt the Knopman Marks program did not fully meet their expectations for exam readiness, despite significant time and financial investment.
Best for traditional learners: Securities Training Corporation Series 10
- As a long-standing provider of licensing exam prep, STC has built a strong reputation and is trusted by many leading financial institutions.
- Its Series 10 offerings include both print and digital study materials, in-depth chapter quizzes, and multiple full-length practice exams. Higher-tier packages add virtual classes and other tools.
- Includes a diverse range of training resources built for self-guided learning and lecture-based instruction
- Flashcards, extra exams, lectures, and virtual classes can be purchased separately, allowing candidates to modify their study program
- Instructor Hotline and 24/7 tech support available for all tiers
- The standard package does not include progress exams or a pass guarantee
- Limited analytics, adaptive tools, and progress tracking
- Static study calendars
- Learners report that STC Series 10 practice questions are not always consistent with the actual exam
- Online and printed study manual
- Crunch Time Facts resource
- Hours of instructional videos
- 6-month access window
- Bundled 9/10 packages are also available
The Securities Training Corporation (STC) has been a leading choice for preparing financial professionals for securities licensing exams for over 50 years. Several study package options are available for the Series 10 exam, including Standard, Premier, and Premier Plus, each featuring comprehensive print and digital study manuals, instructor-led or on-demand video lessons, practice exams, and specialized diagnostic tools focused on Series 10 content. The STC consistently updates its curriculum to align with current FINRA Series 10 exam content, offering features such as custom exams, detailed explanations of answers, progress tracking, and resources to enhance your understanding of FINRA rules and supervisory responsibilities.
A distinctive component of the STC Series 10 program is its strong support infrastructure. Students receive access to experienced instructors via a telephone hotline, flexible options for live or virtual classroom sessions, and a structured study calendar. The pass guarantee available on many Series 10 packages provides further confidence. Learners follow a well-organized six-chapter study manual and can take multiple final practice exams and "Greenlight" tests that closely mirror the actual exam's format and difficulty, allowing precise self-assessment and readiness checking before test day. However, a few students mentioned that the question bank could offer more detailed practice, which seems to be a common piece of feedback across Series 10 courses.
“Studied for about 5 weeks using STC exclusively…Felt pretty prepared on the test.”
“I had STC study materials, but never felt their question bank was enough.”
Bottom line: For candidates seeking a modern, flexible, and reputable Series 10 exam preparation option, STC's fully online programs and convenient bundling with Series 9 is an option. Some candidates noted that more extensive practice materials would make the course more helpful.
Most customizable online tools: Securities Institute of America (SIA) Series 10
- SIA offers both standalone Series 10 self-study solutions and a combo bundle with Series 9 at a major discount.
- The modular structure of SIA's programs allows test-takers the ability to purchase the materials they need, when they need them.
- Offers a combination of digital and printed study materials
- 15 ways to customize exams
- Unlimited randomized exams and performance tracking help reinforce learning
- TotalGenius! AI tutor included
- Limited access period for online materials (180 days)
- Some reviewers felt that SIA's materials did not always align with the actual test
- Video class demo and training for recorded lectures
- Test Tips videos included
- Customizable study plan
- Cheat sheets
The Securities Institute of America (SIA) Series 10 course is a comprehensive, self-paced program that helps candidates thoroughly review all exam topics and improve test-day outcomes. Many SIA Series 10 course materials include a Greenlight money-back pass guarantee: if you pass the SIA readiness exam but do not pass the official Series 10 exam, you may be eligible for a refund. The prep program emphasizes flexible, independent study, making it a strong choice for self-motivated individuals who prefer to learn at their own pace. Course features often include on-demand video lessons (professionally recorded and tailored to Series 10 content), customizable quizzes to target specific weaknesses, and realistic practice exams that mirror the actual test format.
SIA is known for balancing comprehensive content coverage with user control, offering a range of course packages, including Textbook & Exam Prep Software, Complete Video, and Complete Self-Study. Each package typically features a printed and digital textbook, an extensive bank of practice questions with both randomized and topic-focused quizzes, checkpoint exams, unlimited practice exams, and an adaptive study calendar tool to structure your prep. While the SIA's programs are highly flexible and appeal to independent learners, some students have reported that the courses can feel somewhat unfocused or disorganized and noted occasional typos or errors in the study materials.
“I found some of the content from the Securities Institute of America really helpful, especially when I needed extra clarity on dense sections.”
“I don't recommend The Securities Institute of America…it has a lot of typos and incorrect answers.”
Bottom line: For candidates seeking a personalized Series 10 course experience, the Securities Institute of America offers flexible tools that let you tailor your prep to your needs. However, be aware that some SIA textbooks and resources may have minor issues, so it's wise to cross-reference their materials with another trusted provider.
Why choosing the right test prep course matters
There are countless Series 10 prep options available, each with its own bespoke study materials and test support that promise to get you closer to earning your General Securities Sales Supervisor license. Investing in the right course can be immensely rewarding: using a structured, comprehensive Series 10 study guide brings focus and strategic depth to your exam preparation, leading to stronger results.
The Series 10 exam is designed to assess the advanced knowledge and supervisory skills required for senior positions in the securities industry. By passing the Series 10, experienced registered representatives demonstrate the expertise and integrity necessary to assume supervisory responsibilities. Achieving this credential grants you the ability to:
- Supervise options activities and advanced trading strategies, ensuring full regulatory compliance
- Manage sales teams within a FINRA-member brokerage firm
- Advance your trajectory as a leading financial professional
While FINRA has not released an official pass rate for the Series 10 exam, industry estimates place it around 70-75%. This challenging statistic underscores the importance of selecting high-quality study materials to maximize your chances of success. For best results, choose a Series 10 exam prep solution featuring up-to-date study content, interactive practice questions, and responsive support throughout your licensing journey.
Wrapping up
There are numerous Series 10 exam prep providers available, each offering distinctive approaches, comprehensive study materials, and dedicated support to guide candidates through one of FINRA's higher-level exams. Selecting the best Series 10 course is crucial for obtaining your supervisory license and advancing in your financial services career. When exploring Series 10 exam prep options, it's important to compare factors such as price, content quality, and overall program effectiveness. One size does not fit all when it comes to test prep: ensure you choose a Series 10 prep course that best fits your specific needs. Achieving a passing score on the Series 10 exam on your first try will help propel your career forward and avoid the need for costly, future retakes.