FINRA Series 65

Best courses

In a field dominated by legacy test prep providers, Achievable has emerged as a top choice for financial license preparation over the last decade. Their innovative approach to self-study combines expertly written content with an adaptive platform that tracks your progress as you advance through their Series 65 course materials. Achievable's AI-driven program employs advanced analytics and spaced repetition techniques to help candidates learn more in less time.

Along with their acclaimed, tech-forward study tools, Achievable's Series 65 course has been praised for its approachable, accessible language and real-world applications of financial concepts. Achievable's textbook breaks down complex topics, such as investment vehicles, fundamental economic and business concepts, tailored client recommendations, professional portfolio management strategies, and key investment laws and ethics, in a digestible format. The complete set of videos and podcast episodes, virtual tutoring support, and other study aids allow you to fully grasp the material, rather than relying solely on memorization.

To ensure you're fully prepared for the exam, Achievable packs structured review benchmarks with thorough explanations throughout the program. The course includes thousands of realistic practice questions and over 20 mock exams that simulate real test conditions. For added flexibility, Achievable's interactive study planner builds a personalized study schedule for candidates ahead of their Series 65 test date, clearly outlining what they need to do each day to pass the exam.

Achievable's complete course and online tools are just $199, making it one of the most affordable, all-inclusive Series 65 preparation courses available. The course further sets itself apart with the best pass guarantee in the industry: pass your Series 65 exam or receive a refund, no strings attached.

The Achievable method relies heavily on self-directed learning and consistent review, making it best suited for Series 65 candidates who thrive on independent study. Achievable aims to be a one-stop shop for Series 65 prep, meaning that learners who take the time to utilize all available resources will achieve the best results. The one major drawback to Achievable is that their course does not offer live or in-person instruction; however, users have the option to connect with other test-takers through Achievable's active discussion forum, providing a community space for virtual learners.

Kaplan's Series 65 prep course is another popular option among financial professionals looking to advance their credentials. The Kaplan Series 65 curriculum includes a detailed License Exam Manual (available in both print and digital formats), practice questions with the SecuritiesPro™ QBank, full-length practice exams, integrated progress tracking analytics, and other review resources. Depending on the package, students can also benefit from live or on-demand video classes, support through InstructorLink, and extra checkpoint exams to monitor progress.

Kaplan Series 65 offers four distinct package levels, with Premium Live representing the highest tier at just over $300. The Basic package offers an affordable entry point at $159, providing exam guidance, the QBank, a single full-length practice exam, and core study aids. All Kaplan Series 65 packages grant a standard 5-month online access window, with the option to purchase an additional 5-month extension via the student dashboard for $49.

Overall, the Kaplan Series 65 program remains a flexible solution for candidates seeking detailed content and customizable study options. However, some have criticized the program for being overloaded with information and failing to focus on the most vital exam concepts. Many test-takers recommend using Kaplan's question bank as a supplement to other, more concise courses.

STC's Series 65 program provides a modular approach to licensing preparation, featuring a 15-chapter STC Series 65 study manual, chapter quizzes, full-length practice exams, and custom topic-specific tests (depending on the package selected). Each STC Series 65 package includes both printed and digital manuals, as well as instructor hotline support for direct assistance. Upgraded package levels introduce Series 65 flashcards, on-demand lectures, and the choice of live or virtual classes.

The Premier Plus STC Series 65 package adds Progress and Green Light exams, helping candidates solidify their understanding and readiness. Online on-demand lectures and real-time coaching are also available for individual purchase at $171. Candidates can also access 4- and 6-week study calendars designed to help optimize pace, though these tools are less flexible than personalized study schedules offered by other programs.

As one of the original and most established licensing preparation companies, STC has gained a well-respected reputation among top financial firms. Like other legacy companies, their learning methods and materials can feel rigid and academic to some test-takers, and their programs offer fewer features at a higher price point than other courses.

Knopman Marks Financial Training, a New York-based provider, brings over 30 years of experience to FINRA certification prep. The Knopman Series 65 program is designed as a structured, high-support solution, incorporating both physical and digital textbooks, faculty-led video lectures, digital flashcards, and a customizable question bank. Learners gain access to exclusive features, including Key Concepts resources, preset benchmark exams, and analytics-driven performance feedback to pinpoint and address weak areas.

From the outset, Knopman Series 65 enrollment comes with a personalized onboarding call to launch the course, as well as ongoing check-ins and automated reminders to help keep students on track throughout the course.

Knopman Marks is designed for aspiring advisors who prefer a structured, guided approach to preparing for the Series 65 test. Upgrading to the "All Access Pass" unlocks live instruction, available on-site or online, plus additional strategy calls with experienced faculty and extra interactive review sessions. Traditional learners who value a thorough, academic structure will likely appreciate Knopman's methodical approach.

At a starting price of almost $400, Knopman is also the most expensive Series 65 course among the top providers. Though the course is recognized for its highly detailed materials, some candidates find the content more rigorous and specific than what appears on the actual Series 65 exam.

SIA's Series 65 preparation program includes a robust question bank, comprehensive digital and physical study materials, and a pass guarantee dependent on course performance. The SIA test bank features over 4,000 practice questions, as well as customizable practice exams (topic-focused and mixed formats) and full-length final exams. Included in their course offerings are around 13 hours of video lessons, supplemented by targeted section tests to help students test their knowledge and absorb the material.

A signature element from the SIA is the "GreenLight Guarantee." With this guarantee, if you pass the GreenLight exam near the end of your study but do not pass the actual Series 65 exam, the SIA offers a refund.

The SIA offers Series 65 materials as individual products, along with various bundled packages. Learners can select the exam prep software alone or upgrade to options that include video instruction and other features. The exam software and textbook bundle is priced at $139.95, while the "Complete Self-Study Solution" costs $209. Despite its variety of offerings and low price, some learners found SIA's materials to be too surface-level and out of step with the official Series 65 content outline.

ExamFX Series 65 is a self-paced online course designed to help candidates efficiently prepare for the Series 65 exam. The platform offers a mix of interactive study tools, featuring key resources such as on-demand video lectures, SpotCheck quizzes, custom and benchmark exams, "cheat sheets," and performance tracking, all of which vary by package. Learners can select from several tiers to match their study preferences.

Additional features, depending on the chosen tier, include custom study schedules, direct instructor support (via phone or online), flashcards for quick review, and analytics to monitor learning progress and identify areas for improvement. Many candidates find that ExamFX Series 65 serves as a reliable foundational program, although some report it may be less in-depth compared to other Series 65 courses. Others have commented that the writing style on their exam materials can be overly technical, adding an unnecessary layer of frustration when studying.