Financial certifications: How to boost your career early-on

Balancing a full course load, a full-time job, and studying for an important exam can feel overwhelming. But thousands of test takers have been in the same position, and Logan Burress is one of them.

While working toward his degree, Logan used Achievable to prepare for and pass both the Securities Industry Exam (SIE) and the Series 65. Read on to learn how he overcame obstacles to reach his goals and advance his finance career. If you’re looking for motivation, Logan’s story can help inspire you to take the next step toward your future.

What motivated you to take this exam?

Growing up, I aspired to be a financial advisor and ultimately pursued a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master’s of Business Administration. After successfully passing the SIE exam, I waited for a period of time for job opportunities. Due to the high level of competition, I took the initiative to pass the Series 65. I wanted to prove to my future employers that I had what it takes to operate as a fiduciary for an Investment Advisor.

What role did Achievable play in your prep?

I was hired at a firm to become a financial advisor and got a special deal on a program called Achievable. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed by the process of obtaining my SIE, but after engaging with the material, I felt less so. I pursued my degrees during the day and studied at night. Luckily, I found a material that was easy to comprehend, and I had software that helped me retain the information.

The best thing about Achievable was the support staff. I had to call multiple times to reorient myself for the Series 65 final examination. They were quick and responsive and showed me different study techniques. By far, the Series 65 was the hardest security exam I have taken, and I could not have done it without Achievable.

When I took the exam, it was difficult: 140 total questions that challenged me to think beyond the definition and directly into application. But, I took the exam and passed! I am so thankful for the material and the support team.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your prep?

I didn’t face too many challenges, as I know others are working full-time and studying the material, but it was a challenge nonetheless. Towards the end, I got discouraged as my first complete exam did not go as planned, but I continued the path. Throughout my schooling and while studying for my SIE, I utilized time-boxing to manage expectations and improve my time management skills.

When studying for the Series 65, I was completing my MBA at the same time, so I had to overcome various obstacles. Due to the density of the material, it was challenging to stay focused on the exam details. The exam had so many nuances, causing one to forget details as time progressed. Luckily, the program takes that into account and periodically reviews old material. This gave me freshness that I would not otherwise get with other programs.

Did you use any strategies, habits, or tools that helped?
The study was time-intensive, and I invested over 85 hours in material preparation for the Series 65. It was a challenging exam, but I was determined to grab a competitive advantage in an oversourced market. With the foundation of the SIE in place, the Series 65 seemed more manageable. I loved having the same study format for both examinations. Using Achievable for both proved to be an effective transition between the two.

How did you feel going into test day?

Going into the test, I had spent 50 hours studying, had a background in finance, and still felt nervous. I used last-minute prep videos from other providers to have a comprehensive, 90-minute overview of the material.

What’s next for you now that you’ve finished the exam?

Now that I have passed my SIE, I am actively studying for my Series 65! I plan to pass my exam and gain the necessary license to be granted effective status as an Investment Advisor Representative.

You can try our SIE course for free to see if it fits your learning style. And perhaps, someday, you will share your journey with us and others here as well!

Best of luck!