If you are trying to get a job as a stockbroker, you have surely heard of the Series 7 exam. You might even already be studying Brainscape's award-winning Series 7 flashcards that we made with Knopman Marks.
Also known as the General Securities Representative exam, the Series 7 is required of anyone who makes trades on all types of corporate securities, excluding commodities and futures. Anyone who wants to work with financial instruments such as stocks, call and put options, or bonds needs to pass this exam administered through FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. It is also required for other positions like insurance agents, financial planners, or advisers.
However, before taking the exam, you need to be sponsored by a FINRA member firm. How do you beat this catch-22 and get prepared to take the Series 7 exam?
Brainscape is here to help. In this article, we're introducing the Series 7 sponsorship problem and 7 steps you need to take to get a sponsor.
Getting started on your career with Series 7
Unfortunately, when you are just starting out in your career, the requirement to be sponsored by an employer can feel like a catch-22.
Here's the thing: in order to qualify to take the Series 7 exam, you need to be sponsored by a member firm, a self-regulatory organization (SRO), or an exchange associated with FINRA. This means that until you are employed in a position that would require the Series 7 exam for daily tasks, you cannot even sit for the Series 7 test.
Often, this is incredibly frustrating for job seekers. Many seemingly low-level positions require the exam upfront. After the financial crisis, many companies are less willing to take on sponsorship of potential employees when already licensed professionals are searching for work. It can seem at times that there is no way to get your foot in the door.
Finding Series 7 sponsorship
However, there are several steps you can take to get access to the Series 7 exam and start your securities career.
1. Browse company descriptions on job boards
Often companies that are willing to sponsor you to sit for the Series 7 exam will mention this directly in their company bio. Positions in these companies that require the Series 7 as a base requirement may actually be more flexible with sponsorship if you can prove that you have done your research.
2. Look for mid-size firms that are hiring assistants
Often smaller companies do not have the resources to sponsor you, and the largest firms are the most competitive. Many mid-size firms, on the other hand, are often willing to hire someone with the qualifications for the job but who has yet to sit for the exam. In particular, assistant positions are often less likely to require the Series 7 up front. You can do research on FINRA member firms here or on the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) website.
3. Be persistent, patient, and wait out the market
Any job search requires a lot of determination and dedicated browsing. As this industry is very dependent upon current market conditions, the availability of entry-level jobs ebbs and flows with its changes. Take note of any upturns in the market, as well as which firms are experiencing particular growth. They will be most likely to look for new professionals.
4. Be prepared to take the Series 7 exam at any moment
Even if you may have no particular sponsorship prospects now, that could change at any minute, and you need to be prepared. You should already be studying for the Series 7 exam every day. Read up on the exam in detail at the FINRA website. Take practice exams often to maximize your score. Learn about the individual sections and determine what areas you need to work on more. By doing all that initial prep work, not only will you be able to take the exam as soon as you find a potential sponsor, but you will also be more knowledgeable during interviews.
5. Invest in Series 7 test prep
Not only do test preparation materials make you more likely to pass the exam when the time comes, but when you are able to tell employers that you have been preparing using this strategy, it shows that you are taking your career seriously. You can find private tutors who can coach you through the process or invest in testing software from big companies like Kaplan, Barron’s, or – our partner and favorite – Knopman Marks.
If you do not have hundreds/thousands of dollars to spend on Series 7 preparation, you can still get quality test prep through smaller companies like Brainscape, for lower prices; check out our Series 7 comprehensive flashcard review collection to start studying today.
The important thing is to show you have made a real effort already, so that employers will be willing to invest in you too.
6. Network, network, network
You are most likely to hear about good leads for a Series 7 sponsorship from other professionals in the industry. Go to any events you can with finance professionals or stockbrokers. The connections you form will be the key to building your career.
The best tip for studying
Your career as a stockbroker depends on passing the Series 7 exam. If you follow these tips, though, you are much more likely to successfully find the sponsorship you need to prepare for a long, successful finance career. And if you want to pass the Series 7 exam, then you'll need to prepare in advance and study effectively.
We've got your back here as well.
Brainscape is a web and mobile flashcards app that use the scientifically proven method of confidence-based repetition to help you study large amounts of study materials effectively. The Series 7 is a detail-oriented and technical exam that will require a large degree of memorization. Flashcards are one of the top methods to study exams like this—and ace them.
We are sure you have what it takes to pass and be an excellent broker with the right study habits. Let Brainscape’s Series 7 comprehensive flashcard review be the place you start.