thanks for the response registerme.

I passed the 7 today and now will begin my prep for the 66. How long do most people study for the 66 after passing the 7. I am scheduled to take the 66 on June 22nd (is 3 weeks enough time to prepare??). Can someone tell me, how was the level of difficulty compared to the 7? I studied for about 8 weeks for the 7. For those that recently took the 66, what advice do you have? Thanks!!

Congrats banker95.  There is alot of overlap between the 7 and 66, mostly on the investment side.  If you don't have the 63 yet, you probably spend the majority of your time studing the Uniform Securities Act and related content.

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[quote=Swinge]

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[/quote]

The last thing I saw (and I can't remember where I read it) was something like 45% fail for the 7, 52% for the 66. I don't remember seeing any info on the 65 although I know more people who have first time passed the 65 than the 66. The 66 has just become a beast.

[quote=JoeBull]

[quote=Swinge]

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[/quote]

The last thing I saw (and I can't remember where I read it) was something like 45% fail for the 7, 52% for the 66. I don't remember seeing any info on the 65 although I know more people who have first time passed the 65 than the 66. The 66 has just become a beast.

[/quote]

Thanks Joe! 

The 7 is next for me. It's been good to hear that it's at least a more straight forward exam. Even better if the passing rates are higher. It's just shocking that neither FINRA or NASAA release any kind of pass rate info. 

Took the 66 today. Used TC for the entire 3 weeks of studying, I found the exam to be more difficult than everyone was saying even using TC. I did score a 78 so I am happy. I only purchased the online tests for 100.00 well worth it. I did see about 20 questions word for word from TC. Other questions you just needed to read carefully and use process of elimination. I was surprised as there were about 8 questions on annuities. Good Luck to all!

I am currently studying for the S-66 and take the test in approx 2-3 weeks. My job provided me with the STC materials (book and online exams) but after reading this message board I decided to purchase the materials from TC (I purchased the complete online course with book, tests, etc.). So far, I have been using TC on weekends and at night after work. During the day, I study the STC material via the Q&A exams on my lunch hour. I notice that I definately like the flow of the TC better, although I like using the Q&A format from STC so I receive immediate feedback and don’t have to wait until the end to find out the answers & explanations. I tend to score about 10-12 pts higher on TC but more importantly, I notice that the test questions each training company focuses on are a bit different. From all those people who used either STC or TC, how realistic was the actual test vs the stuff each company had us focus on during our studies? Most people say TC is very close but some of the questions still had “NASD” on there instead of FINRA…that changed 5 years ago so my concern is that TC is not exactly updated? As for STC, I used them for the S-7 and I passed and actually scored pretty well on that one but I know the 66 is a totally different exam. Any thoughts or comments from anyone that used TC or STC? Anyone out there use both and can compare the prep each training company provides vs the real exam?? Should I scrap STC and go exclusively with TC (or vice-versa)? Since my exam is right around the corner any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!!

I’ve used both. If you’re doing well on the TC exams you’ll do well on the real thing. Simple as that.

So far I’ve taken 3 of the “Random Finals” on TC and got an 83, 81 and 93. I’ve also done all of the chapter questions. The only thing left are “Standard Finals” 1 thru 5. Before I start those, can someone tell me if I can take them multiple times of just once?

You can take the standard finals on TC as many times as you want. When is your exam?

I was going to test a week from tomorrow (Monday) but now I am thinking I will be good to go this coming Friday (which is in 5 days) so I don’t have to stress over it another weekend. I just want to make sure the TC material and more importantly, the TC practice tests, are truly preparing me and not giving me false confidence.

I was provided with STC material as well, but purchased the practice tests from TC for peace of mind. I was scoring in the 84-90 range on all ten of the practice STC exams by the second time around. Since I haven’t taken the exam, I don’t know which provider will model the real thing better, but TC allows me to find “holes” in my knowledge. I think TC explains things A LOT easier and I am almost exclusively using it now.

I am going to pipe in my 5 cents worth for Training Consultants. I will start by saying I do NOT work for TC, I am not affliated with TC and I am not being compensated for my comments. My comments are strictly to share my experience. I have spent the past 4-6 months buying and taking the KAPLAN review class/studying and FAILED the Series 66, I then bought and went to the STC class only to FAIL again. I have a very good friend that was also studying and he did research after starting with KEIR and being overwhelmed found TC (many thanks to a lot of the commentary on here). He told me it will be the best $230 you spend, the book is streamlined, not overwhelming and Tina (your online video guide) breakes the information down into simple, easy to understand material. Everything she said to checkmark/highlight I did and made flashcards. Well, I was sceptic I will admit…HOWEVER I am here to tell you that I took the Series 66 on Saturday and I PASSED with an 84! I swear by TC for giving me the right tools and information to prepare me to pass the Series 66. As others have commented I too saw questions that were almost exact on the exam from the practice exams. For $230 I promise you will NOT regret spending the money!!!

I couldn’t agree more Kmn! In my earlier posts I go through my history, failing multiple times with Kaplan and FIRE before passing with TC.

It points to the obvious point that the 65 & 66 are horribly designed tests. I would really love to see statistics on both exams, what the exact pass rates are… It seems crazy that among test prep services, there’s not some independent body that vets the accuracy of their materials.

I’ll be taking the Series 7 in the fall. From what I’ve read it seems that it’s at least a more straightforward exam than the 65 / 66. What are test prep services have people had the best luck with?

I am going to pipe in my 5 cents worth for Training Consultants. I will start by saying I do NOT work for TC, I am not affliated with TC and I am not being compensated for my comments. My comments are strictly to share my experience. I have spent the past 4-6 months buying and taking the KAPLAN review class/studying and FAILED the Series 66, I then bought and went to the STC class only to FAIL again. I have a very good friend that was also studying and he did research after starting with KEIR and being overwhelmed found TC (many thanks to a lot of the commentary on here). He told me it will be the best $230 you spend, the book is streamlined, not overwhelming and Tina (your online video guide) breakes the information down into simple, easy to understand material. Everything she said to checkmark/highlight I did and made flashcards. Well, I was sceptic I will admit…HOWEVER I am here to tell you that I took the Series 66 on Saturday and I PASSED with an 84! I swear by TC for giving me the right tools and information to prepare me to pass the Series 66. As others have commented I too saw questions that were almost exact on the exam from the practice exams. For $230 I promise you will NOT regret spending the money!!!

STC is what I used for the 7. STC is very similar to the real exam. Best of luck.

Thank you very much Swinge… Im still riding the high from passing the 66! I used STC in Chicago in 2000 and they were good for the 7 class prep. I understand now you need a 72% to pass the seven ANC more material has been added. Oh yes I forgot to mention the bonus I received in passing. I’m due for my series 7 continuing Ed…lol

Thank you very much Swinge… Im still riding the high from passing the 66! I used STC in Chicago in 2000 and they were good for the 7 class prep. I understand now you need a 72% to pass the seven ANC more material has been added. Oh yes I forgot to mention the bonus I received in passing. I’m due for my series 7 continuing Ed…lol

That’s great! Thanks Kmn!

So I think I’m finally going to take my 66 again on Monday. I was in a rush at first but decided to take my time, get through all the TC material and go about the program the way they suggest. I feel good but of course because this is try #3, I have that nervousness in my stomach. Question for you TC users, it seems most of us that have found TC are taking the test for the 2nd or 3rd time. How much of your success do you think is attributed to TC vs. just your overall familiarity with the material? I have noticed there are definitely things TC glances over that I remember being on the test. (volatility being the main omission). I’m scoring in the mid 80’s on my finals. But my brain is definitely questioning my readiness. Any thoughts?

Passed the 66 today with an 83%. Here was my breakdown:

Economic Factors: 4/5
Investment Vehicle Characteristics: 13/15
Client Investment Recommendations: 24/30
Laws and Regulations: 42/50

Well I sat for the 66 today and did not have a positive outcome. in fact, I scored lower than on all of my practice exams. Not feeling real good about it as of this moment. However, I will have one more chance to take it before my employer says thanks but no thanks. My colleague also was unsuccessful today on it as well. The firm appears to not be a big fan of FIRE for this as multiple people have not had success using them for the 66. I really don’t feel like outlaying $125.00 for TC but I may have too. I scored well on the investment part of the tests, but laid an egg on the rules and regs. and at the end of the day that’s what his test is for. I am considering sitting for my 65 as I have that option but am not sure if this would be a wise move given the amount of time I have put in to the 66. Thoughts? Sorry if this was discussed earlier.