ExamExam pass rates · Series 63
Series 63 pass rate and passing score
The Series 63 passing score is official: 72%, or 43 of the 60 scored questions. The pass rate is not. NASAA, which owns the exam, has never published one; prep providers estimate roughly 70–85% for first-time takers, so treat every figure you see as an estimate.
Series 63 exam format
| Official name | Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination |
| Owned by / delivered by | NASAA / FINRA |
| Questions | 65: 60 scored plus 5 unscored pretest questions you can't tell apart |
| Time | 75 minutes, about 69 seconds per question |
| Passing score | 72% (43 of 60) |
| Fee | $147 |
| Prerequisites | None |
Who takes the Series 63
The Series 63 qualifies you as a securities agent under state law. It is usually taken alongside the Series 6 or Series 7 by registered representatives who will sell securities, because most states require it before you can do business there. It covers state securities regulation and ethics, not products.
Series 63, 65 or 66?
The Series 66 combines the content of the 63 and the 65 in one exam. If you need both agent and investment adviser representative registration and you hold the Series 7, the 66 replaces taking the 63 and 65 separately. If you only need to give investment advice for a fee, the Series 65 is the exam. The full comparison is in Series 65 vs Series 66.
How hard is the Series 63?
It is the shortest of the three NASAA exams, but the questions demand precise knowledge of state rules: who must register, exemptions, the Administrator's powers and prohibited practices. Candidates who fail usually know the general idea and miss the exact rule. Estimates for the 63 generally run higher than for the 65 or 66, which fits a shorter, narrower exam, but none of them are official.
Series 63 mock exams aren't available on ExamPassRate yet. The state-law sections of our Series 66 and Series 65 mock exams cover much of the same Uniform Securities Act material. Sources: FINRA Series 63 exam page and NASAA, checked October 1, 2026.
Common questions
What is the passing score for the Series 63?
72%, which is 43 correct out of the 60 scored questions. The 5 pretest questions don't count.
What is the Series 63 pass rate?
There is no official figure; NASAA has never published one. Prep providers estimate roughly 70–85% for first-time takers.
How long is the Series 63 exam?
75 minutes for 65 questions: 60 scored and 5 unscored pretest questions.
How much does the Series 63 cost?
$147, the FINRA enrollment fee for 2026.
Do I need a sponsor for the Series 63?
No. The Series 63 has no prerequisite and can be taken without a firm sponsor, though most candidates take it alongside a FINRA representative exam.