Securities brokers buy and sell stocks, bonds, and commodities on behalf of clients. They analyze market conditions and recommend investments based on each client's financial goals. Day-to-day work includes executing trades, monitoring portfolio performance, and staying current on market movements. Brokers also educate clients about investment options, from mutual funds to individual securities, and help them build strategies to grow wealth or manage risk.
Licensed securities agents are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.
Securities brokers buy and sell stocks, bonds, and commodities on behalf of clients. They analyze market conditions and recommend investments based on each client's financial goals. Day-to-day work includes executing trades, monitoring portfolio performance, and staying current on market movements. Brokers also educate clients about investment options, from mutual funds to individual securities, and help them build strategies to grow wealth or manage risk.
Most states require a national or state-administered exam covering securities agent knowledge, ethics, and state law.
You'll face two parts on your securities agent exam: a national section covering federal regulations, and a state section focused on local laws. Most states contract with testing vendors like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer the tests. Each vendor follows standardized procedures, though scheduling and testing center locations vary by provider. You can register directly through your state's securities regulator or the vendor's website. Most candidates need to score 70% or higher to pass each section. Plan for 3 to 4 hours total testing time.
Continuing education is required between renewals in almost every state. Hours and topics vary by board.
Securities agents need ongoing training to keep their licenses active. Your state's board sets the exact hours required and which topics you must cover, typically including ethics and state regulations. Requirements differ by state, so check your board's renewal rules.
Strong candidates for the securities agent role combine the technical knowledge tested on the exam with judgment and communication skills you build through supervised experience.
You'll need both technical knowledge and people skills for this work. The exam covers specific material, but your real education happens on the job. You learn to read clients, explain complex products in plain language, and make sound calls under pressure. You'll spend time building relationships, asking the right questions, and knowing when to push back on a deal. The best agents don't just know the rules. They know how to talk to people.
Practicing as a securities agent without an active license is illegal in every state. Typical penalties include civil fines, forfeited income, and in some states criminal charges on repeat offenses.
Practicing as a securities agent without an active license violates state law. Penalties vary by state but typically include civil fines and forfeiture of any income earned through unlicensed work. Repeat offenses may result in criminal charges, though sentences are generally short. Every state enforces licensing requirements for securities agents.
Employment change 2024 to 2034.
Getting your license typically takes five steps across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then you'll need supervised experience under a licensed professional, which can span months or years depending on your state. A background check comes next. Finally, complete continuing education before each renewal. Hour requirements, degree specifications, and experience minimums differ by state, so check your specific state's rules.
National annual wage by percentile.
Optional next steps once your Securities Agent license is active.
Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.
Tell us your state and how you plan to work. We build your license checklist, prepare every filing, and track renewals.
Paperwork prep · State fees handled · Renewal tracking