License GuideSOC 41-3031

Securities Agent
License.

Securities and commodities brokers buy and sell financial instruments for investment firms and clients. They analyze market data and execute trades in stocks, bonds, and commodities. Day to day, they monitor price movements, place orders, and manage client portfolios. They also advise customers on investment options based on market conditions and individual financial goals. Building client relationships and staying current with market trends are core responsibilities.

At a Glance

Everything a Securities Agent needs to know.

The Work
What you actually do

Licensed securities agents are regulated at the state level. Every state sets its own education, exam, and experience requirements.

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Securities and commodities brokers buy and sell financial instruments for investment firms and clients. They analyze market data and execute trades in stocks, bonds, and commodities. Day to day, they monitor price movements, place orders, and manage client portfolios. They also advise customers on investment options based on market conditions and individual financial goals. Building client relationships and staying current with market trends are core responsibilities.

The Exam
Two-part proctored test

Most states require a national or state-administered exam covering securities agent knowledge, ethics, and state law.

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You'll take a two-part exam: a national section covering securities rules and regulations, plus a state-specific section on local laws. Most states contract with testing companies like PSI, Pearson VUE, or Prometric to administer both portions. You schedule your exam through their platforms and test at authorized centers. The national portion tests your grasp of federal regulations and industry standards. The state portion ensures you know requirements unique to where you'll work. Each section has its own passing score. Plan to study both components thoroughly.

Renewal
Keeping it active

Continuing education is required between renewals in almost every state. Hours and topics vary by board.

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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.

Is This For You
Who fits this career

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.

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You'll need more than exam knowledge to succeed as a securities agent. The technical material gets you licensed, but your real asset is judgment. You learn to read clients quickly, what they want versus what they need. You'll spend time explaining complex products in plain language. Mistakes cost money, so you develop a habit of double-checking details. You work under supervision at first, which teaches you standards before you operate independently. Attention and adaptability matter more than charisma.

Unlicensed Risk
Practicing without a license

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.

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An unlicensed securities agent breaks state law everywhere in the country. Consequences typically include civil fines and loss of any income earned while operating illegally. Repeated violations can result in criminal charges in certain states. These penalties exist to protect investors from unqualified practitioners and maintain market integrity.

Career Outlook
+4.8% projected

Employment change 2024 to 2034.

The Path

How to Get a Securities Agent License.

You'll follow a similar path across most states. First, complete accredited education in your field. Next, pass a national or state exam. Then gain supervised experience under a licensed professional. Submit to a background check. After licensure, you'll complete continuing education before each renewal. The exact requirements shift by state: education hours, degree levels, and experience minimums all differ. Check your specific state's board for precise timelines and thresholds.

1
Meet state minimums
Each state publishes minimum age, residency, and education requirements. Review the requirements of the state where you plan to practice.
2
Complete required education
Most states require formal education or training specific to the securities agent role, completed through accredited programs.
3
Pass the required exam
Most states use a state or national exam for securities agents. Some states also require a jurisprudence or state-law portion.
4
Submit fingerprints and background check
Most boards collect electronic fingerprints through IdentoGO, Fieldprint, or a similar vendor and run a state and federal background check.
5
Apply for the license
Submit the state application with transcripts, exam scores, experience verification, and fees. Processing runs a few days to several months depending on state and board.
6
Pay fees and activate
Once approved, you pay the initial license fee, post any required bond or insurance, and the state issues your license number.
7
Track renewals and continuing education
Most licenses renew every one to three years with a set amount of continuing education. Missing CE or renewal deadlines risks license inactivation.
Timeline

How long it takes.

Background check and exam scheduling
2 to 6 weeks
License issuance after passing
Few days to several weeks
State processing times vary widely.
Cost Breakdown

What it costs out of pocket.

Application and license fee
Paid to the state board at submission. Varies widely by state.
$50 to $500
Fingerprint and background check
Flat vendor fee set by the state.
$40 to $120
Exam fee
Paid to the testing vendor when you schedule.
$50 to $400
Professional liability insurance
Annual policy. Required or strongly recommended in most states.
$300 to $2,500
Compensation

What Securities Agents Earn.

National annual wage by percentile.

Bottom 10%
$47k
25th percentile
$52k
Median
$78k
75th percentile
$129k
Top 10%
$215k
Resources

Where to train, certify, and connect.

Optional next steps once your Securities Agent license is active.

Advanced
Fellow, Life Management Institute
LOMA
Core
Associate, Customer Service
LOMA
Advanced
Chartered Market Technician - Level III
Market Technicians Association
Advanced
Certified Securities Operations Professional
American Bankers Association
Specialty
Certified Funds Specialist
Institute of Business & Finance
Core
Series 63, Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
North American Securities Administrators Association
Core
Series 65, Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
North American Securities Administrators Association
Advanced
Chartered Financial Analyst
CFA Institute
Advanced
Master Financial Planner
American Academy of Financial Management
Advanced
Certified Chartered Wealth Manager
American Academy of Financial Management
Core
Certified Pension Consultant
American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries
Core
Energy Risk Professional
Global Association of Risk Professionals
State vs State

Compare any two states.

Pre-license hours and fees vary widely. Pick two states to see the gap.

Left
Right
Varies
Pre-license hours
Varies
Varies
Exam fee
Varies
Varies
License fee
Varies
Sacramento Office
Issuing board
Arkansas Department of Commerce
Frequently Asked

Questions people ask.

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