Our small group prep classes are like no other. Instead of an uninspiring 100 person Zoom call with a lecturer jabbering away and cramming in as many topics as possible, we prioritize learning.
Class is conducted in a small and intimate setting where you think about the material, collaborate with your peers, ask questions and get answers right away, and receive feedback on your work multiple times per week.
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Our CFP Exam Prep Courses
Our CFP exam prep courses are 8-week online classes, instructor-led and offered only in small group settings.
Course Structure
Both CFP Review Courses are broken into two distinct parts in order to properly prepare students to sit for the CFP exam.
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The first four weeks of the class will be dedicated to reviewing fundamental concepts.
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This will be a rigorous open-answer and case study-driven course portion.
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These classes will be dedicated to reviewing the questions and answers in an open class environment and encourage discussion and active learning.
You are required to complete homework before each class. The class will also walk you through 3 Mock Exams, several mini-mock exams, several mini-case mock exams, and timed trials.
Course Schedule
The CFP exam is offered annually in March, July, and November. Our courses are scheduled to end just before the exam, giving you the guidance and confidence when you need it most.
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Both CFP Review Courses will meet for one hour per class, three times a week, for eight weeks.
Upcoming Courses
Prep Courses for the November 2024 CFP Exam
Course Start Date: September 9
Course End Date: October 31
Exam Window: November 6 - 13
Small Group Course
Meeting Time: 3 pm PST / 6 pm EST
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
Prep Courses for the March 2025 CFP Exam
Exam Window: March 18 - 25, 2025
Why Choose Us?
Real Classroom
A real virtual classroom with other students to foster class discussion and give you the chance to ask questions.
Real Teacher
A real, live teacher who coaches you to learn the material, rather than lecturing you.
Structure
Science-based structure so you can properly progress from lower levels of difficulty to higher levels of mastery.
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What is the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam?The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam is an entry-level exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It assesses your basic knowledge of the securities industry and fundamental to working in the Finance industry. Common things that are tested are basic investment products (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs, etc) and their risks, the structure of markets, basic regulatory agencies and their functions, and prohibited practices.
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Who needs to take the SIE Exam?The SIE exam is intended for prospective securities industry professionals. It is open to anyone aged 18 or older. You do not need to be working in the Finance industry to take it. However, if you intend to work with Securities it is necessary to take the exam.
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What are the prerequisites for the SIE Exam?There are no prerequisites to the SIE exam. However, it is a co-requisite for multiple exams, such as the Series 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 26, 39, 52, 53, 57, 66, 79, 82, 86, 87, and 99.
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What topics are covered on the SIE Exam?The SIE exam covers four main areas: Knowledge of Capital Markets (16%): This includes understanding the types of markets and offerings, market participants, and economic factors. Understanding Products and Their Risks (44%): This section covers various securities products, including equity and debt securities, packaged products, options, and their associated risks. Understanding Trading, Customer Accounts, and Prohibited Activities (31%): This includes trading processes, customer accounts, and practices that are considered unethical or prohibited. Overview of the Regulatory Framework (9%): This involves knowledge of the regulatory agencies, self-regulatory organizations, and regulations that govern the securities industry.
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How is the SIE Exam structured?The SIE exam consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, and you have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete it. There are also 10 additional unscored questions that do not count towards the final score but are included to test new questions for future exams. Questions are randomly generated and are in no particular order
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How do I register for the SIE Exam?To register for the SIE exam, follow these steps: Create an account on FINRA’s website. Enroll for the SIE exam through FINRA. Schedule your exam appointment through the Prometric website or by calling Prometric’s registration line.
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What is the cost of the SIE Exam?As of 2024, the exam fee for the SIE is $80. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon registration.
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What should I bring on the day of the exam?On the day of the exam, you should bring: A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Confirmation of the exam appointment (printout or electronic copy). Personal items such as electronic devices, study materials, and bags are generally not allowed in the testing room. Most Prometric centers have lockers which you can store your personal belongings in.
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What is the passing score for the SIE Exam?The passing score for the SIE exam is 70%. This means you must correctly answer at least 53 out of the 75 scored questions.
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What happens if I fail the SIE Exam?If you fail the SIE exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. If you fail the exam 3 times in a row, you must wait 6 months before retaking it.
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How long is the SIE Exam valid?The SIE exam result is valid for four years. During this time, you can take additional qualification exams required for specific securities industry roles, such as the Series 6 or Series 7 exams. If you do not take a top-off exam in that time, you will need to retake the SIE exam.
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What is the Series 7 Exam?The Series 7 exam, also known as the General Securities Representative Exam, is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It is a requirement for individuals who wish to become licensed to trade a variety of securities, including stocks, bonds, options, and other investment products. If your role requires trading general securities on behalf of clients, you must complete this exam.
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Who needs to take the Series 7 Exam?Individuals who want to work as general securities representatives, typically at brokerage firms or other financial institutions, need to take and pass the Series 7 exam. This includes roles such as financial advisors, registered reps, financial consultants, brokers, dealers, and investment advisor representatives. This means if you want to trade securities on behalf of a client, you must have your Series 7 exam.
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What are the prerequisites for the Series 7 Exam?First, you must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm, usually a Broker/Dealer. Second, you must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam, which is a co-requisite. This means you do not need to take the SIE first, but it is highly recommended that you do.
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What topics are covered on the Series 7 Exam?The Series 7 exam covers a wide range of topics, including but not limited to: Equity securities Debt securities Options Municipal securities Margin Investment company products and variable contracts Direct participation programs Securities markets and market participants Securities trading Customer accounts Regulatory requirements
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How is the Series 7 Exam structured?The Series 7 exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions, and you have 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete it. The exam is divided into four major job functions: Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer from Customers and Potential Customers Opens Accounts after Obtaining and Evaluating Customers' Financial Profile and Investment Objectives Provides Customers with Information About Investments, Makes Suitable Recommendations, Transfers Assets and Maintains Appropriate Records Obtains and Verifies Customers' Purchase and Sales Instructions and Agreements; Processes, Completes and Confirms Transactions Questions are randomly generated and are in no particular order.
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How do I register for the Series 7 Exam?To register for the Series 7 exam, you need to: Obtain sponsorship from a FINRA member firm or an SRO. File a Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) through the Central Registration Depository (CRD). Schedule the exam through the Prometric website or by calling Prometric’s registration line.
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What is the cost of the Series 7 Exam?As of 2024, the exam fee for the Series 7 is $300. This fee is non-refundable and must be paid upon registration. However, this is typically paid by your sponsoring firm.
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What should I bring on the day of the exam?On the day of the exam, you should bring: A valid, government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport). Confirmation of the exam appointment (printout or electronic copy). Personal items such as electronic devices, study materials, and bags are generally not allowed in the testing room. Most Prometric centers have lockers which you can store your personal belongings in.
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What is the passing score for the Series 7 Exam?The passing score for the Series 7 exam is 72%. This means you must correctly answer at least 90 out of the 125 questions.
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What happens if I fail the Series 7 Exam?If you fail the Series 7 exam, you must wait 30 days before retaking it. If you fail three times, you must wait 6 months before you can take the exam again.
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Does the exam get harder if I fail?No, FINRA does not make it harder for you to pass. The exam format is exactly the same. However, each time you take the exam, it will be different. Therefore the exam you took the first time may be completely different than the exam you take the second time.