Series 6 exam guide: functions, fee, passing score and what it licenses
Last checked October 16, 2026 · Sources: FINRA Series 6 page, Series 6 content outline (PDF), qualification exams table and Regulatory Notice 26-18
The Series 6 exam, FINRA’s Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative exam, qualifies you to sell mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts and municipal fund securities such as 529 plans. It has 50 scored questions in 1 hour 30 minutes and costs $100. You need a sponsoring firm and must also pass the SIE.
What the Series 6 licenses you to do
FINRA says the Series 6 assesses whether an entry-level representative can do the job of selling investment company and variable contracts products, including mutual funds and variable annuities. Its page lists the products as mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts (UITs) and municipal fund securities. FINRA says you must pass both the SIE and the Series 6 to get the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products registration.
Series 6 exam functions and weights
| Function | Share | Questions |
|---|---|---|
| F1. Seeks business for the broker-dealer from customers and potential customers | 24% | 12 |
| F2. Opens accounts after obtaining and evaluating customers’ financial profile and investment objectives | 16% | 8 |
| F3. Provides customers with information about investments, makes suitable recommendations, transfers assets and maintains appropriate records | 50% | 25 |
| F4. Obtains and verifies customers’ purchase and sales instructions; processes and confirms transactions | 10% | 5 |
Source: FINRA Series 6 content outline, checked October 16, 2026. The exam has 55 items: 50 scored and 5 unscored.
Compared with the Series 7, the Series 6 puts much more weight on seeking business (24% versus 7%), which covers communications with the public about funds and variable products. The outline also lists rules such as FINRA Rule 2330 on deferred variable annuities and the Investment Company Act of 1940.
Series 6 or Series 7?
| Series 6 | Series 7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scored questions / time | 50 / 1 hr 30 min | 125 / 3 hr 45 min |
| Fee | $100 | $395 |
| Products | Funds, variable contracts, UITs, municipal fund securities | Broad range of securities, including stocks, bonds and options |
| Needs the SIE and a sponsor | Yes | Yes |
Format and fees from FINRA’s qualification exams table, checked October 16, 2026.
The Series 6 suits roles focused on funds and variable products, such as at insurance companies or fund distributors. The Series 7 covers far more products. Your firm will tell you which registration your job needs. See our Series 7 guide.
Retakes
If you fail, you pay the $100 fee again after a waiting period. FINRA currently requires 30 days after a first or second failure and 180 days after a third within two years; under Regulatory Notice 26-18 those shorten to 15 and 60 days, with testing windows adjusted from January 19, 2027. See our 2027 exam changes page.
How to prepare for the Series 6
- Pass the SIE first; it’s a co-requisite and covers the basics.
- Spend half your time on Function 3: product features, suitability and disclosures for funds and variable contracts.
- Don’t underweight Function 1 (24%): communications rules for funds and variable products come up often.
- Take timed practice exams of 50 questions in 90 minutes.
Achievable lists its Series 6 course at $129, as of October 2026.
Common questions about the Series 6 exam
How many questions are on the Series 6?
50 scored questions plus 5 unscored, in 1 hour 30 minutes, according to FINRA.
How much does the Series 6 cost?
$100, according to FINRA’s exam table.
What is the Series 6 passing score?
70%, or 35 of 50 scored questions, as reported by prep providers.
What can you sell with a Series 6?
Mutual funds, variable annuities, variable life insurance, unit investment trusts and municipal fund securities, according to FINRA.
Do I need the SIE and a sponsor for the Series 6?
Yes. FINRA says you need both the SIE and the Series 6 for the registration, and you need a sponsoring firm to take the Series 6.
See also our SIE exam guide, Series 63 guide and securities licensing guide. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with FINRA.