Free Series 65 Study Materials: Complete Resource Guide
Every legitimate free resource for Series 65 prep, from official government materials to community study guides and practice exams.
Last updated: January 2026 | All resources verified and working
📚 Quick Overview: Free Resources
Yes, you can study for the Series 65 without spending money.
Free resources include official NASAA content outlines, full-length practice exams with 1,000+ questions, YouTube video courses, and active Reddit communities. While paid courses offer convenience and pass guarantees, determined self-studiers have passed using only free materials.
Official Government Resources
These are the authoritative, free resources from the organizations that create and administer the Series 65 exam. Start here for accurate exam specifications and investment fundamentals.
NASAA Content Outline
The official exam blueprint. Shows exactly what topics are tested and their percentage weights. Essential for creating your study plan.
- • 130 scored questions breakdown
- • Topic weights (Economic Factors, Investment Vehicles, etc.)
- • Updated for current regulations
FINRA Exam Information
Official exam logistics from the administrator. Registration process, scheduling, and what to expect on test day.
- • $187 exam fee details
- • 180-minute time limit
- • 71% passing score (92/130)
SEC Resources for Investors
Investment fundamentals, regulations, and investor protection concepts directly from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- • EDGAR database access
- • Investment fraud alerts
- • Regulatory updates
Investor.gov
Free financial literacy tools and educational content. Excellent for understanding investment concepts tested on the exam.
- • Investment calculators
- • Plain-language glossary
- • Educational bulletins
Pro Tip: Start with the NASAA Content Outline
Download and print the NASAA content outline. Use it as your study checklist. After each study session, mark off what you've covered. This ensures you don't miss any exam topics.
Free Practice Exams & Questions
Practice exams are essential for Series 65 success. These free options provide hundreds of questions to test your knowledge before the real exam.
| Provider | Questions | Full Exam? | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achievable Best Free Exam | 130 | Yes | Detailed explanations, progress saves automatically, matches real exam format |
| FINRA Practice Tests | 4 tests | Yes | Real-world questions, detailed explanations, covers all topics |
| Mometrix | Multiple | Yes | Progress tracking, diagnostic feedback |
| SecuritiesCE | Sample set | No | Quick readiness check, good for final review |
| Kaplan | Daily questions | No | Delivered via email, good for consistent practice |
| Test Prep Review | Multiple | Yes | Immediate scoring, explanations included |
Our Recommendation
Start with Achievable's free 130-question exam to benchmark your current knowledge. Then use Mometrix and FINRA Practice Tests to drill down on weak areas. Combine multiple sources for comprehensive free practice.
Score Target
Aim for 75% or higher on practice exams before scheduling your real test. The actual passing score is 71% (92/130), but you want a buffer since practice exams may not perfectly match the difficulty of the actual exam.
YouTube Channels & Video Content
Visual learners benefit from video explanations of complex topics. These YouTube channels offer free Series 65 content recommended by test-takers who passed.
Hundreds of free exam prep videos including "Series 65 in 60 Minutes" overview. Live Q&A sessions every Tuesday at 5 PM PT. The go-to YouTube channel for Series 65 prep.
Free podcast episodes featuring Brian Lee (TestGeek) and Dean Tinney. Covers Series 65 topics like investment strategies, balance sheets, and exam changes.
How to Use YouTube Effectively
YouTube should supplement your study, not replace structured learning. Watch overview videos first, then use specific topic videos when you encounter concepts you don't understand from practice questions. Avoid binge-watching without active note-taking.
Reddit Communities & Forums
Reddit hosts an active community of Series 65 test-takers sharing study tips, resource reviews, and exam experiences. Real peer advice from people who recently passed.
r/Series65
The most active subreddit for Series 65 prep. Find study schedules, resource reviews, and "I passed!" posts with specific advice on what worked.
- • Real exam experiences
- • Study material comparisons
- • Motivation and support
r/FinancialCareers
Broader finance career subreddit with Series 65 discussions. Good for understanding how the license fits into career paths.
- • Career advice
- • Industry insights
- • Job market discussions
Reddit Best Practices
- • Search before posting - your question has likely been answered
- • Look for upvotes - community-vetted advice is more reliable
- • Verify with official sources - Reddit is peer advice, not expert guidance
- • Share your results - pay it forward when you pass
Free Course Trials
Several paid prep courses offer free trials or sample content. Test the interface and teaching style before committing money.
✓ Achievable Free Trial
Full platform access with no credit card required. Test their adaptive learning algorithm and see how the content is structured.
- • No credit card needed
- • Sample chapters and quizzes
- • Experience the adaptive learning
✓ Kaplan Free Materials
Access free study materials and daily practice questions via email. Good for evaluating their question quality.
- • Daily email questions
- • Free study guides
- • Sample exam content
Maximize Free Trials
Spend at least 30 minutes with each trial before deciding. Complete a full study session, take practice questions, and test the mobile experience if available. Pay attention to how explanations are written since you'll be reading thousands of them.
Library & Educational Resources
Additional free resources for building foundational knowledge in investments, economics, and regulations.
Investopedia
Comprehensive investment dictionary and educational articles. Great for understanding terminology and concepts.
Visit Investopedia →Khan Academy
Free economics and finance courses. Covers macro and micro concepts tested on the exam (not exam-specific but excellent fundamentals).
Visit Khan Academy →Public Library
Many libraries offer access to test prep databases and financial education resources. Check for Lynda/LinkedIn Learning access.
Check your local library
SEC Publications
Download and print free investor education materials from Investor.gov's librarian resources. These cover investment basics, fraud prevention, and investor rights.
Creating a Free Study Plan
Here's a 6-week study plan using only free resources. Adjust the timeline based on your available study hours per week.
| Week | Focus Area | Free Resources | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Orientation & Fundamentals | NASAA outline, Series7Guru overview video, Investopedia basics | 10-15 hrs |
| Week 2 | Economic Factors & Investment Vehicles | Investopedia, SEC resources, Mometrix topic tests | 12-18 hrs |
| Week 3 | Client Recommendations & Strategies | Investor.gov, YouTube explanations, practice questions | 12-18 hrs |
| Week 4 | Laws, Regulations & Ethics | FINRA resources, SEC regulations, topic-specific tests | 12-18 hrs |
| Week 5 | Full Practice Exams | Achievable free exam, Mometrix exams, FINRA Practice Tests | 15-20 hrs |
| Week 6 | Final Review & Weak Areas | Dean Tinney "Mighty Ninety", targeted topic review, final practice exams | 15-20 hrs |
| Total Study Time | 76-109 hrs | ||
Track Your Progress
Create a simple spreadsheet to track your progress. Check off each topic from the NASAA outline as you complete it. This prevents gaps in your preparation.
Score Milestones
Week 3: Aim for 60%+ on topic tests. Week 5: Aim for 70%+ on full exams. Week 6: Aim for 75%+ before scheduling your test date.
When to Consider a Paid Course
Free resources work for many people, but paid courses make sense in certain situations. Here's an honest assessment:
Limitations of Free Resources
What Free Resources Lack:
- • Adaptive learning that focuses on your weak areas
- • Organized curriculum in logical learning sequence
- • Pass guarantees with free retake access
- • Support access when you have questions
- • Updated content tracking exam changes
Consider Paying If:
- • You're not confident organizing your own study plan
- • Time is limited and you need efficient preparation
- • Your employer will reimburse the cost
- • You want the security of a pass guarantee
- • You've failed before and want a structured approach
If You Decide a Paid Course Makes Sense
We've reviewed every major Series 65 prep course. Our comparison covers pricing, question counts, pass rates, and what each provider does best.
Compare Prep Courses →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pass the Series 65 using only free materials?
Yes, it's possible but challenging. Many test-takers have passed using free practice exams, the NASAA content outline, and YouTube videos. However, free resources require more self-discipline to organize, lack adaptive learning features, and don't include pass guarantees. If you're a strong self-studier with some finance background, free materials can work. If you prefer structured guidance, a paid course may be worth the investment.
What is the best free Series 65 practice exam?
Achievable offers the best free practice exam with 130 questions (matching the real exam length), detailed explanations, and automatic progress saving. FINRA Practice Tests and Mometrix also offer full-length exams with solid explanations. These are significantly better than shorter sample quizzes from other providers.
Are free practice questions as good as paid ones?
Free practice questions vary in quality. The free exams from Achievable and FINRA Practice Tests are high quality and similar to paid options. However, paid courses typically offer 3 to 10 times more questions, adaptive algorithms that focus on your weak areas, and regularly updated question banks that track exam changes.
How many hours should I study with free materials?
Plan for 80 to 120 hours of study time when using free materials. This is slightly more than the 60 to 100 hours recommended for paid courses because you'll spend extra time finding, organizing, and filling gaps in free content. Spread this over 6 to 10 weeks for best results.
Is the NASAA content outline enough to study from?
The NASAA content outline is essential but not sufficient on its own. It tells you what topics will be tested but doesn't teach the material. Use it as your roadmap, then find free resources to learn each topic. The outline is especially useful for identifying knowledge gaps after taking practice exams.
What YouTube videos are best for Series 65?
Series7Guru's 'Series 65 in 60 Minutes' provides an excellent overview. Dean Tinney's 'Series 65 Mighty Ninety' is great for last-minute review. Test Geek helps simplify complex concepts. Brian Lee's quadrant method is popular for tackling difficult material. Use these as supplements to your primary study materials.
Are Reddit study tips reliable?
Reddit tips should be treated as peer advice, not expert guidance. The r/Series65 community shares genuine experiences and study strategies, but quality varies. Look for posts with multiple upvotes and comments confirming the advice. Always verify specific exam details (like passing scores) with official NASAA or FINRA sources.
Should I use free trials before buying a course?
Absolutely. Achievable offers a free trial with no credit card required. Kaplan provides free study materials access. Testing multiple platforms helps you find the learning style that works best for you before committing money. Spend at least 30 minutes with each trial to get a real feel for the interface and teaching approach.
What free resources cover economics concepts best?
Investopedia is excellent for understanding economic indicators, monetary policy, and market concepts. The SEC's Investor.gov site explains investment fundamentals clearly. For macroeconomics specifically, Khan Academy (free) covers the economic factors tested on the Series 65, though it's not exam-specific.
How do I know when I'm ready without a paid course?
Take multiple full-length practice exams from different free sources. If you're consistently scoring 75% or higher (the real passing score is 71%), you're likely ready. Pay attention to whether you're scoring well across all topic areas, not just your strengths. If any section is below 70%, review that material before scheduling your exam.
Ready to Start Studying?
Whether you use free resources or invest in a paid course, the key is consistent study. Pick your approach and start today.
Series 65 Study Resources
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