Financial advisors help people navigate some of life’s most important financial decisions. Whether planning for retirement, building wealth, funding education or creating a legacy, clients rely on financial advisors for guidance tailored to their goals and priorities.

Because financial advisors work in a highly regulated industry and are entrusted with helping clients make important financial decisions, they must obtain specific registrations and licenses before serving clients independently.

Financial advisors are required to obtain registrations and licenses that demonstrate their knowledge of financial products, regulations and client service responsibilities. At a minimum, financial advisors must pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) examination and hold Series 7 and Series 66 registrations, as well as state insurance licenses.

SIE and Series 7

The Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 7 examinations establish the foundational knowledge required to serve clients as a financial advisor. The exams are administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

These examinations assess a candidate’s understanding of financial products, account types, regulations, documentation requirements and the responsibilities associated with serving clients as a financial advisor.

Candidates can take the SIE independently. To take the Series 7 examination, however, candidates must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm. Once the SIE and Series 7 requirements are met, candidates can move forward with the next stage of registration.

Series 66

The Series 66 registration covers investment products, investment strategies and portfolio management concepts, while also assessing a candidate’s understanding of industry rules and regulations.

The Series 66 examination, formally known as the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, is administered by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). Together, the Series 7 and Series 66 registrations help prepare advisors to provide guidance while operating within industry regulations and professional standards.

Experienced financial advisors joining Edward Jones without a Series 66 may substitute the combination of Series 63 and Series 65 registrations.

State insurance licenses

Financial advisors must also obtain insurance licenses in the states where they conduct business. These licenses are required to discuss or offer certain insurance products and help ensure advisors understand applicable state regulations and requirements.

Preparing for registrations and licenses requires focused study and commitment. Many candidates complete the process in approximately three months, though timelines vary based on prior experience, study habits and individual learning styles.

Edward Jones helps new financial advisors become registered and licensed

New financial advisors at Edward Jones don’t have to navigate the registration and licensing process alone. Our structured training and support program is designed to help new financial advisors build the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to succeed.

For approximately 10 weeks, studying and exam preparation become a new financial advisor’s primary focus. During that time, Edward Jones provides study materials, practice tests, live and on-demand training, dedicated study specialists and ongoing support designed to help candidates prepare with confidence.

Each financial advisor trainee receives a personalized study plan tailored to their schedule and learning style. Dedicated study specialists monitor progress, provide guidance and help keep candidates accountable throughout the process.

Studying for exams is a full-time commitment, which is why Edward Jones provides compensation during the training period. This allows candidates to focus on preparing for registrations and licenses without the added pressure of transitioning careers without income.

Learning doesn’t stop once registrations and licenses are earned. Financial advisors complete continuing education requirements throughout their careers to maintain active credentials and stay current on industry developments.

At Edward Jones, continuing education is part of a broader commitment to professional growth. In addition to programs that satisfy regulatory requirements, advisors have access to training, coaching and development opportunities designed to help them expand their knowledge and serve clients more effectively.

Edward Jones supports continuous learning by covering course fees for advisors pursuing more than 24 industry designations, including the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®) designations.

In 2025, one in four Edward Jones financial advisors in the United States held the CFP® designation, placing the firm among industry leaders for that credential. Read more in our annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship report.

Learn more about starting a career as a financial advisor or start searching for opportunities now. If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.