The state law exam has a plain number to hit, not a scaled score. Here it is, with the retake and validity rules, from NASAA and FINRA.
You need at least 43 of the 60 scored questions right.
The Series 63 is 65 multiple-choice questions in 75 minutes: 60 scored and 5 unscored pretest questions you can't pick out. 43 of 60 is about 72%. It is a criterion-based test, so the mark is a count of right answers, not a curve.
Checked October 24, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Take the free Series 63 practice test60 scored + 5 unscored, no sign-upYou learn pass or fail as soon as you finish. If you fail, NASAA shows your score in each of the 8 sections, not on single questions. NASAA writes the exam and FINRA gives it; the fee is $147, there is no corequisite, and you get a 120-day window to test once you enroll (through a firm's Form U4, or your own enrollment on FINRA's site).
| After | Wait before the next try |
|---|---|
| 1st or 2nd failed attempt | 30 days |
| 3rd failed attempt (and each one after) | 180 days |
These are NASAA's waits for the Series 63, set to mirror FINRA's. FINRA is shortening the waits for its own exams from January 19, 2027, so check NASAA's exam page before you reschedule.
Under NASAA's model rule on agent exams, you must have passed the Series 63 (or the Series 66) within two years before applying to register as an agent, unless you were registered as an agent in some state in the past two years. In states that adopted NASAA's Exam Validity Extension Program, you can keep a pass good for up to five years after leaving by doing yearly continuing education.
NASAA's test specifications split the 60 scored questions across 8 sections: investment advisers (3), adviser representatives (3), broker-dealers (7), agents (8), securities and issuers (5), remedies and administrative provisions (7), communication with customers (12) and ethical practices (15). It tests the Uniform Securities Act of 1956 as NASAA amended it, plus NASAA's model rules and the federal and FINRA rules NASAA lists.
At least 43 of the 60 scored questions, about 72%.
65 in 75 minutes: 60 scored and 5 unscored pretest questions.
30 days after a first or second failed attempt and 180 days after a third, under NASAA's current rules.
Two years for an agent registration under NASAA's model rule, or up to five years through the Exam Validity Extension Program in states that adopted it.