Failed Series 63, What Now?

Failed the Series 63 on the first try. Anyone else in the same boat/was in the same boat? How does this affect work: can you still do client deals, do they notify your MD and have them chat with you (or HR), does it reflect hyper negatively?

Any insight is helpful! Passed 79 and SIE btw

4 Comments
 

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some insights regarding failing the Series 63 exam:

  1. Impact on Work:

    • Client Deals: Failing the Series 63 can impact your ability to engage in certain client-facing activities, as this exam is crucial for being paid a bonus or commission on your job.
    • Notification: It's likely that your MD and HR will be notified about the failure. This is standard procedure to ensure that all team members meet the necessary regulatory requirements.
  2. Company Policies:

    • Retake Policy: You typically get one chance to retake the exam if you fail. The timeframe for retaking the exam can vary, but some firms have a hard deadline, such as 90 days, to pass the required exams (SIE, Series 63, and 79).
    • Consequences: If you fail to pass within the given timeframe, it could lead to termination of employment, as seen in some cases shared on WSO.
  3. Preparation Tips:

    • Focus on Key Sections: For the Series 63, it's beneficial to focus on the sections that carry significant weight. For example, concentrating on Sections 1, 4, and 5, which constitute about 85% of the total exam, can be a strategic approach.
    • Study Strategy: Make sure to read each chapter thoroughly, answer the questions at the back of the sections, and review the material until you can recite the concepts confidently.
  4. Emotional and Professional Support:

    • Learning from Failure: It's important not to beat yourself up over the failure. Learn from the mistakes and ensure not to repeat them in the next attempt. There will always be other opportunities, and sometimes setbacks can lead to better positions and opportunities for advancement.

For more detailed advice and shared experiences, you can refer to the following threads on WSO: - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/advice-from-an…</a">Advice from an ex-IB MD - The Importance Of Failure - https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/advice-from-an…</a">Time allowed to pass SIE/Series 63/79

These threads provide valuable insights and personal experiences that can help you navigate this challenging situation.

Sources: Advice from an ex-IB MD - The Importance Of Failure, Time allowed to pass SIE/Series 63/79, Licensing For Dummies, Best exam book for Series 79 and Series 63?, SIE , Series 79 and Series 63 Advice

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Never happened to me, so I don't know the immediate actions you should take. You can always ask someone who you have a good relationship with about what to do. I think you can still do the basic analyst work (expect outreaches; i.e. sending the teaster/CIM).

You are generally alloted one failed attempt at one of these tests. It happens every once in a while, so don't fret. Just make sure to study hard so this doesn't happen a second time.

 

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