Series 79 & 63 Exams: Updated Review
So I just took both the 79 and 63 these past couple of weeks and wanted to share my thoughts on how it went for me and overall advice. For reference: I used Knopman Marks for my studying (and it probably is the best for these exams):
1. Most threads I've seen on the forum say how the actual 79 was harder than the practice Knopman gave you. Obviously that's up to the person but I felt it was significantly easier. Knopman prides itself on making their exams harder and say the actual exam is easier. Truly felt that was the case if you put the time in to study and drill the Q bank.
2. Dont read the textbook for 79 and only read the textbook for 63 heavy topics. Complete waste of time for the 79 the videos do a great job and you start seeing a pattern with the q bank. 63 I would say read the chapters only associated with what the majority of the exam covers. Units 2, 6 and 7 make up something like 70-80% of the exam so know those units RELIGIOUSLY.
3. For both exams, take your time to really get why you got questions wrong. Knopman referred to this as "juicing the q's" which is very helpful. You get detail explanations and they help you not make the same mistake moving forward.
4. Dont sweat the small/extremely detailed questions on the 79. I sometimes got the most obscure questions that seemed so damn random on my practice exams. It would add up to ~5 questions per exam and trust me NOTHING like these would be on the exam. For example, those questions that reference the textbook chapter and section on them, focus on the ones with the least amount of periods in between the numbers (ex. it will tell you a question topic is 5.1 or 5.3.2 - those with 1 or 2 decimal values are the ones you should for sure know. But ones that said 6.1.5.4 are kinda ridicuouls and odds are they wont show up)
5. Follow the plan that knopman gives you and you WILL pass. Especially when it comes to hitting the required amount of practice questions. If they say to practice 900Qs for 79 and 500Qs for 63, make sure you hit them. If given the chance (and your firm registers you for the knopman live sessions/training), try and finish the videos before them since you'll have a way more relaxed prep timeline as compared to those who haven't watched any of the videos.
These are just my general thoughts. Other threads hit on thing similar to this or more basic but I'm trying to fill in the gaps. Feel free to add comments!
Thanks for the info. Question, did you study the 79 & 63 interchangeably? My firm is requiring we take exams 3 days between each other. I wanted to understand if its better to wait to cram the 63 as it seems like the easier exam or study for both at the same time?
My firm gave us a week for the 79 and then another week for the 63. For both we weren't on the desk yet so all we did was focus on them. I'd say just take the time to focus on each exam at a time to lock in the focus. Also the 63 is very doable if you have 2-3 days on just studying for it
thanks for the comments and info. I think the 63 is honestly harder because certain things are just not intuitive. Either way, study hard and take them seriously. Follow the plan and you will pass.
How was the SIE? Can you do a write up on that?
I did one actually look at my past posts !
You’re the man/woman thanks!
Thanks so much for this! Because of my procrastination habits, I will only have 2 days to study for the Series 63. Do you think it is doable? I'd say Series 79 prep took me about 4 days for reference
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