Series 6 – Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Exam
Your First Step to a Career in Mutual Funds & Insurance-Based Investment Products
Enroll NowAbout the Series 6 Exam
The Series 6 Exam qualifies an individual to work as a representative selling mutual funds, variable annuities, UITs, variable life insurance, and municipal fund securities.
What is the Series 6 Exam?
The Series 6 Exam, formally known as the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative Qualification Examination (IR), assesses whether a candidate has the knowledge and capability to perform the critical functions expected from an entry-level Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative.
Important: Candidates must pass both the SIE Exam and the Series 6 Exam to earn the registration.
The exam evaluates a candidate's ability to perform essential duties related to investment company products and variable contracts, including mutual funds, variable annuities, and municipal fund securities.
Exam Details & Pattern
Exam Pattern
The Series 6 exam is divided according to the job functions of an investment company and variable contract representative:
| Major Job Function | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| F1 – Seeks business from customers and potential customers | 12 |
| F2 – Opens accounts after obtaining customer financial profiles and investment objectives | 8 |
| F3 – Provides investment information, makes recommendations, transfers assets & maintains records | 25 |
| F4 – Processes, completes & confirms transactions | 5 |
| Total | 50 |
This structure ensures candidates understand both sales responsibilities and operational processes.
Enrollment Requirements
To sit for the Series 6 exam, candidates must:
- Be associated and sponsored by a FINRA-member firm or an SRO firm
- Get registered through the firm's WebCRD system
- Have passed the SIE Exam (corequisite)
- Enroll for the Series 6 Exam through FINRA
- Schedule the exam at a Prometric test center or choose online proctoring
Your firm will handle most of the registration and sponsorship requirements.
Series 6 Job Functions
Detailed breakdown of the four job functions tested on the Series 6 exam
F1 – Seeks Business for the Broker-Dealer (12 Questions)
This section tests the candidate's ability to identify, attract, and ethically communicate with potential clients while adhering to FINRA rules.
Topics Covered:
- Prospecting & Lead Generation
- Understanding Customer Needs
- Product Presentation
- Communication & Ethical Rules
- Prohibition of Misrepresentation
F2 – Opens Accounts and Evaluates Customer Profiles (8 Questions)
This section evaluates whether the candidate can collect accurate customer information, understand client needs, and open accounts in compliance with regulations.
Topics Covered:
- Know Your Customer (KYC) Information Collection
- Determining Investment Objectives
- Mandatory Documentation
- Account Types
- Regulatory Requirements
F3 – Provides Investment Information, Makes Recommendations, Transfers Assets & Maintains Records (25 Questions)
This function focuses on real-world advisory duties, product knowledge, suitability analysis, compliance, and recordkeeping.
Topics Covered:
- Investment Company Products (Mutual Funds, Variable Annuities, UITs, 529 Plans)
- Making Recommendations
- Customer Communication
- Transfers & Exchanges
- Recordkeeping Requirements
- Regulatory Framework
F4 – Processes Customer Orders & Confirms Transactions (5 Questions)
This function tests the candidate's ability to correctly execute customer instructions and follow proper transaction procedures.
Topics Covered:
- Order Procedures
- Settlement & Processing
- Confirmations & Required Disclosures
- Error Correction Procedures
- Fraud Prevention
Course Details
What You Study for the Series 6 Exam – In Detail
Mutual Funds (Detailed Study)
Comprehensive coverage of mutual fund structure, operations, and regulations.
- Types of mutual funds
- Share classes & cost structures
- NAV & POP calculations
- Breakpoints & Rights of Accumulation
- 12b-1 fees
- Prospectus requirements
Variable Annuities (Comprehensive Coverage)
In-depth understanding of insurance-based investment products.
- Structure of annuities
- Investment options (subaccounts)
- Charges & Fees
- Riders
- Taxation
- Suitability requirements
529 College Savings Plans
Knowledge of tax-advantaged education investment options.
- Types of 529 plans
- Tax benefits
- Contribution rules and limits
- Investment options
- Qualified vs non-qualified expenses
Unit Investment Trusts (UITs)
Understanding fixed portfolio investment vehicles.
- Fixed portfolio structure
- Lifetime of the trust
- Redeemable units
- Sales charges & fees
- Tax considerations
Retirement Plan Products
Coverage of retirement-related investment products.
- Traditional IRAs & Roth IRAs
- SEP IRAs & SIMPLE IRAs
- Employer-sponsored plans
- Rollovers and transfer rules
Regulatory Framework
Understanding FINRA, SEC, and Investment Company Act regulations.
- FINRA Rules (2210, 2111, etc.)
- SEC Regulations
- Investment Company Act of 1940
- Prospectus and filing requirements
Our Features
What Makes Our Series 6 Preparation Unique
Complete Live Classes
Interactive live sessions covering all Series 6 topics with real-time Q&A and expert instruction.
Recorded Lectures Available 24/7
Access all class recordings anytime, anywhere to review at your own pace and schedule.
1-to-1 Mentorship Sessions
Personalized guidance and support tailored to your specific learning needs and challenges.
Doubt Clearing Support
Comprehensive support through chat, calls, and live sessions to resolve all your queries.
Custom Study Plan
Personalized study schedule based on your availability, learning style, and exam timeline.
Expert Faculty with Industry Experience
Learn from professionals with real-world experience in mutual funds and insurance products.
After You Pass the Series 6 Exam
Career Opportunities
Once you pass the SIE + Series 6, you qualify to sell:
You become eligible to work as:
- Investment Company Representative
- Mutual Fund Sales Representative
- Variable Annuities Representative
- Financial Associate (Mutual Fund Specialist)
- Retirement Product Specialist
- Bank / Insurance Company Investment Representative
- Junior Financial Advisor (Mutual Fund–Focused)
Career Advancement: After Series 6, you can pursue additional licenses like Series 63 (State securities law), Series 65/66 (Investment Adviser), or Series 7 (General Securities Representative) to expand your career opportunities.
Student Testimonials
"The structured classes and mock tests helped me clear Series 6 on the first attempt. Highly recommended!"
"The 1-to-1 sessions were extremely helpful. Doubts were cleared instantly and guidance was spot-on."
"StudyAlpha Academy notes are simple, clear, and perfectly aligned with the exam."
"The faculty's real industry experience made complex insurance products easy to understand. Great preparation!"
Frequently Asked Questions
It is moderately challenging, but with proper training and mock tests, students clear it easily.
No. You must pass the SIE exam before or after Series 6.
Typically 4–8 weeks depending on study hours.
Yes. A FINRA-member firm must sponsor you.
Mutual fund representative, annuity specialist, financial advisor (limited scope), bank investment rep, etc.
Contact Us
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Contact Information
WhatsApp: +91 9062395123
We offer comprehensive support including:
- 24/7 WhatsApp chat support
- Live doubt clearing sessions
- One-on-one mentor calls
- Email support for detailed queries
Student Resources
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