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Finance

Issued by FINRA

Series 7 — General Securities Representative is a professional certification issued by FINRA. Series 7 is required for registered representatives selling securities — mandatory for stockbrokers and financial advisors.

→ Stable Demand 📊 Intermediate Updated 17 hours ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$245
RenewalContinuing education required
ExperienceMust be sponsored by FINRA member firm
Exam Format125 questions · 225 minutes
Job Postings13,671
Avg Salary$107K

📈 Employer Demand

13,671
Active Job Postings
$107K
Avg Salary
$41K – $210K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 Bank of America 25
2 San Blas Securities 13
3 Northwestern Mutual 2
4 ThinkEquity LLC 2
5 CitiStaffing 2
6 Jobot 1
7 Leland 1
8 B B GRAHAM & COMPANY 1
9 Raymond James Financial, Inc. 1
10 Claire Myers Consulting 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 17 hours ago

Regional Demand

📍 Maricopa County 5 postings
📍 Providence County 5 postings
📍 Mercer County 4 postings
📍 Duval County 4 postings
📍 Mecklenburg County 3 postings
📍 Sutter County 3 postings
📍 Milwaukee County 2 postings
📍 New York 2 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

Financial Advisor Series 7, 65 or 66 Financial Solutions Advisor - Participant Services (Series 7 required) Merrill Premium Elite Relationship Manager (Series 7 and 66 Required) National Financial Solutions Advisor I (Series 7 Required) Financial Advisor Series 7 Financial Advisor Series 7/65 or 66 Service Associate - Series 7 & 63 Required Consumer Investments - Investment Specialist Trainee (Obtain SIE Series 7 & 66) - Lincoln, RI

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$245
Estimated Exam Cost
+$11K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
0 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$53K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: Financial professionals pursuing careers in securities sales and investment advisory roles pursue the Series 7 — General Securities Representative certification, issued by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This credential demonstrates competency in equity and debt securities, mutual funds, and options trading, making it essential for stock brokers, financial advisors, and sales representatives. With over 12,720 active job postings across the United States and an average salary of $98,000, the Series 7 represents a tangible investment in career advancement. The exam costs $245 to sit for, with renewal requiring continuing education credits to maintain active status. For those serious about advancing in the securities industry, obtaining this certification can meaningfully differentiate candidates and unlock higher-earning positions.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Series 7 — General Securities Representative worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the Series 7 — General Securities Representative appears in 13,671 active job postings with an average salary of $107K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request Series 7 — General Securities Representative? +
Top employers currently listing Series 7 — General Securities Representative in job postings include: Bank of America, San Blas Securities, Northwestern Mutual, ThinkEquity LLC, CitiStaffing.
How much does the Series 7 — General Securities Representative exam cost? +
The Series 7 — General Securities Representative exam costs approximately $245. Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does Series 7 — General Securities Representative need to be renewed? +
The Series 7 — General Securities Representative requires renewal every Continuing education required. Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with FINRA for specific requirements.

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