We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Best Series 6 Exam Prep Courses

Financial professionals aspiring to sell financial instruments such as mutual funds, municipal securities, variable life insurance, variable annuities, and unit investment trusts must pass both the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and Series 6 exams before they can become registered representatives. The best Series 6 exam prep course offers students a wide range of exam topics, available on various platforms, in addition to instructor access via phone and email, while offering a competitive course package.

Investopedia found Knopman Marks to be the most comprehensive offering. The Securities Training Corporation (STC) also provided a comprehensive offering. However, those seeking the best value should consider Study.com. We found that Kaplan offers the best premium course packages, while Achievable has the best community experience. Those who value various methods to contact customer service should consider the Securities Training Institute of America or ExamFX.  

Best Series 6 Exam Prep Courses

Best Comprehensive Offering : Knopman Marks


Image shows Knopman Marks' logo against a white background.

Knopman Marks

  • Price: $190
  • Money-back Guarantee: No
  • Mobile App: Yes, but only for IOS

Our research found Knopman Marks provides the best comprehensive offering for those seeking a wide range of topics to study in preparation for the Series 6 exam at a competitive price.

Pros
  • Best comprehensive Series 6 exam prep course

  • Phone and email capability for instructor support

  • Offers bundles and course add-ons

Cons
  • No Money-back guarantee

  • Course add-ons are very expensive

  • The app is only available for the IOS platform

Knopman Marks, founded in 1991 and headquartered in New York City, offers the most comprehensive offering for Series 6 exam takers. While the company only offers one course package to prep for the Series 6 exam, that package provides many educational resources and costs only $190.

Those who enroll in Knopman Marks's Series 6 exam prep course get a physical and digital textbook, access to video lectures by its faculty, digital flashcards, customizable practice questions, and more. Those needing additional resources can add Strategy Advising to their course package, a supplementary feature that can guide course takers with expert instruction. However, it's expensive. Strategy Advising costs $500 for the first three months and then $200 monthly after the three-month promotional period. Knopman Marks also provides tutoring at $500 an hour during business hours and $750 an hour on nights and weekends. 

While Strategy Advising and tutoring add-ons are options (available independently of each other), they may be too expensive for many. However, the initial course covers a lot of ground. The course package comes with expert assistance via phone and email for anything covered by the course; however, it may not be as personalized as the Strategy Advising and tutoring add-ons. Knopman Marks also provides course bundles, where students can bundle the SIE exam course along with the Series 6 exam course for $385, saving $65. Students also have the option of going further by bundling the SIE exam prep course, the Series 6 exam prep course, with the Series 63 exam prep course for $555, saving $95.

High costs for add-ons are not the only drawbacks to Knopman Marks. For instance, Knopman Marks does not allow potential students to sample the Series 6 course material, although the company does offer a demonstration (demo), which seems to focus on showcasing its user experience, rather than course material. Furthermore, the Knopman Marks Series 6 exam prep course does not offer a money-back guarantee. If a student purchases the exam prep course and is dissatisfied with its teaching style or structure, they will not be refunded their money. While Knopman Marks is accessible through a mobile app, it is only accessible via the IOS platform. The app is unavailable on the Google Play marketplace; however, Android users can still use the mobile browser.

Also Good for a Comprehensive Offering : Securities Training Corporation


Securities Training Corporation

Securities Training Corporation 

  • Price: Standard package, $148; Premier, $206; Premier Plus, $294 
  • Money-back Guarantee: Yes
  • Mobile App: Yes, but only for IOS

We found that Securities Training Corporation is another course provider that also offers a comprehensive Series 6 exam prep course and is a viable alternative for those seeking a package that fits their budget and educational needs.

Pros
  • A wide range of prep packages tailored to the needs of the student

  • Excellent methods to contact customer service with an instructor hotline

  • Live virtual classes are available for the premium course packages

Cons
  • Does not offer free material or a demo version of the course

  • The mobile app is only available on the App Store

  • Limited refund policy

Securities Training Corporation is headquartered in New York City. It has evolved into one of the most trusted companies in the education industry, training over 1 million professionals since 1969. However, it wasn't just its track record that made it our alternative choice as the most comprehensive Series 6 prep course; it was the fact that it offers an excellent selection of packages, with each kage providing excellent resources tailored to the various needs of future Series 6 test takers.

Security Training Corporation offers three Series 6 exam prep course options. Each prep course provides a unique set of educational resources. The standard package costs $148 and includes printed material, chapter quizzes, a final exam, and many other educational resources. The Premier package costs $206 and provides everything in the standard pack in addition to “Green Light Exams”, on-demand lectures, flashcards, and more. The Premier Plus costs $294 and includes everything in the Premier package, but offers recorded and live virtual classes.

The Security Training Corporation also includes an instructor hotline resource in all the packages, a helpful feature for students seeking clarification on complex topics. Also, the company offers a combined prep course for the SIE and Series 6 exams. Although the combined courses cost significantly more, you save money by buying them together, since the SIE is a required exam anyway, it’s something to consider. While STC provides an excellent, comprehensive offering, the company has some setbacks that should be addressed.

The company does not provide free material or a demo version that lets potential students sample the course to help them decide if they want to take the plunge. In addition, STC has a limited refund policy. For one thing, students who have not accessed the course can request a refund within 30 days of purchase. However, STC has an excellent track record, and students should only purchase the course when they are ready to commit. The refund policy should not be confused with STC's pass guarantee, which has different requirements for those who fail the Series 6 exam. Another drawback is that the STC only has an app for the iOS platform; however, for Android users, the course is accessible via mobile browser.

Best Value : Study.com


Image shows Study.coms' logo against a white background.

Study.com

  • Price: $59.99 monthly
  • Money-back Guarantee: Yes   
  • Mobile App: Yes

We found Study.com to offer the best value for those seeking to learn how to pass the Series 6 exam. For $59.99 a month, along with the Series 6, students can access several exam prep lessons to help them prepare.

Pros
  • Excellent value for preparing for the Series 6 exam

  • 30-day trial with money-back guarantee

  • App available on both IOS and Android operating systems

Cons
  • Provides no add-ons to enhance memberships

  • Does not offer live instructor support

  • Value may be limited for long-term users

Study.com is headquartered in Mountain View, California. Since its inception in 2002, it has served millions of teachers and students alike, helping them further their educations. Our research found Study.com to be the best for those seeking a cost-effective Series 6 exam preparation course without sacrificing quality. The site is intuitive, easy to navigate, and offers course content on both iOS and Android mobile phones.

Students considering using Study.com to help them prepare for the Series 6 exam will find that the company offers access to a massive amount of excellent educational resources. The Series 6 exam includes almost 700 practice questions, 30 videos, 140 lessons, and 18 practice tests. The company also offers access to other professional exam courses, such as the SIE, Series 63, and Series 7, without requiring an additional membership or fees. The company also provides a free high-level overview of the path to obtaining a financial securities license and how to pass the exam.

You should note that Study.com does not provide live instructor support or live virtual classes, and students who need those extra features should consider an educational platform that offers such services. However, with a monthly charge of $59.99 and a money-back guarantee, students have little to lose trying out the service for 30 days to see how the content resonates with their educational needs. You can always request a refund so long as it’s within the 30-day trial period. Students seeking a refund must request it by emailing the company.

Additionally, students should consider their timeframe and how long they need the platform's service. That’s because the Study.com fee structure is charged monthly. Students who are able to get through the content efficiently and take the Series 6 exam, or other exams for that matter, get more value than those who take a longer time to finish their exam studies. To put this in perspective, $59.99 monthly for 12 months means a student pays over $700 for the year. Students seeking the best value must ensure they are motivated and committed to getting the most out of their membership.

Best Premium Course Offering : Kaplan


Kaplan

Kaplan

  • Price: On-demand Package, $129; Live Online Package, $159
  • Money-back Guarantee: No
  • Mobile App: No

We found that Kaplan Financial Education offers the best premium course for future Series 6 exam takers. Students who enroll have access to premium course content, including proprietary features such as the SecuritiesPro QBank and the InstructorLink.

Pros
  • A premium educational service at a competitive price

  • For an additional cost, features can be added to the course

  • Excellent methods to contact customer service

Cons
  • Strict return policy

  • No demo or free course samples

  • Only five months of course access

Kaplan was founded in 1938 and is currently headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since its inception, it has educated over one million students and served over 3,300 schools. Aside from its rich history, we found Kaplan to offer the best premium prep course for the Series 6 exam. Students who enroll find that Kaplan offers a high-quality course package, including proprietary course tools created to help prepare for the Series 6 exam.

Kaplan offers two course options. Both provide the same high-quality course materials and branded tools. The main difference, aside from cost, between the two is that one version offers live instruction online, while the other offers on-demand video lectures. The Series 6 Premium Package—the OnDemand version costs $129, and the Live Online costs $159. Both courses can be accessed for up to five months, and they include exam tips, practice exams, SecuritiesPro QBank, InstructorLink, and more.

Students can purchase add-ons such as an audiobook and flashcards, and if they buy the non-premium course packages, they can individually purchase SecuritiesPro QBank. However, Kaplan has some downsides. For one, it has a strict return policy. Students cannot access course materials and can only request a refund within 30 days. Furthermore, students requesting a refund will be charged a $20 administration fee.

The return policy can be problematic for those unsure whether Kaplan fits their educational needs. Students’ risk is compounded by the fact that the company does not offer a demo or free material. However, Kaplan does have excellent methods for its customers and future customers to contact customer service. Potential customers with questions should contact them via phone or chat to get a feel for the educational service before they spend their money.

Best Community Experience : Achievable


 Achievable

 Achievable

  • Price: $129
  • Money-back Guarantee: Yes
  • Mobile App: No

Achievable offers the best community experience for those seeking peer support from other instructors and pupils to help them prepare for the Series 6 exam.

Pros
  • Allows communication between instructors and peers

  • Future students can sample the course material for free

  • One year of course access

Cons
  • Add-ons are not available

  • No access to a live instructor

  • Does not have a dedicated mobile app

Achievable was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California. Due to its community forum, it is our choice as the best educational platform that allows community support for its students.

Regarding the course material, students can enroll in Achievable’s Series 6 exam prep course for only $129 and get access to an online textbook, video lectures, quizzes, and practice exams for up to a year. Achievable also monitors your progress and success within the course to help you cope with topics where you are falling short.

Unfortunately, Achievable does not offer a standard refund. However, people who are not sure if the course will meet their needs can sample the course and start their free trial without shelling out money or giving credit card info. Furthermore, students who do not pass the real exam, but have satisfied Achievable’s requirements for a refund, are eligible to get their money back.

Potential students should note that Achievable does not offer any add-on features that students can use to enhance their course experience, nor does it have a dedicated mobile app. Still, the platform has made the course mobile accessible via the mobile browser, and even provides instructions to make it more app-like. The platform also does not provide access to a live instructor; however, the community forum provides access to Achievable staff members and your peers who are eager to assist.

Best Customer Support Options : Securities Training Institute of America


The Securities Institute of America logo

The Securities Institute of America

  • Price: Series 6 Textbook and Software, $109; Series 6 Video Package, $124.99; Series 6 Self-study Package - $159, 
  • Money-back Guarantee: Yes
  • Mobile App: Yes

We found that the Securities Training Institute of America provides the best customer service support options, which include phone, email, a contact form, and live chat with a real representative.

Pros
  • Provides excellent customer support contact methods

  • Offers multiple competitive exam prep packages

  • Provides free practice exams

Cons
  • Strict refund policy

  • A live instructor is not offered in the course packages

  • Does not allow add-ons for course enhancement

The Securities Training Institute of America is headquartered in New York City. Since 1996, it has served over 400,000 students striving for sophisticated certificates such as the Series 7, Series 66, and Series 6. Due to its various customer service methods, we found it to have the best customer support options for students who value the ability to speak to a company representative when needed.

Future students considering enrolling in the Series 6 exam prep course have three options. The Series 6 self-study, which is the educational platform's most comprehensive package, costs $159. The Series 6 video package is best for those who learn with course material in video format, costing $124.99. The Series 6 textbook and exam prep software is best for those on a budget or disciplined enough to read the provided material, which costs $109.00.

Another feature the Securities Training Institute provides is the Greenlight Guarantee, a policy the platform offers for students who pass its practice exam and take the real Series 6 exam within five days and fail. They can get a refund on the course they purchased. It's important not to be confused with the company's return policy.

Customers seeking a refund for a course purchased must not have accessed the content, in addition to any printed material received; it must still be in brand-new condition, showing that it has not been used, and can be provided to other customers. Also, there will be a $40 fee for any returned literature. You should also keep in mind that the company does not provide live access to instructors and does not have any additional add-ons that can be individually attached to courses. 

Also Good for Customer Support Options : ExamFX


ExamFX logo

ExamFX

  • Price: Textbook Package, $149; Online Course Package, $169; Live Online Study Package - $219
  • Money-back Guarantee: No
  • Mobile App: No

Our research also found ExamFX to be a good alternative for students who value having various contact methods to reach a company representative. Customers can expect to get assistance from a representative via phone, email, live chat, or have the company respond through their contact form.

Pros
  • Multiple avenues for customers to contact a representative

  • A good selection of study packages

  • All packages provide instructor support via phone

Cons
  • Does not have a dedicated mobile app

  • No demo or free samples of the course material

  • Does not offer a pass guarantee for the Series 6 exam

ExamFX is a premier e-learning educational platform headquartered in Leawood, Kansas. Since 1996, it has served millions of students nationwide. Since it provides a variety of contact methods, we found it to have good customer support options. However, that’s not all it offers. Students have a plethora of course packages to choose from and can decide which package best fits their educational needs and budget.

Those who enroll with ExamFX to help them study for the Series 6 exam find that it offers three course packages. The Live Online Study Package is ExamFX’s most comprehensive package, offering live online instruction and webinars, costing $219, and is accessible for up to 180 days. However, those who do not need live instruction have a more budget-friendly option, the Online Course Package, which offers access to on-demand video. This course package costs $169 and can be accessed for up to 180 days.

The third option, ExamFX’s most economical package, is the Textbook Package for $149. Users get a hard-copy textbook, study plans, quizzes, practice exams, and more, but this package only allows access for 90 days. It’s important to identify your priorities. While the most economical package may be cheaper, for an additional $20, Online Course Package enrollees get more features for twice as long. All packages provide instructor support via phone.

ExamFX provides a solid overall service; however, there are some drawbacks to consider before enrolling. ExamFX does not have a dedicated app, but the platform is mobile-friendly and can be accessed via a mobile browser. ExamFX does not offer a demo or a sample of its course materials, which can be problematic for those concerned about whether the material is suitable for them. In addition, ExamFX does not provide a pass guarantee for securities exam prep courses.

Why You Should Trust Us

Investopedia launched in 1999 and has been committed to helping its readers with financial literacy since its inception. To assist our readers in finding the best Series 6 exam prep courses to help them pass the Series 6 exam, we had to research the best companies actively operating in the industry. Our research found nine leading educational platforms, and to choose the best Series 6 exam prep course, we analyzed over 150 data points to compare each company and bring together the list presented to you now.

How We Picked the Best Series 6 Exam Prep Courses

Investopedia's in-house team of researchers collected over 150 data points through online research of the nine leading educational platforms offering a Series 6 exam prep course. The data collection process occurred from June 14 to June 16. We then created a proprietary rubric that fairly scored each company to rate each course offering and the service it provides across four primary categories, with 15 weighted criteria to find the best Series 6 exam prep course.

The score for each company’s overall star rating is a weighted average of the criteria in the following categories:

  • Resources & Materials: 38%
  • Course Structure & Delivery: 32%
  • Pricing & Packages: 22%
  • Customer Support: 8%

Through our research and methodology, we are able to curate a list of the best Series 6 exam prep courses, guided solely by data-driven research, to help our readers find the exam prep course that best suits them.

Man working on a laptop at a desk, two people in the background engaged in discussion

miniseries / Getty Images

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.
  1. Knopman Marks. "Strategy Advising."

  2. LinkedIn. "Securities Training Corporation."

  3. STC. "Trusted Securities Licensing Exam Prep and Training."

  4. STC. "Practice Test for Series 6 Exam Prep."

  5. STC. "Refund Policy | STC."

  6. STC. "What is the STC Pass Guarantee?"

  7. Crunchbase. "Study.com."

  8. Study.com. "Breakthroughs Start Here."

  9. Study.com. "Series 6 Study Guide and Exam Prep."

  10. Study.com. "Learn all about Financial Securities."

  11. Study.com. "How does Study.com's money-back guarantee work?"

  12. LinkedIn. "Kaplan."

  13. Kaplan. "About Kaplan."

  14. Kaplan. "Series 6 Exam Prep Classes and Study Materials."

  15. Kaplan. "Return Policy."

  16. Crunchbase. "Achievable."

  17. Achievable. "Topics."

  18. Achievable. "Pass the Series 6."

  19. Achievable. "Frequently Asked Questions."

  20. Achievable. "How It Works."

  21. The Securities Institute of America Inc. "Frequently Asked Questions."

  22. The Securities Institute of America, Inc. "Series 6 Exam Prep Study Materials."

  23. The Securities Institute of America, Inc. "Greenlight Guarantee."

  24. The Securities Institute of America, Inc. "Frequently Asked Questions."

  25. LinkedIn. "ExamFX."

  26. ExamFX. "Our Story is Your Story."

  27. ExamFX. "Series 6 Exam Prep Training."

  28. ExamFX. "The ExamFX Program Tour."

  29. ExamFX. "ExamFX Pass Guarantee."

Related Articles