Series 26 Exam Prep

Series 26 Exam Prep Products

Passing the Series 26 Exam requires both dedication and planning. Our goal is to help you be successful right from the very beginning. We know that your time is valuable and that you deserve the best. That is why we pride ourselves on designing and creating unsurpassed exam preparation materials. Materials that claim the highest pass rate in the financial industry.

All of our materials are created in partnership with John Wiley & Sons, the premier name in financial education. This allows us to deliver the level of quality you expect from the world’s largest publisher of financial information.

Plus, as the authors of this material we are here to help at any time. If you have questions we encourage you to reach out. We love hearing from you and will do our best to find the answers you need.

Series 26 Exam Textbook

As you begin to prepare for your Series 26 Exam this textbook should form the foundation of your efforts. It is designed to guide you through the material as you work towards learning the information before applying your new skills. Designed in partnership with John Wiley & Sons, this text is literally packed with sample questions, testing tips and all the details you need to successfully pass your Series 26 Exam.

Cover to cover our Series 26 Exam Textbook is the ideal place to start and should be included in any preparation plan.

Series 26 Exam Prep Software

The Textbook presents the information you need to know to pass the exam, the Series 26 Exam Prep Software allows you to begin applying what you have learned. Designed to mimic the testing environment, this software is ideal for those who want to practice applying their knowledge long before test day.

With each practice exam you are in complete control as you set the number of questions, choose the topics you want to cover and even decide how and when you want the answers to be revealed. Then, after each test, the software tracks your progress and is able to alert you when you are ready to sit for the full exam.

As an added bonus, no two practice exams will be exactly alike. Just like the real Series 26 Exam, the Exam Prep Software pulls questions randomly from the test bank, nothing static here. This ensures that you are stretching your boundaries as you expand your knowledge and increase your confidence. Take the GreenLight Exam as your last test and be ready to ace the series 26 exam.

Think you are ready to sit for the exam? Then it’s time for a randomized simulated final exams. Take the GreenLight Exam as your last test and be ready to ace the series 26 exam.

Here’s the best part. With the Series 26 Exam Prep Software you aren’t tied to your desk. You can access this program from ANY computer, phone or tablet at any time. This means you can prepare for your exam when it’s convenient for you, any time day or night.

Series 26 Online Video Class

While some of our clients thrive in a self study environment, others prefer a more visual approach to learning. This is why we have created our Series 26 Online Video Class.

A fully interactive platform, the Series 26 Online Video Class allows students to see how each topic applies in the real world as key points are enforced and the details are brought to life. Plus, with this studio quality video you have the ability to email questions to your profession without ever exiting the course. The Series 26 video class follows our textbook chapter by chapter with over 11 hours of video training available over ANY phone, tablet or computer.

Series 26 Mobile eBook

Are you ready to experience the next evolution in exam preparation? Then the Series 26 Mobile eBook is exactly what you’ve been waiting for!

So much more than just another bulky pdf, this format is fully interactive and will allow you to experience the material like never before. Now you can leave the textbook at home as you access your study guide right from your mobile device. And with our Mobile Lending Library you can take notes, highlight text and even ask questions without ever leaving the app or moving away from the material.

The best part? With our Series 26 Mobile eBook you are now connected to other users who are working towards the exact same goal. The eBook even allows you to reach out to each other and form study groups. With no ties to geography your group can share testing tips and best practices as you motivate each other and work to build the confidence of the group as a whole.

Mobile apps are available for

• IOS
• Android
• Kindle FIRE HD
• Kindle FIRE HDX
• Nook HD
• Nook HD +

Combination Packages

Want to receive our lowest price on your Series 26 Exam Prep Materials? Then check out our Combo Deals! These deals are designed to reflect some of our most popular combinations at our best possible price. This is ideal for those candidates who want to make sure they have everything they need right from the very beginning.

Combo #1: Series 26 Textbook & Exam Prep Software

Our Combo #1 allows you to purchase both your Textbook and your Exam Prep software all in one convenient package. This is easily one of our most popular exam prep packages and it includes:

• Series 26 Textbook
• Series 26 Practice Exam Software

Combo #2: Series 26 Complete Self Study Solution

Combo #2 offers you our full menu of Series 26 products at a significant savings. This package is ideal for those who want to cover every facet of their exam prep as they work to fully grasp and apply the material. Plus, taking advantage of one of our package deals allows you to receive our best possible pricing along with free shipping on your entire order.

This package includes:

• Series 26 Textbook
• Series 26 Practice Exam Software
• Series 26 Online Video Class
• Series 26 eBook
• Free Shipping

FINRA Series 26 – Exam Information

The Series 26 Exam is developed and administer by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, FINRA. This exam is designed to grant an individual the ability to become a principal who supervises and manages sales activities for investment companies and annuities.

Enrollment Fee:

The Examination Enrollment fee for the Series 26 Exam is $100. Please keep in mind that this represents only the enrollment fee and that other costs are likely to apply.

Prerequisites:

At this time to sit for the Series 26 Exam you must be sponsored by an FINRA member firm and have successfully passed either the Series 6 or the Series 7 exam.

Format:

The Series 26 Exam is delivered in a Multiple Choice format.

Series 26 Exam Details:

• Business Processing and Record Keeping Rules – 24 Questions
• Hiring and Qualifications – 11 Questions
• Sales Practices – 32 Questions
• Supervision – 24 Questions
• Training of Representatives – 19 Questions

Total – 110 Questions

The Series 26 Exam is comprised of 110 Multiple Choice Questions and has a time limit of 150 minutes. Keep in mind that this time limit is designed to allow ample time to finish the exam and should not be a factor for completion. You will have additional pretest questions and will be provided with more time to complete the non-scored questions

The passing score for the Series 26 Exam is 70% or higher.

How to Pass the Series 26 Exam and become an Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Limited principal

What is the best way to prepare for the Series 26 exam?

When we get asked about passing the Series 26 exam, our answer is always the same. Effectively preparing for this exam requires a mix of top shelf materials and a dedicated study process. And, while we understand that every candidate is different, and thus will have a slightly different path, there are a few things that we feel are effective no matter how you learn.

First, you should start your preparation with the Series 26 Textbook. This Wiley Textbook will be the foundation of your efforts and contains everything you need to be successfully. Next, you need to take as many practice tests as you can with the Exam Prep Software. This will help you apply what you have learned as you work towards mastering the material and growing your confidence.

When it comes to the test, we know how intimidating it can be. The article below is a great resource for those individuals who want to improve their testing skills and learn how to “beat the test” when it comes to the Series 26 Exam.

Passing the Series 26 Exam

Are you ready to sit for the Series 26 Exam? Then you are in the right place! This article is designed to give you our best tips and tricks when it comes to sitting for the exam. We are going to show you how to confidently face the questions where you just don’t know the answer as you use a logical approach to move forward. Using this approach will help you improve your score and “beat the test!”

Have you ever known someone who claimed they were “just a good tester”? Believe it or not this is a skill set., one that can be learned and one that I will share with you today over the next few minutes. Because while these people tend to get the grade, they aren’t doing anything you can’t.

Let me show you what I mean.

The first step is to slow down and make sure you are reading every word. Over time we train ourselves to skim as we read. This means that we skip over text looking for keywords and then our brain fills in the rest. Most of the time this works just fine. So much so that it has become a habit and we don’t even realize we are doing it. But when you skip through a test you are asking for trouble. To make sure you understand the question you have to take your time and really read it, word for word from beginning to end. Then, and only then, do you start trying to choose an answer.

The next step is to get rid of the choices you know are WRONG. This is called process of elimination. By eliminating the wrong answers you are improving your odds of choosing the right one. The more you can eliminate, the better your odds.

Now you should be left with just two or three choices. At this point I want you to look for three key phrases that, if present, will tell you what to do next.

All of the Above –

When you see All of the Above as a choice after process of elimination, pick it. This is one of the best tips I can offer when it comes to out testing the test. Statistically this is likely to be the right choice and using this strategy should help to increase your score.

None of the Above –

When you see None of the Above after process of elimination you are going to mark that off as well. The writers of the test prefer to include the correct answer among the choices. So go with the odds and don’t pick it.

Not Enough Information to Determine –

This is almost like a freebie. Here’s a secret. There will ALWAYS be enough information to answer the question. So as soon as you see this phrase among the answers, eliminate it. Consider it a gift and move on!

By this point you have whittled down the number of possible answers to a manageable number. So, make your choice and then STICK WITH IT. The temptation is strong to go back and change your answers. Avoid the temptation. Changing your answer removes logic from your approach and leaves everything up to chance. A strategy you definitely want to avoid. It may be hard, but stick to your guns. Don’t go back and make changes!

Now, my last tip is about the test as a whole. When you sit for the test I want you to focus on the questions you know and leave the rest for later. How can you do this? Simple. When you come to a question you don’t know the answer to, select any option and then mark the question “Record and Review.” This will place the question in a queue that will pop back up after you have finished the exam as a whole.

I love this approach because it allows you to build your momentum with all the questions you know right off the bat. Then, once you have worked through the bulk of the exam you can take your time and apply this strategy to the few questions you have marked for review. Don’t worry; you’ll have plenty of time! So slow down and answer the questions one at a time. Your score will thank you!

Keep in mind that sitting for the Series 26 is stressful for everyone. It doesn’t matter how well you test, successfully passing will take dedication and preparation along with a logical approach to the exam as a whole. Using this tips can help build your confidence and improve your score. But we can only show you what to do. You have to actually do it to make it work!

The Series 26 Exam gives an individual the credentials they need to supervise business in both investment company and variable contract products. The exam is comprised of 110 multiple choice questions, lasts a total of two hours and 30 minutes and can be passed with a score of 70% or higher.

To effectively prepare for this exam we recommend a mix of materials including the Series 26 Exam Textbook and Exam Prep Software. This material was prepared by our subject matter experts and is designed to help you improve your results and enhance your career.

Taking the Series 26 Exam

The Series 26 Exam is delivered via the extremely user-friendly PROCTOR system. This touch screen computer based program is often compared to a standard ATM and takes no prior computer knowledge to operate.

Series 26 Exam Details:

• Business Processing and Record Keeping Rules – 24 Questions
• Hiring and Qualifications – 11 Questions
• Sales Practices – 32 Questions
• Supervision – 24 Questions
• Training of Representatives – 19 Questions

Total – 110 Questions

The Series 26 Exam is comprised of 110 Multiple Choice Questions and has a time limit of 150 minutes. Keep in mind that this time limit is designed to allow ample time to finish the exam and should not be a factor for completion.

The passing score for the Series 26 Exam is 70% or higher.

How to Prepare for the Series 26 Exam

To effectively prepare for this exam we recommend a mix of materials including the Series 26 Exam Textbook, Video Class and Exam Prep Software. These materials were created by industry experts and are carefully designed to help you succeed.

Keep in mind that successful candidates report spending between 40 to 50 hours preparing for the exam. This should be a benchmark to shoot for as you begin planning you study schedule. Also, for best results, try to schedule your exam for no more than one week after you finish your exam prep.

What type of positions may a Series 26 registered principal hold?

A Series 26 registered principal may supervise and manage a firm and its agents conducting business in open-end mutual funds and variable contracts.

What score is needed to pass the Series 26 exam?

Passing the Series 26 Exam requires a score of 70% or higher.

Are there any prerequisites for the Series 26 exam?

At this time all individuals sitting for the Series 26 must have already passed their Series 6 or Series 7 exams.

How do I schedule my Series 26 exam?

Contact your firm’s compliance department for help scheduling your exam. They will provide you with a list of testing centers in your area and can schedule the exam any day the center is open.

What must I bring to the exam center?

A picture ID is required. All other materials will be provided, including a calculator and scratch paper.

How long will it take to get the results of my Series 26 exam?

Your exam will be graded immediately upon completion. As soon as you submit the last question your score should appear on the screen in front of you. Then, the testing center will provide you with a physical copy of your results before you leave.

Series 26 test-taking tips!

• Identify synonymous terms
• Be wary of changing answers
• Read the full question before answering
• Watch out for hedge clauses, for example, except and not
• Eliminate wrong answers
• Identify what the question is asking
• Identify key words and phrases

Series 26 Tutoring

Our experience has shown that many clients tend to thrive under the instruction of a private tutor. While some people are extremely comfortable with a self-study approach others struggle with finding the right balance and applying the material as they learn it. Working with a tutor gives you the chance to lean on their professional knowledge as they target your weak spots and guide you towards success.

Reasons you may consider working with a professional tutor:

1. You have been diligent in your preparation but are still struggling with the key concepts and how to apply them. Especially if your practice tests are still below the passing mark.
2. You have already taken the Series 26 Exam and were unable to pass.
3. Your schedule is extremely tight and you feel you are unable to prepare for the exam on your own.

It Makes A Difference

For many candidates tutoring can be the difference between success and failure. Your professional Series 26 tutor will meet with you to diagnose your unique needs and build a plan that reflects your goals. It’s an individualized approach rather than a one size fits all course. To us, you are unique and your training program should reflect that. So let us work with you as you build your knowledge and achieve your goals.

Here are a few examples of what our tutoring program looks like in the real world.

Series 26 Tutoring Case Study #1

A new Series 26 candidate was given the chance to promote within their firm. The firm specialized in annuities and mutual funds and this candidate had been dedicated to their self-study approach for over two months. The problem was even after all their efforts the candidate was not scoring well on any of their practice exams. With scores well below passing they knew they were not ready to sit for the exam, but did not have time for a retest. Like many Series 26 candidates this individual was moving from the production side of the business, therefore they were not familiar with many of the concepts and need some guidance around the key points.

Solution

One of our tutors reviewed the candidate’s practice test results and was able to isolate the issue. They noticed the many of the “except” style questions and Roman numeral questions were being answered incorrectly. By focusing their efforts on those areas they could clear up and confusion and help the candidate accurately absorb the material.

The plan was to connect for a total of four hours of virtual tutoring. During this time they covered the key areas and took their time going over the subtle differences between terms and topics. They also spent some time going over the candidate’s test taking skills and helping him develop a strategy for the exam as a whole. Once their time was up the candidate had mastered the material and he was able to successfully sit for the Series 26 Exam the following week.

Series 26 Tutoring Case Study #2

A Series 26 Candidate contacted us after several years of running an independent insurance office. The firm was known for offering variable annuities and mutual funds to their clients and as a whole decided to require the Series 26 for all employees. This specific candidate was extremely busy and was having trouble finding the time to focus on her study efforts. While she managed to read “most” of the textbook and take several practice tests, she was not able to pass the exam on the first try and failed with a score of 63%.

With her firm’s deadline looming she knew she had one more chance to pass or would have to find a new position. Her retest was just a few days away and she knew she needed outside help if she wanted to succeed.

Solution

One of our most experienced tutors spoke to the candidate and built a comprehensive plan to help her pass the Series 26 exam. This particular tutor has extensive experience as both a compliance officer and a mutual fund wholesaler. After building a better understanding of her needs, the tutor assigned specific chapters for her to study in detail. They laid out a schedule with daily calls to track her progress.

The next step was to schedule two, 4-hour face-to-face sessions at the client’s office. They used this time as an intensive review of the material and to make sure every detail was covered. The goal was to make sure she had everything she needed to pass the Series 26 exam. The approach worked and the candidate was able to successfully pass the Series 26 Exam with a score of 81%.

Series 26 Tutoring Case Study #3

A client contacted us after delaying his Series 26 license for roughly 2 years. He was a large producer for his firm and had received overrides off of the revenue generated by the office. Because of this his firm had asked him to sit for the exam, but his schedule never allowed for it. They finally informed him that if he did not schedule, and pass, his Series 26 Exam he would no longer be able to receive overrides. As this was a significant portion of his income he decided to find the time and schedule his exam. He had never even opened a book in preparation and knew he needed to reach out for help right from the very beginning.

Solution

In this case we called on our most senior Series 26 instructor. The candidate was very motivated and was willing to agree to whatever terms the tutor laid out. Together they built a plan that included our Series 26 Textbook, Video Class and Online Exam Software. Each day the client had specific information to cover, and each night he would take a practice exam based on that information. His tutor would review the results and adjust the plan accordingly.

The two worked closely over the first two weeks, talking daily and emailing back and forth. Then, just before he sat for the exam, the two met for an intensive 9am to 5pm face to face review. This helped ensure mastery of the material and help build the candidate’s confidence in his abilities. Very soon after he was able to pass the exam and keep his over rides.

These case studies show us the power of working with a professional tutor. Someone who has both the knowledge and experience necessary to walk with your through your Series 26 Exam preparation and help to maximize your efforts. Every candidate had their weaknesses. And working with a tutor might be just the help you need to master yours as you put them behind you once and for all.

Series 26 License Frequently asked questions / FAQs

1) Why should I get a series 26 license ?

Most candidates who seek to become a series 26 licensed principal are looking to move their financial services career to the next level. Many of these candidates want to become a supervisor or a department manager at their firm. A series 26 license will also be required if a candidate wants to be the manager of an Office of supervisory jurisdiction. Many management roles will require a person to pass the series 26 exam. Employers as a condition of employment or promotion, require these individuals to obtain the series 26 license to function in their new job. You may be joining your firm as a branch manager, department head or in some other capacity and as a result you must pass the series 26 exam. Your firm’s compliance department, home office or HR will notify individuals directly or through their managers as to the time frame for taking the exam

2) What will I be able to do with a series 26 license?

A series 26 license will allow you to move up the corporate ladder and to supervise business in variable contracts and open end investment companies at a FINRA member firm. Once you have obtained a series 26 license, you may supervise registered persons who transact business with the public. Registered persons who make recommendations in redeemable securities at a limited broker dealer must be supervised by a person with a series 26 license. A series 26 license will also allow you to earn additional compensation in the form of overrides on the production of the agents you supervise. As a series 26 licensed limited principal you will be licensed to review and approve retail communication, new accounts and orders. Passing the series 26 exam and becoming series 26 licensed is a significant accomplishment .

3) How hard is it to get a series 26 license ?

The series 26 exam is a challenging exam. The information tested goes way beyond that which was covered on the series 6 exam. Many people who sit for the series 26 license, took their series 6 many years ago and are not in “test mode”. As such most people will need to relearn a lot of the information from the series 6 in addition to a significant amount of new and unfamiliar material . Passing the series 26 exam is a significant challenge and obtaining a series 26 license takes focus and dedication to the exam preparation process. Students should not take this test lightly. You must thoroughly prepare to take the exam and should make it a top priority. The series 26 exam covers areas many people are never exposed to in their careers. Many people who take the series 26 exam are not working in a compliance department. As such many have never had any experience dealing with areas of sales supervision and the financial and recordkeeping requirements of a broker dealer. These two areas are heavily tested on the exam. You should prepare for the exam by reading a textbook completely with a highlighter. You must read the book, there are no shortcuts and students need to understand this. You must clear your schedule, shut off your phone and focus. In addition to obtaining the knowledge required by the exam , you must master the application of the information by taking as many practice questions as you can. . We recommend at least 60 – 70 hours of preparation to ensure you pass your series 26 exam and become licensed as an investment company and variable contract principal.

4) Is my series 26 license transferable ?

If you are not sure of the answer to this question now, you will be once you prepare for the exam. The answer is that while it feels like your series 26 license is indeed transferable, in actuality it is not. If you want to change firms, your series 26 registration / license along with all of your other registrations must be terminated by your current FINRA member firm. Your former employer / the firm that you are leaving will fill out and submit a Form U5 to FINRA. This will terminate your employment and your registration with that firm. When you arrive at your new firm you must fill out and submit a new Form U4. This will begin your registration with your new firm and your series 26 license will become active at your new firm upon receiving notice from FINRA and the states where you conduct business. As a series 26 licensed professional it may indeed be part of your job description to sign and submit U4s and U5s to FINRA.

5) How much does it cost to get a series 26 license ?

Obtaining a series 26 license will require many people to make an investment in their professional development. Your series 26 license will qualify you as a limited securities principal and allow you to supervise a broker dealer’s investment company and variable contract business. Many people who obtain a series 26 license manage offices and enjoy lucrative and successful careers. The good news is, for those who have to pay for it out of pocket, the costs are relatively low when compared to other types of training, certification and college expenses. Some employers pick up or reimburse the costs of training and the testing and registration fees. Even for these people many obtain additional resources such as additional test questions, books or videos to ensure they pass their exam and become licensed. For those who have to pay all of the expenses out of pocket, it usually only costs a few hundred dollars for the testing fees and quality training materials. . Since many people who take the series 26 are already fairly well established, the costs are affordable. You will find that obtaining a series 26 license opens many doors for you throughout your career.

6) What are the continuing education requirements once I have a series 26 license ?

Once you have obtained your series 26 license you will be required to meet certain continuing educational requirements.. You will find that this works much in the same way you were required to take continuing education for your series 6 license. Each year your employing FINRA member will distribute a questionnaire known as a “needs analysis” to each of its registered personnel. Based on the response to the that questionnaire each registered person will be assigned continuing education courses to complete. As a series 26 licensed individual, your course assignments will now change. Your firm may have you attend a seminar, webinar or take an online course to satisfy the firm element continuing education requirement. You will also be required to complete the regulatory continuing education requirement which is administered by FINRA. As a licensed principal you will now be required to be required to complete the principal level continuing education requirement by successfully completing the S201 course based on your date of association with a FINRA member. Your date of association for most people will be the date you passed your exam. You will be required to complete the S201 on the second anniversary of passing your exam and every three years thereafter. The S201 course may be completed at an approved facility or on FINRA’s continuing education portal. You will only be required to complete the S201 continuing education course. You will no longer be required to complete the S106 registered representative course.

7) Will I need to obtain any other license to be fully registered ?

Your series 26 license is in addition to those licenses you have already obtained. The series 6 license is a prerequisite to take the series 26 exam and by the time you sit for the series 26 exam chances are you have completed all of your other licensing requirements We hope that this answers many of your frequently asked questions about the series 26 license. If you have any additional questions please call or email us.

Good luck on your exam.

The Securities Institute of America, Inc.