Series 7 Exam For Dummies

by Steven M. Rice

Your no-nonsense guide to acing the Series 7 examIn order to become a stockbroker and sell securities, you must first pass the Series 7 exam--a 6-hour, 250-question monstrosity. Unlike many standardized tests, the Series 7 exam is harder than it seems, and people who score below 70% must retake the test, having to wait at least a month before retaking it and paying hefty registration fees. Luckily, there's "Series 7 Exam For Dummies"--the leading guide that not only shows you how to think like a financial advisor but also like the test designers. Rather than an all-encompassing, comprehensive textbook, this guide covers only what's on the test, offering formulas, tips, and basic info you need to study.

Packed with tips for answering questions and taking the test, "Series 7 Exam For Dummies" continues to be the trusted reference for anyone looking to ace the exam and start their career. The test has gone through its first major overhaul in more than a decade, so in addition to updates required to keep the book in line with the latest exam, this new edition provides two completely new practice tests. Plus, you'll find easily navigable content review covering everything you'll encounter on test day. Presents straightforward information on complex conceptsCovers every topic you'll encounter on the examHelps you understand difficult subject matter with confidence and ease

Brimming with valuable information and know-how, this no-nonsense guide is your ticket to scoring high on the Series 7 exam.

Genres: Nonfiction

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2007

Reviews

[Mike Morgenstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps I can give some perspective here: I am studying intensely to take the series 7 as I have been admitted into a program through Spartan Capital in Wall Street NYC. It's not easy - theres a boatload of information to know and many details can be overlooked. This book is an addendum to the readings and training programs that are currently being given to me in the program. It is a valuable asset in the quest to conquer the 7, but BUYER BEWARE: all the material is not even close to covered in this book. I can easily imagine someone like myself who wanted to independently study for the 7 before sponsorship buying this book, mastering it, and thinking I can master the test as well. If you are one of those people, you will be more than disappointing when you take the test. All the book really did was explain some concepts in a different way and that helped crystallize it in my mind. In itself it is not sufficient and you wouldn't know that just by the title. At least at the end of the chapters the author makes a list of concepts that you should know related to the subject matter. The lists are extensive and I wonder why those concepts as important as they are weren't covered in the book. My guess is because the amount of information on the 7 is so vast that the book wouldn't be digestible. Fair enough, but not something an amateur would know based off the title. The online resources are pretty good from what I have seen and at least they are included in the purchase. As far as the book itself, I initially rated it a 4 then changed it to a 3 then changed it back to a 4 because even though not nearly everything related to the 7 was covered, the concepts that were were explained very lucidly and the appendix chapters gave some good advice. There is also two practice tests with well-explained answers at the end of the text. I have recommended this book to colleagues (thanks Mr. Rice).

[Ken Remsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book worth the money. Maybe a little to casual for the subject matter, but it is a Dummies book. right?

[☼Bookish in Virginia☼]

~review copy

Newly Revised. Different that 2015 book.

I actually reviewed an earlier edition of the SERIES 7 EXAM FOR DUMMIES and liked it. I was thinking about taking the exam but never got around to it. Maybe this time I'll be more persistent.

The first thing I noticed when this book arrived was that it was larger. To me it's much bigger than any other DUMMIES book I've seen. Maybe this is their new format. The paper is even worse than before. It's not white and it reminds me of that lined paper they give first graders. You know, the not white coarse paper that has a dashed line between the regular lines that is there to show where the rounded shapes (b, p, d, g) need to come up to. This is sort of like that.

The other thing I noticed was that the Dummies publisher is tired of giving away their online info and they have implemented a code. This is done by having a scratch-away silver ban with the code beneath. This means that if you are buying this book and want to use the online resources you really need to make sure that the code hasn't been used.

That said, the paper isn't all that important. What's important is the material that is covered.

OTHER THINGS YOU MIGHT WANT TO KNOW
-- The author assumes you have already taken a class or otherwise prepared for the test. This book should help you helps identify weak areas and what kinds of 'trick' language to be aware of. By which I mean the exception words like, except, not, and. The book is not meant to be either a dictionary nor a textbook.

-- There's more basic information. Previously I think the author assumed someone picking up this book understood the basics as to what was involved. Now he steps it back and explains things like that you need a sponsor and what the applications process is all about. There's also information on the Series 63 and 66 exams which some states require.

-- There seems to be more information about how to prepare. It's possible that the old version has this info distributed throughout, but I'm seeing good information that I don't remember reading before. To give you an idea, the old Chapter 2, UNDERWRITING SECURITIES, is now the new Chapter 5.

SUMMARY
Bigger format that has been reworked.

I sort of wish that there had been sample problems at the end of the chapters but there aren't. There is a comprehensive exam at the end with answers. There's a 'cheat sheet', study materials, and another exam available online.

You can't pass with just this book. Unless you're a financial genius you'll need a course. This is a good resource to help you identify weak areas.

Remember if you purchase non-new that there is now a code that you need to verify hasn't been used. No fresh code... no online access

~review copy

[Mujahid Aziz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had to brush up on my financial skills series 7...Keep everything on fresh cause that money be talking ;)

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Used as a supplement to Kaplan material. Good summary though not comprehensive enough to be served as primary source of reading.