Frequently Asked Questions

Series 26 - Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Limited Principal Exam

  • About the Series 26

  • What does the Series 26 qualify me to do?

    A Series 26 license will qualify you to function as a principal for the solicitation, purchase, and/or sale of redeemable securities of companies registered pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940; securities of closed-end companies registered pursuant to the Investment Company Act of 1940 during the period of original distribution only; and variable contracts and insurance premium funding programs and other contracts issued by an insurance company.

  • Do I need to be sponsored to take the Series 26 exam?

    Yes, to take the Series 26 and any other FINRA exam, you must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm.

  • Are there any prerequisites for the Series 26?

    You must pass these corequisites to obtain the Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Principal registration: Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam and the Series 6 or Series 7.

  • Preparing for the Series 26 Exam

  • How long should I prepare for the Series 26 exam?

    We recommend studying 80 hours over a four-week period.

  • How should I prepare for the Series 26 exam?

    Solomon offers a complete Series 26 study program, which includes digital Study Guide, Exam Simulator, Video Lecture, and Audiobook. Visit the Solomon Series 26 page to learn more.

  • Taking the Series 26 Exam

  • How do I register to take the Series 26?

    To take the Series 26, a FINRA member firm must file a Form U4 on your behalf through FINRA Gateway (This capability in Classic CRD was retired April 5, 2021). You will have to get fingerprinted and answer a lengthy set of questions about your background.

    Upon registering, a candidate will have 120 days to schedule the exam. You can find more details on the FINRA Test Enrollment Services System.

  • How much does the Series 26 exam cost?

    The cost of the exam is $150.

  • How many questions are on the Series 26 exam?

    There are 110 scored and 10 unscored questions, for a total of 120 questions. The 10 unscored questions are randomly distributed so test-takers do not know which questions are not scored. The unscored questions are being tried out by the exam committee. 

  • How long is the Series 26 exam?

    You have two hours and 45 minutes to complete the exam. You are allowed to take restroom breaks during the exam. However, the clock will continue counting down. See the FINRA website for more details on what to expect when taking your exam.

  • What score do I need to pass the Series 26 exam?

    A score of 70% is required for passing. 

    Note: Your score will be rounded down to the lowest whole number (e.g. 69.9% would be a final score of 69%--not a passing score for the Series 26 Exam).

  • Registration

  • If I stop working for my firm, how long will my Series 26 license remain active?

    You will have two years between jobs before the license expires.

    When you cease working for a firm, your employer will file a Form U5 to terminate your registration. Your next employer will file a Form U4, which will re-register you. As long as you do not exceed two years between employers, your Series 65 license will remain active. 



General exam questions? See our general FAQs.

For information about Solomon Series 26 exam study materials, please click here.