Series 3 - National Commodities Futures Examination

How do I register to take the Series 3?

To take the Series 3, an individual who is hired by an NFA-registered firm must file a Form 8-R application and attach a fingerprint card. You will have to answer a lengthy set of questions about your education and employment background and disciplinary history.

What does the Series 3 qualify me to do?

A Series 3 license qualifies individuals to solicit customers, customer orders or customer funds on behalf of a futures commission merchant, retail foreign exchange dealer, introducing broker, commodity trading advisor or commodity pool operator. It also qualifies individuals to manage other individuals who sell commodities or futures contracts.

How long should I prepare for this exam?

We recommend studying 60-80 hours over a four-week period.

What score do I need to pass the exam?

A score of 70% on each part is required for passing.

Note: Your score will be rounded down to the next lowest whole number (e.g. 69.9% would be a final score of 69%--not a passing score for the Series 3 Exam).

How many questions are on the exam?

The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions.

How long is the exam?

2 hours and 30 minutes. You are allowed to take restroom breaks during the exam; however, the clock will continue counting down. Please contact your preferred testing center for additional information.

Are there other FINRA or NFA exams I need to complete as a prerequisite to attempting the Series 3?

No.

How much does the exam cost?

The cost of the exam is $130 at this writing.

If I stop working for my firm, how long will my Series 3 license remain active?

Registration will remain in effect only until the registrant leaves the firm.

General exam questions? See our general FAQs.

For information about Solomon Series 3 exam study materials, please click here.

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TESTIMONIALS

What are people saying?

Used a different exam prep for my first 2 tries and failed miserably. Picked up the Solomon Series 6 full study package and passed my third attempt. The audio book and video lectures really made the difference. Thank you!

Rachel R, Ritter Insurance Agency, Huntington Beach, CA

Karen- I passed the Series 66! I cannot even begin to say thank you enough times. I continue to be impressed and amazed by your program.

Sarah Boone, Wells Fargo, Atlanta, GA

I just took and passed the Series 51 in one attempt. The Solomon materials were excellent. The Solomon simulated tests were very beneficial and were very similar to the actual 51 test. Thanks to Solomon I was well prepared to succeed. When I was taking the actual 51 exam, I did not encounter any surprises that I was not prepared for. Solomon seems to have it very well covered. My method for success? I read the book chapter by chapter, taking the chapter practice tests along the way. I saved the questions I missed for review later. I then went through the book a second time using the same method. After reviewing the questions I had missed on the smaller exams, I started taking the timed simulation for the test. Again, I reviewed the questions I got wrong, making sure I understood the reason for getting it wrong and what the right answer should be. I did this review of missed questions every time I took the simulated exam. I took the simulated exam five or six times, getting scores in the low 80s. This method prepared me to take the real test which I passed on my first attempt. I highly recommend both Solomon and this study method for taking the 51. Good luck all future test takers!!!!

Jason Smith, Primerica, Duluth, GA

I used Solomon Exam Prep for both the 6 and the 63 and passed both of them on the first try. For the Series 6 I scored a 92 and for the Series 63 I scored a 75. The book was very insightful and helped quite a bit with passing, so thank you to your company.

Austin Kurey, Janus Henderson, Denver, CO