Arrive 30 minutes early with a valid government-issued photo ID. You cannot bring anything into the testing room; Prometric provides a dry-erase board, marker, and calculator. The exam is 180 minutes for 140 questions. Results are delivered immediately after you finish. Knowing what to expect removes uncertainty so you can focus on the questions.
Quick Checklist
Before you dive into the details, here is everything you need in one place:
What to Bring
Valid, unexpired government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or military ID)
What NOT to Bring
What Prometric Provides
Before Exam Day
1 Week Before
- Confirm your appointment date, time, and location
- Look up directions to the test center and estimate travel time
- Verify your ID is valid and matches your registration name exactly
- Consider a Prometric “Test Drive” ($30) if you want to practice the check-in process
Night Before
- Do a brief review: 10-15 practice questions using flashcards or your weakest topics, then stop - Prepare your ID and any directions you need - Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up on time - Eat a good dinner and avoid alcohol - Get 7-8 hours of sleep (your brain consolidates information during rest)
For context on what your final review should include based on your specific study timeline, see our study schedule guide, which includes a dedicated final week with explicit review strategies. Our flashcard strategies guide explains how to make these final review sessions count through spaced repetition and targeted recall practice.
Morning Of
- Eat a balanced breakfast (protein and complex carbs for sustained energy)
- Dress in layers (test centers vary in temperature)
- Limit caffeine if you are sensitive (you cannot take restroom breaks easily)
- Leave early to account for traffic or parking issues
- Bring your ID and nothing else you do not want to store in a locker
For $30, Prometric offers a “Test Drive” that lets you visit the test center, go through the check-in process, and take a sample test. This is especially helpful if exam anxiety is a concern or if you have never been to a Prometric center before.
Arrival and Check-In
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This is not optional; you need this buffer for the check-in process.
If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your scheduled start time, you may be turned away and forfeit your $187 exam fee. The testing center cannot always accommodate late arrivals even if a seat is available.
The Check-In Process
Verify Identity
Present your government-issued ID. The name on your ID must exactly match the name you used to register. If there is a mismatch (even a middle name issue), you may not be allowed to test.
Photo and Fingerprint
Your photo will be taken and stored. Some centers also collect fingerprints. This data is used to verify your identity if you take breaks or leave the room.
Store Personal Items
You receive an assigned locker number and key. Store everything except your ID and locker key: phone, wallet, keys, watch, food, water, jacket, and any other personal items.
Security Screening
You will be scanned with a metal detector wand and asked to show your pockets, wrists, and ankles. This happens before entering the testing room and after every break.
Sign the Log Book
Sign in with your name and time. You will sign out when you leave, whether for a break or at the end of the exam.
Security Procedures
Prometric takes security seriously. Expect thorough screening every time you enter the testing room.
Metal Detector Scan
A handheld metal detector wand is used to scan your body. This happens before every entry to the testing room.
Pocket Check
You must empty your pockets completely and turn them inside out. No items are allowed in pockets during testing.
Visual Inspection
You may be asked to raise pant legs above ankles and shirt sleeves above wrists. If wearing glasses, they may be inspected for recording devices.
Jewelry Inspection
Large jewelry must be removed and inspected. Wedding and engagement bands are typically allowed after inspection. Store unnecessary jewelry in your locker.
These procedures prevent cheating and protect the integrity of your credential. Every candidate goes through the same process. Think of it as protection for your future license: you want to know everyone who holds your same credential earned it fairly.
Ready to Walk In Confident?
CertFuel's adaptive algorithm identifies your weak spots across all four sections. Focus your final prep where it matters most, not on topics you already know.
Access Free BetaIn the Testing Room
After security screening, a test center administrator escorts you to your assigned workstation.
Your Workstation
Computer and Monitor
A standard computer with a monitor displays your exam. The interface shows one question at a time with answer choices. A timer in the corner tracks your remaining time.
Dry-Erase Board
Instead of scratch paper, you receive a laminated notepad and marker. Use it for calculations or notes. If you fill it up, raise your hand and the proctor will bring you a fresh one.
Calculator
Prometric provides a basic four-function calculator. It handles all the math you need: percentages, simple calculations, and basic arithmetic. You cannot bring your own.
Earplugs
Soft foam earplugs are available if you want them. Many candidates find them helpful for blocking out ambient noise from other test-takers typing.
Before You Start
The administrator logs you into the exam system. Before the timer starts, you see:
- A tutorial on how to navigate the exam interface
- Instructions on flagging questions for review
- A reminder that you can change answers before submitting
Take your time with the tutorial. It does not count against your 180 minutes. Once you click “Begin Exam,” the clock starts.
During the Exam
Exam Interface Features
Flag for Review
Mark any question you want to revisit. Flagged questions appear in a review list at the end so you can easily return to them.
Timer Display
A countdown timer shows your remaining time. Glance at it periodically to pace yourself, but do not obsess over it.
Progress Indicator
See which question number you are on (e.g., “Question 45 of 140”). This helps you gauge your pace.
Change Answers
You can go back and change any answer before final submission. The exam does not lock answers until you submit.
Time Management Strategy
With 180 minutes for 140 questions, you have approximately 1 minute and 17 seconds per question. Here is how to pace yourself:
| Checkpoint | Questions Completed | Time Remaining |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 0 | 180 minutes |
| 25% Complete | 35 | ~135 minutes |
| 50% Complete | 70 | ~90 minutes |
| 75% Complete | 105 | ~45 minutes |
| Finish | 140 | Time for review |
If a question is taking more than 2 minutes, flag it and move on. Spending too long on one difficult question can cause you to rush through easier questions later. You can always return to flagged questions at the end.
Taking Breaks
You can take unscheduled breaks during the exam, but understand the trade-offs:
Clock Keeps Running
Your exam timer does not stop during breaks. Every minute you spend away from your computer is a minute you cannot use to answer questions.
Full Security Screening
When you return, you must go through the entire security process again: sign in, show ID, metal detector scan, pocket check. This takes several minutes.
Locker Access
You can access your locker for water, snacks, or medication during breaks. Tell the proctor before retrieving items. You cannot access phones, notes, or study materials.
Given the time cost and re-screening process, most candidates complete the exam without taking breaks. Use the restroom before you enter the testing room. If you must take a break, be strategic: wait until you reach a natural stopping point and have a comfortable time buffer.
Getting Your Results
One of the best parts of the Series 65: you do not have to wait weeks for results.
After you submit your final answers, the computer processes your score. Within minutes, the test center administrator provides a printed score report showing:
- Pass or Fail: Clear indication of your result
- Score Breakdown: Performance by exam section (if you failed)
- Next Steps: Information about state registration (if you passed)
If You Pass
Congratulations! Your next steps:
- Keep your score report in a safe place
- Register in at least one state within two years (or your score expires)
- If working with a firm, notify them so they can complete your U4 filing
What the Score Report Shows
The score report includes your performance breakdown by section. This is especially helpful if you did not pass, as it shows exactly where to focus your future study. You do not receive a raw score or percentage; only pass/fail and section performance ranges.
If You Do Not Pass
About 30-35% of candidates fail on their first attempt. If this happens to you, here is what you need to know:
Understanding what separates those who pass from those who fail is crucial for your preparation. Our pass rate guide explains why this 65-70% figure exists, how prepared candidates pass at 85%+, and the specific factors that predict success or failure.
For a complete retake strategy. Analyzing your score report to identify what went wrong, avoiding the mistakes that caused your failure, and preparing differently the second time. See our failed Series 65 guide.
Waiting Periods for Retakes
| Attempt | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| After 1st failure | 30 days |
| After 2nd failure | 30 days |
| After 3rd failure (and each subsequent) | 180 days (6 months) |
Using Your Score Report
Your score report shows which sections were weak. Use this data to adjust your study plan:
- Section IV (Laws and Regulations) is the most common weak area
- Focus extra time on sections where you scored lowest
- Take full practice exams to build stamina before your next attempt
Failing the first attempt does not define you. Many successful investment advisers failed their first exam. Use the waiting period productively, address your weak areas, and come back stronger. The 30-day break is designed to give you time to properly prepare.
Know If You're Ready Before Exam Day
CertFuel's adaptive system tracks your performance across all 36 NASAA subtopics. Know your weak spots and focus your final prep where it counts.
Access Free BetaTips for Staying Calm
Test anxiety is real. Here are strategies that work:
Preparation Beats Anxiety
The single best way to reduce anxiety is to feel prepared. If you have studied 50-100 hours (see our study time guide for personalized estimates), taken practice exams, and scored 75%+ on simulations, you have done the work. Trust your preparation.
Stop Studying the Night Before
After a short review, stop completely. Do something relaxing: watch a movie, spend time with friends, or go for a walk. Cramming causes more anxiety than confidence.
If you’re tempted to cram, it’s a sign of inadequate preparation throughout your study period. Avoiding this mistake (and others) is covered in our common mistakes guide.
Arrive Early and Breathe
Get to the test center early so you are not stressed about time. While waiting, take slow, deep breaths. Box breathing works well: inhale 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds, exhale 4 seconds, hold 4 seconds.
Read Each Question Twice
On the first few questions, slow down deliberately. Read the question twice before looking at answers. This reduces careless errors and builds momentum.
Expect a Rocky Middle
The first 15 questions often feel manageable. The middle 70-100 questions may feel harder, and you might think you are failing. This is normal. Most candidates experience this. Push through; the end often feels easier again.
Never Leave Blank Answers
There is no penalty for wrong answers. If you do not know, eliminate what you can and guess. A 25% chance is better than 0%. Answer every single question.
Thousands of people pass the Series 65 every year. If you have prepared properly, you can be one of them. The exam is challenging but not impossible. Know what to expect, trust your preparation, and approach the test with confidence. You have got this.