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Finance License Verification

How to Verify a Series 65 or Investment Adviser Representative Registration

The Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) is required for individuals who provide investment advice for compensation. Passing the Series 65 is typically a prerequisite for registration as an Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). Here is how to verify both the exam passage and active registration status.

· 7 min read

Quick answer

Verify Investment Adviser Representative (IAR) registration through the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) at adviserinfo.sec.gov or FINRA BrokerCheck at brokercheck.finra.org. Both tools show Series 65 exam passage and current IAR registration status. State-registered IARs must also be verified with their specific state securities regulator.

Series 65 vs. Series 66 vs. Series 7

The Series 65 is one of several FINRA and NASAA exams related to investment advisory practice:

Exam Administered by Purpose
Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam) NASAA via FINRA Register as an IAR without a broker-dealer affiliation; standalone investment adviser qualification
Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam) NASAA via FINRA Combined securities agent + IAR qualification; requires co-requisite Series 7
Series 7 (General Securities Representative) FINRA Broker-dealer representative license; does not by itself authorize investment advisory activities

The Series 65 alone qualifies an individual to act as an IAR (with a registered investment adviser firm). The Series 66 (+ Series 7) achieves the same result for individuals at a broker-dealer who also want IAR registration. Confirm which qualification pathway the individual used.

Verification via IAPD (adviserinfo.sec.gov)

The SEC's IAPD is the primary tool for verifying investment adviser credentials:

  1. Go to adviserinfo.sec.gov
  2. Search for an individual by name under “Investment Adviser Representative”
  3. Review the individual's Form ADV disclosures: registration status, exams passed, employment history, and any disciplinary actions
  4. Confirm the Series 65 (or 66) exam is listed as passed and the IAR registration is current

Verification via FINRA BrokerCheck

BrokerCheck shows both broker-dealer (Series 7) and investment adviser registrations for individuals:

  1. Go to brokercheck.finra.org
  2. Search by name
  3. Review the “Registrations” section for Series 65/66 exam passage and current IAR registration status
  4. Review the “Disclosures” section for any regulatory actions, customer complaints, or civil proceedings

State-registered vs. SEC-registered IARs

Investment adviser registration is bifurcated between the SEC and state securities regulators:

  • SEC-registered RIA: Firms managing $100M or more in assets under management (AUM) register with the SEC. IARs of SEC-registered RIAs typically appear in IAPD.
  • State-registered RIA: Firms below the $100M threshold register with their state securities regulator. IARs may need to verify registration through the specific state's securities division.

NASAA's IAPD also covers state-registered advisers, but for comprehensive verification of state-registered IARs, contact the state securities regulator directly or check the state's investment adviser lookup tool.

Credential exemptions

Some states waive the Series 65 requirement for individuals who hold certain professional designations. Common exemptions include:

  • CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
  • ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)
  • CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with state-specific conditions

If a candidate claims a Series 65 exemption via professional designation, verify the underlying designation (CFP, CFA, etc.) is current and that the state's exemption applies.

Verification checklist

  • 1. Search IAPD at adviserinfo.sec.gov by name — confirm Series 65/66 passage and active IAR registration
  • 2. Cross-reference with FINRA BrokerCheck at brokercheck.finra.org for full disclosure history
  • 3. Review the Disclosures section for any regulatory actions, complaints, or terminations
  • 4. Confirm the RIA firm the individual is affiliated with is itself properly registered (check IAPD firm search)
  • 5. If a Series 65 exemption is claimed via professional designation: verify the underlying designation is current

Verify finance program accreditation

Investment advisers often hold degrees from accredited finance, business, or economics programs. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a school's program is properly accredited.

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