Best Series 7 Study Materials

Preparing for and passing your Series 7 Top-Off Exam is no simple task. After all, it’s the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) job to ensure that the financial market and those operating within it maintain a certain level of integrity. Consequently, it’s your job to prove your ability to function professionally in this industry.

Not sure where to start looking? Don’t worry, you’re not alone:

After researching the top exam prep providers, the best online Series 7 exam review courses are listed below. Keep reading for an overview of today’s top providers and a list of their highs and lows so you can find the best course to help you on your way to a career as a general securities representative.

The 6 Best Series 7 Exam Prep Courses of September 2023

  1. Securities Institute of America Prep Course
  2. Securities Training Corporation Series 7 Courses
  3. Achievable Test Prep Series 7 Courses
  4. Kaplan Financial Education
  5. ExamFX Review Course
  6. Knopman Marks Series 7 Review


1. Securities Institute of America Prep Course

Securities Institute of America

While you may not have heard of Securities Institute of America, you’ve almost definitely heard of their partner Wiley. This exam prep course has been responsible for much of Wiley’s educational materials — including textbooks and lecture content — relating to securities training. Consequently, you can expect to receive an education on par with this extremely well-known and popular company when working with this set of study materials.

Don’t have a lot of money to spend on FINRA test prep materials? No worries— this company offers a large catalog with different price points to reflect different students’ budgets. If you want, you can purchase their 600+ page textbook in physical or digital format by itself with no extra fees. However, it’s a better idea to add on their exam prep software and online video class for just a bit more in their Self Study Solution bundle.

One substantial reason why Securities Institute of America’s Series 7 Top-Off prep materials are so highly rated has to do with its GreenLight Guarantee. But what does that mean?

Many of this company’s materials come with a GreenLight exam included in their curriculum. This is meant to be taken at the end of your course as a dry run of the real thing. If done correctly, Securities Institute of America promises that you’ll pass your actual Series 7 exam if you pass their GreenLight exam. In the rare case that your test results don’t match a successful GreenLight score, you will be eligible for a full refund. That’s how confident they are in its ability to prepare you for the real thing!

Unfortunately, this guarantee doesn’t apply to any products that don’t include this exam, which means you won’t be under the same coverage if you opt for the textbook by itself. However, they have an excellent Support team that can accommodate most of your potential concerns, so don’t be afraid to let them know if you need some extra help.

Essentially, this is the best way to ensure you’re ready to take the Series 7 exam. Out of all the other courses on this list, you’ll have the easiest time understanding the material and earning a passing grade when you sign up for Securities Institute of America!

Securities Institute of America Pros & Cons

  • Budget Friendly Options: Don’t have a lot of money to spend on FINRA test prep materials? No worries— this company offers a large catalog with different price points to reflect different students’ budgets. If you want, you can purchase their 600+ page textbook in physical or digital format by itself with no extra fees. However, it’s a better idea to add on their exam prep software and online video class for just a bit more in their Self Study Solution bundle.
  • Greenlight Guarantee: One substantial reason why Securities Institute of America’s Series 7 Top-Off prep materials are so highly rated has to do with its GreenLight Guarantee. But what does that mean? Many of this company’s materials come with a GreenLight exam included in their curriculum. This is meant to be taken at the end of your course as a dry run of the real thing. If done correctly, Securities Institute of America promises that you’ll pass your actual Series 7 exam if you pass their GreenLight exam. In the rare case that your test results don’t match a successful GreenLight score, you will be eligible for a full refund. That’s how confident they are in its ability to prepare you for the real thing!

  • Guarantee Limitations: Unfortunately, this guarantee doesn’t apply to any products that don’t include this exam, which means you won’t be under the same coverage if you opt for the textbook by itself. However, they have an excellent Support team that can accommodate most of your potential concerns, so don’t be afraid to let them know if you need some extra help.


2. Securities Training Corporation Series 7 Courses

Securities Training Corporation FINRA

Let’s face it: if you’re preparing to take your Series 7 exam, chances are you’re a bit of a go-getter. Due to the fast-paced life of a financial professional, services or companies that utilize your time to the fullest while helping you achieve your goals are extremely important. Securities Training Corporation is one such company, earning them one of the top spots on our list.

But what makes their SIE exam study materials so special? It’s pretty simple:

In addition to individual courses, Securities Training Corporation provides users with the option to enroll in many different bundle options, most of which will run you less than $500. While the Premier Plus bundle offers more features than the basic bundle — like the option for live and in-person classes — the Premier and Standard packages also offer excellent features for a reduced cost.

Securities Training Corporation also provides you with a PDF review book that will help you prepare for their practice exams. What’s nice about these practice exams is that they include optional explanations after each question; these are great for pointing you in the right direction when answering practice questions incorrectly. 

Additionally, STC’s “My Scores” feature allows you to see a snapshot of your testing attempts, the scores you earned, and the time spent on those practice top-off exams. Based on your scores on these tests, their platform also identifies trouble areas for you so you can fill out any gaps in your knowledge. But the real cherry on top is their “Custom Exams” feature. This allows you to have practice exams created custom by selecting specific topics and chapters as well as how many questions to include.

Securities Training Corporation Pros & Cons

  • Affordable Bundles: In addition to individual courses, Securities Training Corporation provides users with the option to enroll in many different bundle options, most of which will run you less than $500. While the Premier Plus bundle offers more features than the basic bundle — like the option for live and in-person classes — the Premier and Standard packages also offer excellent features for a reduced cost.
  • Exam Review and Book: Securities Training Corporation also provides you with a PDF review book that will help you prepare for their practice exams. What’s nice about these practice exams is that they include optional explanations after each question; these are great for pointing you in the right direction when answering practice questions incorrectly.
  • Tracked Custom Exams: Additionally, STC’s “My Scores” feature allows you to see a snapshot of your testing attempts, the scores you earned, and the time spent on those practice top-off exams. Based on your scores on these tests, their platform also identifies trouble areas for you so you can fill out any gaps in your knowledge. But the real cherry on top is their “Custom Exams” feature. This allows you to have practice exams created custom by selecting specific topics and chapters as well as how many questions to include.

  • Pass Guarantee: What does it mean when STCUSA says that they guarantee you’ll pass the Series 7 exam? Although this is listed as a feature for students who enroll in their Premier or Premier Plus packages, their terms and conditions specifically state that they don’t guarantee you’ll pass your exam after completing their course. But at the end of the day, you’re still highly likely to pass if you use this course.

Bottom Line:

Overall, we found the simplicity and clarity of Securities Training Corporations’ Series 7 Exam Prep to be an irresistible combination. This is absolutely among the best options for students looking to start their careers in securities management!


3. Achievable Test Prep Series 7 Courses

Achievable

Are you interested in having a rewarding career at a big-name company like Goldman Sachs or Wells Fargo? If so, a great way to make that happen is to enroll in the Series 7 prep course those companies use to train their own employees! 

With so many well-known financial institutions relying on Achievable Test Prep for their employees’ education, you can rest assured that you’ll receive knowledge that’s actually used in the field. And to provide even more confidence into the quality of your education, they guarantee you’ll pass your exam or you’ll receive a full refund.

Achievable Series 7 Exam Prep Dashboard

If you’re curious about this course but still are unsure if it’s worth enrollment, set up a free account and look through their sample content. In addition to a full textbook, you’ll receive instant access to a free practice exam. From there, it’s only a few hundred dollars to receive the rest of their study materials— so you can resume your progress from where you left off!

The only thing holding this company back from providing one of the best Series 7 Top-Off review courses online is their lack of lecture content. Whether you prefer a video lecture or audio, there’s none of it to be found here!

Achievable Test Prep Pros & Cons

  • Stellar Reputation: With so many well-known financial institutions relying on Achievable Test Prep for their employees’ education, you can rest assured that you’ll receive knowledge that’s actually used in the field. And to provide even more confidence in the quality of your education, they guarantee you’ll pass your exam or you’ll receive a full refund.
  • Free Resources: If you’re curious about this course but still are unsure if it’s worth enrollment, set up a free account and look through their sample content. In addition to a full textbook, you’ll receive instant access to a free practice exam. From there, it’s only a few hundred dollars to receive the rest of their study materials— so you can resume your progress from where you left off!

  • Lectures: The only thing holding this company back from providing one of the best Series 7 Top-Off review courses online is their lack of lecture content. Whether you prefer a video lecture or audio, there’s none of it to be found here!

Bottom Line:

As an online resource for Series 7 test prep, Achievable is about as intuitive and hassle-free as you can expect. With a generous access period and forgiving pass guarantee, the only thing they’re missing is some lecture content.


4. Kaplan Financial Education

Kaplan Financial Education FINRA

Kaplan is a longstanding provider of practice tests and study materials for a wide range of certification exams. And when it comes to the FINRA exams, their Series 7 Exam Prep is just as impressive as the rest of their catalog. 

One of the most appealing aspects of Kaplan’s Series 7 Top-Off catalog is their affordability. All of their packages come at a great value, with even their most expensive options costing less than $300. There’s no loss in quality either; Kaplan provides a full online suite of courses that will ensure you’re ready on exam day.

All bundle options include a License Exam Manual (LEM) for your review, a Study Calendar to help keep you on track, and access to the online Securities Question Bank. Kaplan also includes a performance tracker and practice exams so you know exactly where you are and where you still need to improve. 

Enrolling in the Essential or Premium level packages expands the amount of tools available at your disposal, like access to the Kaplan Video Library and their InstructorLink feature. The price difference isn’t too much either— so it’s a good idea to go for the best one if you’re able.

Kaplan Pros & Cons

  • Affordable High-Quality Material: One of the most appealing aspects of Kaplan’s Series 7 Top-Off catalog is their affordability. All of their packages come at a great value, with even their most expensive options costing less than $300. There’s no loss in quality either; Kaplan provides a full online suite of courses that will ensure you’re ready on exam day.
  • Premium Features: All bundle options include a License Exam Manual (LEM) for your review, a Study Calendar to help keep you on track, and access to the online Securities Question Bank. Kaplan also includes a performance tracker and practice exams so you know exactly where you are and where you still need to improve.
  • Worthwhile Upgrades: Enrolling in the Essential or Premium level packages expands the amount of tools available at your disposal, like access to the Kaplan Video Library and their InstructorLink feature. The price difference isn’t too much either— so it’s a good idea to go for the best one if you’re able.

  • No Full Refunds: The good news is that Kaplan will provide you a refund within 30 days if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase. The bad news is that they will keep a small administrative fee, so it’s not a full refund. Still, it’s nice to know you have some chance to recoup your investment in case you change your mind.

Bottom Line:

Kaplan had so much to offer. That being said, there is something that holds this prep course provider back from a higher rating. While many features of Kaplan are on par with STC and other companies, you have to enroll in the highest package option in order to utilize the majority of those options. Still, this isn’t a bad choice as a budget pick!


5. ExamFX Review Course

ExamFX FINRA

Another fully featured Series 7 Exam Prep option is ExamFX. This company provides users with a comprehensive online platform and a first time pass guarantee. Furthermore, they offer three different package options that allow different levels of access to their features.

Here’s what makes ExamFX a great resource for Series 7 Top-Off study guides:

All package options include access to the ExamFX interactive user portal for 90 days. This portal allows you to take advantage of a Readiness Exam and a Guarantee Exam— which is administered just before the real thing to ensure you’re fully ready to earn a passing score. They also provide Instructor Support to all packages, which can be tremendously helpful if you’re stuck on any difficult concepts. 

While all of these helpful features can be accessed through their Self-Study Package, the two premium options have a lot of great extra perks. ExamFX’s Video Study Package will net you OnDemand Video Lectures as well as Online Flashcards. Springing for the premium bundle will also enable you to receive Live Online Training— one of the strongest exam preparation techniques for most students.

ExamFX Pros & Cons

  • Exams and Support: All package options include access to the ExamFX interactive user portal for 90 days. This portal allows you to take advantage of a Readiness Exam and a Guarantee Exam— which is administered just before the real thing to ensure you’re fully ready to earn a passing score. They also provide Instructor Support to all packages, which can be tremendously helpful if you’re stuck on any difficult concepts.
  • Useful Premium Features: While all of these helpful features can be accessed through their Self-Study Package, the two premium options have a lot of great extra perks. ExamFX’s Video Study Package will net you OnDemand Video Lectures as well as Online Flashcards. Springing for the premium bundle will also enable you to receive Live Online Training— one of the strongest exam preparation techniques for most students.

  • Flashcards: Surprisingly, ExamFX’s most affordable Self-Study Package doesn’t come with flashcards, which are one of the most effective methods of independent study. Although you can get these by upgrading to the Video Study Package, its absence from the sole course dedicated to self-study is confusing.

Bottom Line:

that your enrollment fees aren’t wasted here, since they have a money back guarantee if you don’t pass your exam. It’s definitely worth giving this course a try if you want to pass your licensing exam!