Series 66 TC - HUH?

Geezeeee, here we go again.  Training Consultants is easier becuase they don't get into too much detail like Kaplan and STC which in essence is why people fail the Series 66.  they focus on things that they don't need to.  Trust me, TC seems easier but its just more focused on what you need to know, not the bull shit the other ones throw in there.  If you're getting an 85 on the TC practice tests you'll pass- guarantee.  I used Kaplan as additional to my Training Consultants becuase I bought it before getting on this website and seeing the Training Consultants rave as well.  I'd say randomly do a few Kaplan quizes just to keep the variety but there are identical questions from the TC material- not Kaplan.  When is your test?

(Sorry- missed the part where you said your test is in 2 weeks).  Well, I used the tests for Training Consultants, but I also think the online lectures I got from them were really awesome.  She broke down EVERYTHING in the online lectures and that really helped me get a grasp on the material.  But, the tests are really good to do because they have identical questions.  Training consultants is definitely best with the online lectures + tests (because at the end of each online lecture there are practice tests and they change the practice tests at the end of those section each time so you can't memorize them if you go back and redo them).  I think you'll be fine, especially since you started with the more difficult material (that is exactly what I did). 

Nobody ever talks about Fire Solutions. For the 7 I don't think there's any better training I scored an 85% on the 7 with minimal effort. I also used FS for the 66. I didn't like the instructor as much as for the 7 nor the material. My wife was in the hospital the night before the exam. I got 2-3 hours of sleep and took the exam and got an 83%. So FS WORKS!

Good to know!  No one ever talks about Fire Solutions which is why no one buys it, then to talk about it! hahaha.  I heard from a couple people on this board that FS was good for the series 7, but you are right, no one really said anything about using it for the 66.  I used STC for the 7 and was satisifed since I passed the first time, but I knew for the 66 after talking to co workers that I HAD to get something different.   So maybe FS and TC are the way to goooo! 

I have the TC material. Online Lectures plus 125 page print study guide. The lectures are very time consuming, so I think I will just read the material. Then do the practice exams. Hopefully I pass, test middle April.

Yeah, which ever way you learn best.  I didn't read the material because I am a hands on type person, I enjoyed hearing someone talk  about it.  She would give examples about things within the lecutres.  I just wanted the lectures on the more in depth things that take a little longer to get a grasp on.  Mostly the first few lectures.  If I can recall correctly!  Good luck- you are getting a nice head start if its mid april.  I only used TC the last 2 weeks before mine and got an 88

Yea. Hopefully I can knock out the book quick and start on the tests. Not sure how many times I can access the test questions though. I wish they were like STCs where I can answer the question and get immediate feedback. Hope to pass this test 1st shot.

Nah- it'll be okay.  You can access the test questions as many times as you want.  Its not quite as user friendly as STC I guess in terms of getting an answer right away, but its not necessarily a bad thing.  And the tests will change each time you take them, so its a little more difficult to memorize like STC, however since there are identical questions, memorizing isn't such a bad thing ha.  I would also utilize the test questions at the end of the lectures- they have exams at the end of each section (5 questions that are easy)- then usually 20-30.  These change each time too so you can really get a grasp on the different areas.  It seems like you bought the online thing since you have the online lectures.  Its good- don't worry! :-) 

I am not really sure why anyone thinks Fire Solution is good for anything.  Its unorganized, off topic and rife with gramatical errors.  Some of its answers are provable incorrect as well.  

Why anyone would bank their job on such a haphazard product is beyond me.  

Also, getting an 85% is the highest score I have ever heard from someone that used Fire.

I did 95 on fire

highly recommend

I also purchased the TC question bank last week. I started with the STC material..book and exams. Getting 95% on all exams. I saw a few posts about TC and i think it is worth the $100. What i notice is TC is covering the same information with an extra element of detail that is not in the STC exams, but is in the study book. I went through the TC study exam content once and the final exams once. My scores were between 85 - 100. I have my exam in a few weeks....what is the best course of action from here using TC...keep doing finals and study exams ?

Hearing the pass rate for the 66 is not so good..!

I have my 7,24 and 63

Thanks for the help with TC..

^^  Yes, just keep familiar with the information until the tests by taking practice exams, maybe reading over things you aren't sure you completely get. I really don't think there is much more you can do given your scores on the exams.  You should move your test closer because I think you're wasting time waiting 2 weeks with scores like those.  I haven't heard anyone taking STC and getting 95% on the Series 66 stuff unless this was the 3rd time around and you just memorized the questions/answers. 

I wish i could move it up...cant do it...have to work. With your experience with TC finals exams and study exams, is it a good indication on how you will do on the actual exam ?

I guess i just have to try to keep things fresh in my mind for another two weeks...not fun at all..!

I see that you passed with TC....nice !

I hear that alot of people fail with STC....so that is why i bought the TC question bank...it helps.. 

Thanks for the help...let you know how i did and what i saw on the exam..

Yes.  I started with STC, and made it like 15 pages before I started looking for other material because I wasn't feeling comfortable the way they were explaining things.  AND I knew a TON of people at my firm failed with it.  Why would I study from something where half the people fail, then read stuff on blogs about how great Training Consultants is?  Seems ignorant, and I wasn't going to be that girl!  I also used Kaplan for about 1 week because a co-worker said it was pretty good (she said it wasn't great by any means, but better than STC). So I studied with that for about a week then I found this website and saw people raving about TC (and yes... I am the most "recent" raver about Training Consultants but that is only because I actually passed 88% and I want to help people!  TC all the way!!  So, I spent about 3 weeks stricktly on TC and I am sure that all the material I retained was TC.  Kaplan was okay- but after taking the exams, I know that TC is VERY close to the format of the real thing and there were identical questions from TC and the real deal.   TC also had online lectures I really liked because I am more of a hands on person and I enjoyed hearing the instructor explain things additional to the reading material.  I am sure you'll be fine with just the tests though because you have background from studying with STC, etc.  As long as you have some background on the material, just using the TC tests should suffice (I don't think you need much background before you start taking the TC tests, just a general idea of the difference between state/fed, etc). 

Thanks...88%...very good..

You were very helpful.

We will see how i do..I will let you know.

good luck- you'll do fine. I was also done in 45 minutes, so it wasn't scary at all- I thought I was going to get in the 90s.  I only got a 77 on the series 7, so its not like Iam just some hot shot... it was the TC material that helped me.

wow 45 minutes...I guess TC really helped...great..i feel better now !

[quote=registerme]

^^  Yes, just keep familiar with the information until the tests by taking practice exams, maybe reading over things you aren't sure you completely get. I really don't think there is much more you can do given your scores on the exams.  You should move your test closer because I think you're wasting time waiting 2 weeks with scores like those.  I haven't heard anyone taking STC and getting 95% on the Series 66 stuff unless this was the 3rd time around and you just memorized the questions/answers. 

[/quote]

@Registerme, Thanks for all of your information on this exam - it has been really helpful. I have one question for you. I originally started studying in January with Pass Perfect. After looking at some of these threads in early February, I purchased the TC materials; lectures, book and exams. One thing that I noticed a few times, was that the actual content, some of the answers to questions were completely different to what I had studied previously. I went back to both PP and TC with the same question, and both firms of course stand by their original response. It would be just my luck to have everything come down to one question to push me off the fence or finally bring this journey to an end. My exam is scheduled for 3/30 and I take my first final tonight. We shall see...just curious on your thoughts, I know you had used more than one source in addition to TC. Thanks again

Wow that is interesting. I would honestly trust Training Consultants.  I am only saying that because I had so much success with it- but I definitely found some of the STC and Kaplan material to be confusing, as they weren't consistent when they were explaining things.  TC just is more simple in my opinion and doesn't try to be fancy.  The 66 isn't fancy, but the other study programs make it that way.  I would honestly trust the answer for TC, but I guarantee if you are studying with TC this time around you won't be within a point of passing, you'll pass by at least 5.  The online lectures are SO helpful to break everything down if you're having trouble- they helped me a LOT- and the identical questions on TC are nice.  Someone at my office took the 66 yesterday and she swears she had 40 exact questions from TC to the actual thing.  I had a lot too, maybe 30-40.  So, don't worry- you'll be okay. Trust the TC material.

Thanks, I appreciate the words of encouragement - I'm continuing on with TC - took my first final and got  a 75 - I'll see how the next 4 fare as well as the random finals.  I love the fact that TC is a quarter of the information Pass Perfect had. This is a great forum to throw questions out - I guess we are all in the same boat at one point or another! Thanks again and I'll let you know how I do on the 30th!

I used Pass Perfect for my first resource when I took the 7. For anyone that has diffculty focusing while reading, Pass Perfect has got to be the equivalent of Hell.

Pass perfect was awful Joe - I got through half the book and knew I couldn't go much further. The service they provide is not stellar either. At least TC responds to emails same day, and are more than willing to talk to you if you call their 800 number. I can't say enough good things about them.

".........For anyone that has diffculty focusing while reading, Pass Perfect has got to be the equivalent of Hell."

LOL!!!!!  Glad this wasn't one of the three I tried.  I have a hard time reading because it makes me tired- and studying the 66 material would even make a non sleepy reader tired!  STC was pretty bad too though.  I literally read 15 pages then gave up. 

Fire Solutions is terrible!!!! After seeing the TC book i realized how disorganized fire book was. there are errors constantly in the text and exams. i emailed people at fire pointing out several errors and they admitted to almost all of them that they needed to change/rewrite it. this is unacceptable when it comes to a test like this where every word matters. I failed using fire and i knew that book cover to cover, and got really good scores on the practice tests. i know a lot of it has to do with what test you get, but mine was different. after reading the TC book i am seeing much more similarities and hopefully will know what im dealing with this time around.

@Registerme, Thanks for all of your information on this exam - it has been really helpful. I have one question for you. I originally started studying in January with Pass Perfect. After looking at some of these threads in early February, I purchased the TC materials; lectures, book and exams. One thing that I noticed a few times, was that the actual content, some of the answers to questions were completely different to what I had studied previously. I went back to both PP and TC with the same question, and both firms of course stand by their original response. It would be just my luck to have everything come down to one question to push me off the fence or finally bring this journey to an end. My exam is scheduled for 3/30 and I take my first final tonight. We shall see...just curious on your thoughts, I know you had used more than one source in addition to TC. Thanks again

[/quote]

sjwhit,

I was considering doing a bunch of pass perfect exams too just for some variety bc i know people who used it and liked it. if i am already deep into the TC material and have done those exams should i not? would i just confuse myself?

Hambone, I responded to your email...Keep me posted!

Wow hambone, I am taking it on the 30th too!!

Good luck to you, I've been getting 80+ on the practice tests for TC... so Im starting to do problems on the HUGE database in Kaplan now.

How do you like the Kaplan database? I have been very reluctant to try another source just because of the discrepancies between all of them. Is Kaplan similar enough to TC to use? How did you get it?

Kaplan compared to TC is literally twice as hard. I took the Kaplan Final Test and scored a 64%. I am geting 88+ on TC.

Yeah i am now getting scores consistently in the 90's and def have the worries that maybe the exams are too easy. but then again maybe its exactly what you need to know. i have been at it for quite some time bc i have already taken the exam. just not sure if i want to start looking at other material at this point in the game. i can attest that a lot of the TC material is on the test because i remember seeing some of the questions word for word in the material. please let me know how your test goes on the 30th. i don't take it until april 2. i am very anxious to see how the TC material sizes up in your opinion. i guess i can do some last minute kaplan tests if needed. Good Luck, please keep us informed

I'm experiencing the same thing. Just putting my trust in the material and crossing my fingers. I have noticed that the questions tend to be more in depth than some of the reading. Hoping that helps when it comes to the exam, 

I have a feeling with this system the tests are more valuable than the study material.

JoeBull when are you taking it?

My original plan was the 2nd but I don;t think I'm going to have everything I need lined up before then (I have a special accommadation I receive. And it takes a while to go through even though FINRA has it on file.)

So as close to the 2nd as possible.

WOOT!

Just passed the exam with a 84%. I was scoring 90+ on the practice finals prior to taking it this morning.

Training Consultants DEFINATELY helped!! However, the real test was indeed slightly harder. There were multiple questions on the test that corresponded to the TC material.

The test had more in depth questions regarding the performance calculations and annuity/life insurance...

This was my break down:

Economic Factors and Business Info: 80% 4, of 5

Investment Vehicle Characteristics, 86% 13 of 15

Client Investment Recommendations: 60% 18 of 30

Laws Regulations: 94%, 47 of 50.

Good luck to all!

(I still ahve the TC Question Bank valid for another 100 days.. if anyone needs ill send password for cheap)

Congratulations eez…

So TC really helped…great. Can you give us an example of the in depth performance calculations you saw ?

Did you see anything that you did not come across on the TC TEST banks ?

Also..how long did it take you to complete the exam

That is great…you did great on the laws and regs…

Have mine on the 9th

Sure.

There were some calcualtions regarding ALPHA... to be honest I don't remember what is asked cus I had no idea how to do it.

There was also a few questions on how the participation rate of index linked annuities work... so read more into that. There were many things that did not come across on the TC test banks, but you just had to figure it out yourself basically.

There were some TRICKY questions such as.. A european option is a deritive because.. and it gives you two correct answers, one that is can only be exercised at expiry, or that its price is based on another security. YOu have to read closely to realize that the question is asking for what a deritive means, not what a european style option meant.

Just read carefully and you will do fine. TC definately helped, if I only used Kaplan I would have scored lower for sure.

guys just passed with a 90. TC was spot on for almost the entire test. read the book and keep re-reading it until u know it well and take every exam twice. i was done in about an hour. if you know the material you cannot fail.

Congrats Hambone!

Although I didn't score near 90, I did pass with a 78 on Friday. I saw at least 25-30 questions that were identical to TC, some of the more detailed questions that I had never seen probably hurt my score a little - should have read the book in its entirety at least once. Hambone is right in that you should take every exam twice, those are the questions that you wiill see later on.

Good luck everyone, TC is the only way to go

Congratulations Hambone and sjwhit09. That is great! I have my exam on the 9th.

So you are saying that the final exams 1-5 are a good indication of what is on the exam, including 20 to 30 actual questions.

Should I just keep going over the finals 1-5 until my exam on Monday ?

I used stc for the reading and the 1000 question practice exams and I know very well.

I have been using the TC test bank for the past month…did 2 sets of the study questions and went over the finals twice getting 89 to 98 on the finals..

Wow to finish in an hour is amazing…

I am so glad I am not the only person saying this stuff.  Maybe people really believe I was just trying to help all along and don't just work for TC.  (I do NOT work for TC).  hahaha.  Awesome job guys.  I just convinced my co-worker to get TC instead of STC.  I also told the sales manager and the people who order the material. I feel like I should get compensated for letting them know that TC is a great resource.  The fail rate here was probably 50/50 for the 66 with using STC material, I guarantee that it'll be morel ike 90/10 if they bought TC- thus they would save a LOT of money from all the retakes, and their employees would be more valuable quicker- if only people would listen!!!

Take every exam twice and a few randoms. You will see tons of repeats. Not only does it make the test much easier but it's a huge confidence builder throughout the exam. I was kind of worried bc I went through it so quick but I knew the practice exams and the book so well it was so easy. If you have the book def pay attention to what they tell you to. If you only have the tests then I am confident that if you have them down you could pass just by memorizing them, that's how many I saw. Good luck to you all

Well I'm next up. Should be taking it next week. I'll let you all know.

I completely agree with Hambone, that is EXACTLY how I felt throughout the course of the exam!  Joebull, you'll do fine!  you've done your research on how to pass the thing, you'll pass it!

Stamct and Joebull,  My first attempts on the TC finals were 75, 84, 86, 80 and 80. My first random I got a 93. After my first attempts, I started getting high 80s and low 90s on the exams. Despite the multiple questions that I saw repeated on the Random as I did on the Standard finals, I assumed it was because TC really wanted us to understand those questions. They really did appear on the actual exam. I don't think it would hurt to use the other course you were taking to supplement what you're seeing on TC - a few questions on the actual I had to give credit to Pass Perfect, but all in all, the 125 pages that TC created, plus the lectures and databank of tests, you really should be ok with just TC. As Hambone said,  it's a HUGE confidence builder going into the exam - the format is the same and really zero in on what Tina says to checkmark, highlight etc...she is spot on!

Good luck you guys, you'll do fine. Keep us posted!

ok will let you know...Thanks for the help

Failed the 66 today with a 73%...used only STC material and studied my behind off!!  Yes, too many things to focus on in the STC material and I wasnt able to drill down on anything.  I tried EXTREMELY hard to get that 73%.  Now that I know something like TC exists....is anyone selling their TC online material?  If so, PM me.  Thank you....

NY1982 sorry to hear that..

I also used stc and I purchased the TC test bank. I have my exam on Monday.

I agree with you, STC is loaded with information…TOO MUCH…How were you doing on your STC finals ? and how many times did you read the book  and do the exams?

I was pissed when STC told me to keep reading the book over and over..that is NOT A SYSTEM…

stamct -- I read the book twice and went through it very slowly the second time...it took me forever to get the info down and still I dont have it down 100%.  I also did the tests too in which some were repeated and the explanations were not all that great....I was doing ok on the tests, maybe 70s but I dont base it on that anymore.  I took the 7 and passed it with an 80 and was getting 50s-60s in the practice tests.  I just made sure I understood concepts for that one.

Did you get the online access with lectures and book.... or do you just have the TC test bank?

Good luck on Monday !! Let us know how it goes!

Ny1982..I also read the book twice …For the TC..I purchased the testing bank only. I noticed the difference immediately. I completed one set of the study tests and completed two sets of finals…cannot do any more…so we will see.

What type of questions did you see on IRR, NPV and DCF…STC really did not cover it that well and TC had definitions, just wondering who has it right..

I would suggest buying the whole system. Read the 125 page book, watch the video and do the test bank…If I don’t pass that is what I am going to do…I don’t like how STC gives you a ton of information and basically tells you to master it all…because they have no idea what is on the exam…Not a system….

From what I can remember, they had one question on NPV and asked how it was calculated.  For DCF, I believe they asked what are you solving for when you discount cash flows.  More basic stuff and doesn't get into details.  I don't remember an IRR question, however.

ok great...thanks...

I definitely had at at least one question on DCF and one on IRR but I can't remember the details. Only that I dropped an audible F bomb because the only useful information I knew about IRR was to "treat it like the effective rate" and that didn't answer the question.

[quote=stamct]

ok will let you know...Thanks for the help

[/quote]

Hi Stamct - how did you make out on Monday - Did TC help you at all?

Hi Guys,

Passed with a 96%

Tc really helped..

I am at work right now...will talk more about it later

Thanks for the help everyone..

SERIOUS?!! wow...good for you! 

I just bought the test bank...hope that helps.  Did you go through every single test in the test bank? 

Can you also share any Qs that stood out?  Thanks!

WOW!!! That's EXCELLENT!! Congrats, very, very well done

Also, my brother just passed on Saturday with an 84%. Took about an hour and 15 minutes. He said he took a 10 minute break in the middle for a snack.

TC worked for us…made it simple

congrats to all who have recently passed. how many of you are required to or have already taken life and health insurance? here we are required to pretty much get it right after the 66. wondering if anyone out there is also using kaplan for it. i live in pa, and am trying to cram it all in in about a weeks time which is going to be difficult.

I'm looking for the questions banks (practice tests) from TC for the Series 66.  I already have the 125 page book and have reviewed the online videos.  I contacted the two users who say they have the question banks for sale but I have not heard back.

If you have access to the TC question banks (practice tests) let me know as I'll pay for them.  I have to take the test by May 11th so I need them rather soon.

Thanks.

Subie, Look in your messages. 

I'm looking for the TC Series 66 material. It only needs to be effective for the next 5 weeks. I'll send some $ with Paypal.

If your account is still active, email me at [email protected]

Hi, I am preparing for my Series 7.  Does anyone here have access to TC for sale cheap? Currently have no job and have nothing lineup yet.   [email protected]  thanks and congrad on your passing.

[quote=stamct]

Also, my brother just passed on Saturday with an 84%. Took about an hour and 15 minutes. He said he took a 10 minute break in the middle for a snack.

TC worked for us…made it simple

[/quote]

Stamct - what score were you getting in TC to get such a high score?  I've been getting borderline, 74% 75%....do you think I have any chance in the actual test?  Thanks.

MUST READ:

1st- I am not a vendor posing as a test taker, I am a real guy that just finished studying and passing all my exams.

I passed my series66, 4 DAYS ago with a 90%!

I failed my series 65 about a month ago. HERES what happend...

First attempt at series 65 i used fire solutions as provided through my employer. BOMBED the exam, the study material was horrific to say the least. After finding this forum i hired TC (training consultants) and scored a 90% last week on the series 66.  TC was awsome. 110 exam questions i guess i may have saw 40 questions on the exam that were identical to those in the TC practice exams. The other questions i was able to use general logic and were very similar to what TC provided to study from. I simply did exactly what the book told me to do and within 4 weeks time i was ready to go. I would recomend TC to ANYBODY that wants to pass their 66. STAY FAR AWAY from FIRESOLUTIONS for the S66 or S65

For others that come to this forum and would like to know about series7 and series 63. I used STC for both which i found to be very good and very close to the "real thing".

As of today i have an 80 day window for S66 Training consultants, i am willing to sell the subscritpion via paypal for $100.  email me [email protected].

Do you have any hard copies of material?

Yes I have the hard materials, the study guide,

I will sell both for $160 or the book for $80 and the online access for $100.

NY1982........ I was getting 95% + on my exams. To save some time...place a piece of paper over the right side of your monitor( to block out the answer) and go through your exams as a test / review and read the explanations every time . Keep a log of your wrong answers / questions that you need to work on. Once you finish the 110 questions...hit the questions on your log again...then move on th the next exam...that is how i did it...I had limited time, so i had to come up with a system that would work for me. LIke i said i scored a 96% and my brother scored an 84%..i saw a lot of questiond that were on the tc...but my brother only saw about 5. On the actual exam...just pick the BEST answer...i would not take the exam with a 75%. cutting it close. at least 85%. Strange how much information i had to study and the actual exam covered maybe 40% of what i knew. It is a very strange exam.   

@bingobob, which hard materials do you have? A new study guide, which I believe comes with an exam book,  sells for $125.

@mstudy

whoa!

i did not realize the book by itself was going for that much!  Thank you!

I am willing to sell the book via pay pal or i will host it on ebay for $80. (by itself)

I will sell the 79 day membership to the online modules and sample exams for $100 via paypal (by itself)

I will sell the pair (study guide & online exams with recorded lessons) for $160.   

Here is the direct TC link for you to check out for yourself.

http://www.trainingconsultants.com/series-66-exam.aspx

mstudy,

the study guide i have is about 4 weeks old and it has sections highlighted that were instructed to be "highlighted" by the online tutor. These parts in highligh are HIGH frequency questions, most seen on the exam.

@bingobob, I just got off the phone with Training Consultants.  For the series 66 fee of of 125, you get the course manual plus a separate book of practice questions.  Is this what you are selling for $80?

@ mstudy,

No,  for $80 im selling the study guide with sections already highlighted per what the instructor told us to highlight.  There are no exam questions with the study guide. All of the exam questions are on the online work shop. This is what they provided me with when i purchased the online course.

So i am willing to sell,

$80 for the book (which is an outline of the actual test)

$100 for the online access for 78 days, includes 5 exams and 5 random exams as well as recorded tutoring for all chapters. The exams are VERY close to the real thing.

$160 for both the book and the online access.

The price is probably too high for only the manual.  You can buy the new manual plus a question book from TC for 125

mstudy, you have to remember that 90% of the people are probably buying the online course- it will be very hard for you to find someone that just bought the TC book with question book.  You are teaching the stuff so it makes sense for you..... Most people would probably bite the bullet and buy the online training center subscription because its a lot more in detail than just the manual book and a question bank book. 

@ mstudy

Registerme is right. This TC book goes on eBay for $100 by itself.

When was the last time the TC series 66 book sold on Ebay?  I don't think it is listed very often.  I have never seen it there.  TC probably has a very small share of this market

There's one there now, for a TC series 7.

I know.  It is listed at $85 but the series 7 package costs $295 on TC's website.  The series 66 package costs $125 on TC's website

Mstudy... Just like many things in this industry, let the supply and demand set the price for the book. Relax bud.

My test is this saturday and I have been taking the kaplan exams and getting 68-79 on them. is this comperalble to passing for the actual exam. Anyone know??? slighlty concerned I was scoring mid 80s on fire solutions.

Hi - I have the test bank for sale for $60 (paypal), expiring Aug 7 2012.  Message me if interested. 

I hosted several books, CDs and exams on eBay for CHEAP.

Search:

Series 7,  Series 65,  Series 66

I also have the online test bank from TC which is probably the most valuable item of all. $100 on PayPal. 75 days.

Sak,

What exam are you taking? From what I heard firesolutions and Kaplan weren't bad for the 7.

The 65 &66 however fire solutions is bad.

I can't speak for Kaplan.

i am taking the 66. took it a month ago and got a 74. re-taking it sat. job depends on it 

i am taking the 66. took it a month ago and got a 74. re-taking it sat. job depends on it 

Sak,

TC saved my job. I hosted the book for sale on eBay and or i will sell you the online modules with practice exams for $100  through PayPal.

Lemme know

 I finished in 75 minutes with a 90% --- TC made the series 66 easier than the driving permit test.

 I failed using STC and Empire. Last month, it took me 130 minutes to get a 72%.  

 If you want to pass the 66 with ease use TC because TC's practice exams are real exam questions. 

 If you prefer torture use another company. 

My journey with these exams has been a nightmare. I failed the Series 65 three times using Kaplan and FIRE Solutions... Each attempt getting within 2-3 points. I'm focused now on the 66 as I wait for the 6 month period to expire. Having found this blog I purchased the TC test bank. So far I've found TC's exam tools to be much more helpful than Kaplan or FIRE. After each exam, there's detailed feedback on how you scored in each chapter which is helpful in identifying weaknesses. What's absolutely terrifying is how many contradictions there are between TC and FIRE. It seems absolutely crazy to me that FINRA or some other organization doesn't vet test prep companies for accuracy of their materials. 

I'm just now reaching the recommended 85% or better in my test scores and my plan is to focus for the next week and a half and to sit for the exam on Friday the 18th. 

Does anyone have any criticisms of the TC's program? Any lukewarm reviews? So many posts on this forum read like an infomercial for Training Consultants, I can't help but feel a bit suspicious. 

Regardless, I’m so glad I found this blog. It’s been so helpful just reading that same, familiar story of people struggling with this exam. Reminds you that your situation is not unique, and that however long and brutal the road, people DO get past this! 

Thanks!

Swinge,

I was suspicious at 1st too.   The reviews about TC are true. The study material really is that good.

I am selling my online modules and test bank for $100.  There is a 72 day window on this.

Also I'm selling the study guide for $85 on eBay.  I'll give you both for $160.

Bingobob, On Ebay you indicate that you paid $125 for the manual.  Through Training Consultants, the manual ($125) comes with a separate question book.  Do you have the question book?

For me, it was either go back to the big testing companies and hope I pass OR throw a hail mary with TC. If I didn’t pass I was fired, so I decided to risk it all on the good reviews in this forum.

I don’t know how TC does it, but their material is an exact word for word copy of the actual series 66. I wonder if they have people take the test and report back with the actual questions.

Seriously I got a 90%… If you’re scoring 95% on all the practice exams you’ll pass.

Hey guys

I worked as a broker for a broker/dealer for about 5 years now. I hold the 7 and 63 licenses (which I passed on first attempt using STC). Well long story short, I am in desperate need of passing the 66 to become an IAR and after hearing feedbacks on forums and word of mouth of co-workers im kind of nervous about the 66. Im no genuis I studied hard for the 7 before having any experience in the business and luckily passed . The 63 i found easier and studied for a week and passed as well. Well...on monday May 7 I read the Kaplan book cover to cover. Began taking the practice tests via computer and was scoring high 50's low 60's. Today (friday May 11) i was scoring mid 60's to 71 on the Kaplan tests. I also have full access to the STC material via computer with tutorials and practice tests, but after such harsh reviews by you guys I tended to stay away. Im having confusion with exemptions. I found that im scoring "decently" for only 5 days of studying because I had experience in the business and know whats right and wrong, whats fraudulant, unethical etc. Also not worried about equities/options questions. Im kind of nervous and would like some feedback on what to use to study. Many of you are saying TC is the way to go. Gotta admit Kaplan and STC to me feels like they go into dept on a bunch of BS. Some friends tell me "dude dont worry" other are saying "dont take it lightly".

Any feedback appreciated!

Thanks in advance

Just took my 66 last week using TC and passed with an 88!

I bought it after finding this thread and could not be happier with the results. Yea, some of the people sound like sales reps from TC, but we are all sales people and can smell each other from a mile away.

On a side note, I listed the study guide for sale on ebay for $85 (search "Training Consultants") and am willing to sell the online access for $90. PM me if you are interested.

[quote=Billybaboon]

Just took my 66 last week using TC and passed with an 88!

I bought it after finding this thread and could not be happier with the results. Yea, some of the people sound like sales reps from TC, but we are all sales people and can smell each other from a mile away.

On a side note, I listed the study guide for sale on ebay for $85 (search "Training Consultants") and am willing to sell the online access for $90. PM me if you are interested.

[/quote]

Good job! Be careful selling their stuff...as someone on here posted it against the law i guess. I purchased the online access as well and have been doing the practice tests. So far so good. Well see how it goes.

I have 65 days left on the online subscription.

LP- Do as she says and you will pass no problem.

Thanks for the imput Billy!

I have just been doing the practice tests by topics and the finals. When you say "do as she says" what, and who are you referring to? Is there sometime of tutorial im supposed to watch. For the 7 and 63 i just did practice tests until my brain exploded. I have been studying over a week now and  my test is in two weeks. How exactly did you study?

Thanks

The posts in this thread are very one-sided

Hey mstudy I want to personally apologize to you if im asking questions that were already answered or maybe boring you on this thread. Im just another guy on here trying to PASS my 66 so I dont have to sit here and wait another month to take it over. Im not here asking someone to take the test for me. Im here to get feedback from folks who already took the test using TC and had great results. You can simply NOT READ this thread.

Have a great day

lol......   MStudy- why do you always get this way?  You thought I worked for TC because I was strongly encouraging people to buy TC, when I was simply trying to explain to people how great it is.  Now- more people are hyping up TC because they have experience with it themselves.  Aren't we supposed to state our experience to help others?  It isn't our fault that TC is amazing and we want to help people pass their 66.  What do you mean its very one sided? 

[quote=registerme]

lol......   MStudy- why do you always get this way?  You thought I worked for TC because I was strongly encouraging people to buy TC, when I was simply trying to explain to people how great it is.  Now- more people are hyping up TC because they have experience with it themselves.  Aren't we supposed to state our experience to help others?  It isn't our fault that TC is amazing and we want to help people pass their 66.  What do you mean its very one sided? 

[/quote]

EVERY website that has forums has that "one guy".......he's too cool for school!

It just seems odd to me that all posts about TC are enthusiastically positive while posts about other providers are not very good.  LP44NYC, now if you would have said "too school for cool" I would have been okay with that.   (A line in a "P!nk" song)  Also, my comment was not directed at any one person. It was only an observation.  I am a long time value investor so I am naturally skeptical about lots of things.  I am sorry if I offended anyone.  That was not my intention.

[quote=mstudy]

It just seems odd to me that all posts about TC are enthusiastically positive while posts about other providers are not very good.  LP44NYC, now if you would have said "too school for cool" I would have been okay with that.   (A line in a "P!nk" song)  Also, my comment was not directed at any one person. It was only an observation.  I am a long time value investor so I am naturally skeptical about lots of things.  I am sorry if I offended anyone.  That was not my intention.

[/quote]

Well, I've been working on TC for about 5 weeks (probably too long actually) and I'll tell you for certain, it's 5000% better than anything else I've studied and that basically covers the entire catalog of Series 66 material out there. I've used them all.

Although Tina is painfully annoying and slow, the info is great, easy to undertand and unlike all the other services, she cuts through all the non-sense. I feel like the others are afraid you will come back and say "this wasn't in there" so they throw everyting AND the kitchen sink at you.  TC seems not be afraid of anything and instead they highlight (literally) what is in there.

I think I definitely am in an advantage that I had a base knowledge of the material b/c I went through the other programs. But I feel confident I'm going to pass next week and that's because of TC. No ifs, ands or buts. There are definitely exact questions she has and expands on that I remember seeing on each of my prior two attempts.

I'm feeling good because of this program.

I messed up.  the post is below

Joe, good luck next week.  I wish I could comment on their materials but I don't own any of it.  All of the prep providers have access to the following content outline.  

http://www.nasaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Series-66-Exam-Specification.pdf

mstudy - TC is a great program. The forum is open to anyone who disagrees as well as the ones who like it. Could it be that most everyone that uses it on this forum have had positive experiences? The only thing I can suggest to you is to try it out. Mine is for sale :)

registerme - you did sound like you were working for TC.

My materials are still available on ebay for $85. I am also selling the online access as well. PM me if you are interested.

Billybob- I don't work for TC

Mstudy- I am honestly not sure why TC has identical questions, it has nothing to do with the fact that everyone has access to the same study outline. I wish I knew WHY.  I heard that Tina used to create test questions- and evidently they just haven't changed the questions since she worked there.  Who knows if that is true or not- but it would make sense I guess.  No idea how else to explain it.  I know for a fact that STC doesn't have idential questions becuase I used their material, and while taking the exam, the format, etc was exactly like TC.  I also took the class for STC and the instructor told me they aren't allowed to take the tests so you won't see anything identical, just feedback they get from students and if a student happens to remember a question word for word, you may see a couple identical questions. 

Well, I took the 66 last week and I’m very happy to say that I passed with an 83%! I had failed the 65 three times with (using Kaplan for the first two attempts and FIRE Solutions for the third), it really seems that Training Consultants made the difference. For those struggling, I would definitely suggest Training Consultants and I would just encourage them to hang in there! 

These exams are simply bizarre. The previous times I’ve failed, it’s always been within 1-3 points. People have asked about how similar the practice questions are to the real thing, honestly, I think I saw the most similar questions with FIRE Solutions. On that third attempt I felt the most confident, I encountered the fewest surprises and yet I scored a 69%. Why that is I have no idea. 

As I think was mentioned elsewhere in this forum, the difficulty level of the exam is in a bell curve. The first and last 25% of the exam are fairly easy with many questions similar to what you'll see in TC practice tests. The middle 50% gets incredibly difficult. There were many questions where you could make the case for more than one answer and were forced to guess. There were a number of questions I had never seen anywhere before. Whereas I felt clearly over confident on my third attempt, this time I felt certain I didn’t pass and was shocked when I scored an 83% In saying all of this I guess my advice is just not to get psyched out. The exam forces you to guess many times, you have to just hang in there and stay focused.  

One of the most helpful aspects to the Training Consultants practice tests is that in their practice tests they perfectly simulate the real testing environment...The look and feel is the same complete with the stop watch showing remaining time. I feel like this helped me to better manage my time than in previous attempts. Some questions you have to simply make a choice and move on. I’ll also say that TC (and FIRE Solutions as well for that matter), are incredibly responsive to answering questions, I would usually hear back in less than 24 hours. 

Sadly, I feel like I don’t remember a lot of questions that I could report....I think TC’s chapter weightings were on target... I did encounter a couple of IPS questions from Retirement Planning...Some basic Options questions... Obviously know the USA inside and out... Know when you're NOT considered an Agent when representing an Issuer. I was scoring in the high 80's in the TC practice exams, if I wasn't under tight time constraints, I would have waited until scoring in the 90‘s. It is a very hard test. 

Good luck everyone! 

I have testing / study materials for sale at discount on eBay.

Series 7, Series 65 & 66.

Just type the exam name in the search bar.

Booyah.

Let me just add, I am using FIRE Solutions and I hate it.  I will be supplimenting with Kapplan qbank and prayers.

dg6525- for the 66 get Training Consultants......   I used Kaplan, STC, and Training Consultants.  I would have been just fine with Training Consultants alone. 

Thats what im doing as well. I started with STC. I dont know not a big fan for some reason. I must say i did use STC for the 7 and 63 and passed them both on first try. But that was years ago. So i read the kaplan book, started doing practice tests. Im also using TC just took the random final and got an 89 on first attempt. Im hoping I pass this 66 next week.

Any thoughts on which is easier…the 66 or the 65? I have the 63 so I have the option of either the 66 or 65. I am currently studying for the 7 and after I finish that, I can take either exam. Most people say that they are about equal in difficulty but wanted to see if one might be a bit easier than the other? Also, will studying for the 7 help with one more than the other? Thanks.

I have a few thoughts on this issue. First, studying for the 7 will probably help you more for the 65 than the 66.  The 65 is about 70% investment/economics and 30% laws/regulations, whereas the the 66 is 50% investment/economics and 50% laws/regulations.  The score to pass the 66 is 75% pass rate while the 65 has a 72% passing score.  The easier one partly depends on what you are better at: investment oriented topics or regulations

I have a few thoughts on this issue. First, studying for the 7 will probably help you more for the 65 than the 66.  The 65 is about 70% investment/economics and 30% laws/regulations, whereas the the 66 is 50% investment/economics and 50% laws/regulations.  The score to pass the 66 is 75% pass rate while the 65 has a 72% passing score.  The easier one partly depends on what you are better at: investment oriented topics or regulations

Mstudy…thanks for the response. That’s good feedback. I am already scheduled to take the Series 66 virtual class with STC and already have the study materials for the 66 (I am only using STC b/c that’s what my company provides). I may, on my own dollar, buy the Series 66 training materials from TC since everyone seems to speak so highly of them.

Here’s a question for all the folks that used TC…should I purchase just the online exam center or should I pay the extra money and get the whole online course package for the extra $125. If the online exams are all I need, then I’d rather just go that route…thoughts?? Thanks!!

@banker95, I think you'd be fine with just the exmas, as long as you are using something else to study for the 66 (which you said you have the virtual STC class).  I mean, as long as you are doing semi- decent once you start the exams, but if you are taking the TC exams and getting anything lower than 65%, I'd say you should probably get their material because the STC material evidently then, didn't help you enough.  STC goes into a lot more detail then TC and that is where the conflict is.  So, I'd say you would be fine just with the TC tests, but if you start taking the tests and are scoring low, you should probably get the TC material so you can break down what you aren't understanding.  They explain things a LOT easier than STC.  You can get it using STC, it just takes a lot more effort.  

thanks for the response registerme.

I passed the 7 today and now will begin my prep for the 66. How long do most people study for the 66 after passing the 7. I am scheduled to take the 66 on June 22nd (is 3 weeks enough time to prepare??). Can someone tell me, how was the level of difficulty compared to the 7? I studied for about 8 weeks for the 7. For those that recently took the 66, what advice do you have? Thanks!!

Congrats banker95.  There is alot of overlap between the 7 and 66, mostly on the investment side.  If you don't have the 63 yet, you probably spend the majority of your time studing the Uniform Securities Act and related content.

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[quote=Swinge]

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[/quote]

The last thing I saw (and I can't remember where I read it) was something like 45% fail for the 7, 52% for the 66. I don't remember seeing any info on the 65 although I know more people who have first time passed the 65 than the 66. The 66 has just become a beast.

[quote=JoeBull]

[quote=Swinge]

It's amazing how difficult it is to find any information about the 65, 66, 7. Does anyone know of any published data of the pass/fail rate of these exams?

Thanks!

[/quote]

The last thing I saw (and I can't remember where I read it) was something like 45% fail for the 7, 52% for the 66. I don't remember seeing any info on the 65 although I know more people who have first time passed the 65 than the 66. The 66 has just become a beast.

[/quote]

Thanks Joe! 

The 7 is next for me. It's been good to hear that it's at least a more straight forward exam. Even better if the passing rates are higher. It's just shocking that neither FINRA or NASAA release any kind of pass rate info. 

Took the 66 today. Used TC for the entire 3 weeks of studying, I found the exam to be more difficult than everyone was saying even using TC. I did score a 78 so I am happy. I only purchased the online tests for 100.00 well worth it. I did see about 20 questions word for word from TC. Other questions you just needed to read carefully and use process of elimination. I was surprised as there were about 8 questions on annuities. Good Luck to all!

I am currently studying for the S-66 and take the test in approx 2-3 weeks. My job provided me with the STC materials (book and online exams) but after reading this message board I decided to purchase the materials from TC (I purchased the complete online course with book, tests, etc.). So far, I have been using TC on weekends and at night after work. During the day, I study the STC material via the Q&A exams on my lunch hour. I notice that I definately like the flow of the TC better, although I like using the Q&A format from STC so I receive immediate feedback and don’t have to wait until the end to find out the answers & explanations. I tend to score about 10-12 pts higher on TC but more importantly, I notice that the test questions each training company focuses on are a bit different. From all those people who used either STC or TC, how realistic was the actual test vs the stuff each company had us focus on during our studies? Most people say TC is very close but some of the questions still had “NASD” on there instead of FINRA…that changed 5 years ago so my concern is that TC is not exactly updated? As for STC, I used them for the S-7 and I passed and actually scored pretty well on that one but I know the 66 is a totally different exam. Any thoughts or comments from anyone that used TC or STC? Anyone out there use both and can compare the prep each training company provides vs the real exam?? Should I scrap STC and go exclusively with TC (or vice-versa)? Since my exam is right around the corner any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!!

I’ve used both. If you’re doing well on the TC exams you’ll do well on the real thing. Simple as that.

So far I’ve taken 3 of the “Random Finals” on TC and got an 83, 81 and 93. I’ve also done all of the chapter questions. The only thing left are “Standard Finals” 1 thru 5. Before I start those, can someone tell me if I can take them multiple times of just once?

You can take the standard finals on TC as many times as you want. When is your exam?

I was going to test a week from tomorrow (Monday) but now I am thinking I will be good to go this coming Friday (which is in 5 days) so I don’t have to stress over it another weekend. I just want to make sure the TC material and more importantly, the TC practice tests, are truly preparing me and not giving me false confidence.

I was provided with STC material as well, but purchased the practice tests from TC for peace of mind. I was scoring in the 84-90 range on all ten of the practice STC exams by the second time around. Since I haven’t taken the exam, I don’t know which provider will model the real thing better, but TC allows me to find “holes” in my knowledge. I think TC explains things A LOT easier and I am almost exclusively using it now.

I am going to pipe in my 5 cents worth for Training Consultants. I will start by saying I do NOT work for TC, I am not affliated with TC and I am not being compensated for my comments. My comments are strictly to share my experience. I have spent the past 4-6 months buying and taking the KAPLAN review class/studying and FAILED the Series 66, I then bought and went to the STC class only to FAIL again. I have a very good friend that was also studying and he did research after starting with KEIR and being overwhelmed found TC (many thanks to a lot of the commentary on here). He told me it will be the best $230 you spend, the book is streamlined, not overwhelming and Tina (your online video guide) breakes the information down into simple, easy to understand material. Everything she said to checkmark/highlight I did and made flashcards. Well, I was sceptic I will admit…HOWEVER I am here to tell you that I took the Series 66 on Saturday and I PASSED with an 84! I swear by TC for giving me the right tools and information to prepare me to pass the Series 66. As others have commented I too saw questions that were almost exact on the exam from the practice exams. For $230 I promise you will NOT regret spending the money!!!

I couldn’t agree more Kmn! In my earlier posts I go through my history, failing multiple times with Kaplan and FIRE before passing with TC.

It points to the obvious point that the 65 & 66 are horribly designed tests. I would really love to see statistics on both exams, what the exact pass rates are… It seems crazy that among test prep services, there’s not some independent body that vets the accuracy of their materials.

I’ll be taking the Series 7 in the fall. From what I’ve read it seems that it’s at least a more straightforward exam than the 65 / 66. What are test prep services have people had the best luck with?

I am going to pipe in my 5 cents worth for Training Consultants. I will start by saying I do NOT work for TC, I am not affliated with TC and I am not being compensated for my comments. My comments are strictly to share my experience. I have spent the past 4-6 months buying and taking the KAPLAN review class/studying and FAILED the Series 66, I then bought and went to the STC class only to FAIL again. I have a very good friend that was also studying and he did research after starting with KEIR and being overwhelmed found TC (many thanks to a lot of the commentary on here). He told me it will be the best $230 you spend, the book is streamlined, not overwhelming and Tina (your online video guide) breakes the information down into simple, easy to understand material. Everything she said to checkmark/highlight I did and made flashcards. Well, I was sceptic I will admit…HOWEVER I am here to tell you that I took the Series 66 on Saturday and I PASSED with an 84! I swear by TC for giving me the right tools and information to prepare me to pass the Series 66. As others have commented I too saw questions that were almost exact on the exam from the practice exams. For $230 I promise you will NOT regret spending the money!!!

STC is what I used for the 7. STC is very similar to the real exam. Best of luck.

Thank you very much Swinge… Im still riding the high from passing the 66! I used STC in Chicago in 2000 and they were good for the 7 class prep. I understand now you need a 72% to pass the seven ANC more material has been added. Oh yes I forgot to mention the bonus I received in passing. I’m due for my series 7 continuing Ed…lol

Thank you very much Swinge… Im still riding the high from passing the 66! I used STC in Chicago in 2000 and they were good for the 7 class prep. I understand now you need a 72% to pass the seven ANC more material has been added. Oh yes I forgot to mention the bonus I received in passing. I’m due for my series 7 continuing Ed…lol

That’s great! Thanks Kmn!

So I think I’m finally going to take my 66 again on Monday. I was in a rush at first but decided to take my time, get through all the TC material and go about the program the way they suggest. I feel good but of course because this is try #3, I have that nervousness in my stomach. Question for you TC users, it seems most of us that have found TC are taking the test for the 2nd or 3rd time. How much of your success do you think is attributed to TC vs. just your overall familiarity with the material? I have noticed there are definitely things TC glances over that I remember being on the test. (volatility being the main omission). I’m scoring in the mid 80’s on my finals. But my brain is definitely questioning my readiness. Any thoughts?

Passed the 66 today with an 83%. Here was my breakdown:

Economic Factors: 4/5
Investment Vehicle Characteristics: 13/15
Client Investment Recommendations: 24/30
Laws and Regulations: 42/50

Well I sat for the 66 today and did not have a positive outcome. in fact, I scored lower than on all of my practice exams. Not feeling real good about it as of this moment. However, I will have one more chance to take it before my employer says thanks but no thanks. My colleague also was unsuccessful today on it as well. The firm appears to not be a big fan of FIRE for this as multiple people have not had success using them for the 66. I really don’t feel like outlaying $125.00 for TC but I may have too. I scored well on the investment part of the tests, but laid an egg on the rules and regs. and at the end of the day that’s what his test is for. I am considering sitting for my 65 as I have that option but am not sure if this would be a wise move given the amount of time I have put in to the 66. Thoughts? Sorry if this was discussed earlier.

DG, I think it all depends on your timing. The 65 is the same test just with a 30 S7 style questions added on. The reality is you could study for that for two weeks and if you fail only have two more weeks to go to sit for your 66 again. That was my original plan until getting my TC material and deciding to pace myself rather than race through. If for some reason the unexpected occurs this time, the 65 is still an option.

DG…sorry to hear about your 66 exam. I sat for the exam today too and passed (actually got an 85 which surprised me). I used TC and thought they were good. I also had STC through my employer. STC was not good EXCEPT for the May 2012 addendum which had 110 practice questions and explanations which mirror TC. Maybe they have finally caught on that TC is eating their lunch and decided to implement an addendum with more pertinent study questions. Apparently, they have now integrated them into the tests in the June edition but I liked having it in a separate document since I had the May edition. Here’s what I would say: Invest the $125 in TC, especially if your job depends on it. Like you, I was in the same boat, I could have taken either the 66 or 65 and struggled with that decision. I ultimately opted for the 66. If I was unsuccessful on the 66, then I was going to sit for the 65 AS LONG AS it wouldn’t count towards the # of chances I get to pass. Like you, I had 2 chances and then I was done. So if you can take the 65 with no risk, then try it. I would recommend TC though, they kept it short and simple BUT they do NOT cover EVERYTHING. There were definately some questions on that test that TC did not go over. I think in TC’s effort to keep it simple, they leave out some stuff but in the end, they cover 85-90% of it which gives you a solid chance of successfully passing the exam. Again, really sorry to hear about your exam…hang in there and good luck!!

Here are my two cents. It is always helpful to have material from more than one provider. For example, If you have STC, why not supplement it with TC? You have nothing to lose except for a few bucks and everything to gain. If it helps you pass, just think of all the time you will save by not having to study for the test again. I have not seen the materials but TC’s condensed version sounds like a good idea to me, especially for the regulatory sections. The investment topics on the 65 or 66 on not any more difficult than those on the series 7 exam. In fact, there is quite a bit of overlap.

Mike
http://www.series7examtutor.com

I used this forum as the basis for purchasing the TC test bank to supplement my Fire Solutions material for the 66. So, to hopefully help others I wanted to let everyone know my thoughts on TC for the 66.
I just got home from taking the 66 this morning and passed with an 88!! For the past 2 weeks I used the TC test bank exclusively to study for the test. I have to agree with everyone on here, TC is THE best option for the 66. I saw at least 30-40 questions on the actual exam that were EXACTLY WORD FOR WORD the same as on the TC test bank. I KNEW I had passed when I hit submit for the actual test.
All you need to pass the 66 is the TC test bank! I am a TC convert! Thank you to everyone who was willing to take the time to help test takers by giving this great advice!
And Thank You Training Consultants for providing such an accurate and well prepared test bank!

Whats up everybody!

I have two study guides for sale for CHEAP on ebay. I do not come here often so please view them at my ebay user name “easymac135” or search STC Series 7 or STC Series 66

&

I’m using the STC book for the Series 66. Seems like a lot of people are loving the TC simply because of similar questions. I used STC for the Series 7 and scored a 92% and there were almost no similar questions. In my opinion I would rather learn the material to pass rather than remember questions to pass. After all, this is material that will help with your profession and possibly keep you out of jail.

I’m using the STC book for the Series 66. Seems like a lot of people are loving the TC simply because of similar questions. I used STC for the Series 7 and scored a 92% and there were almost no similar questions. In my opinion I would rather learn the material to pass rather than remember questions to pass. After all, this is material that will help with your profession and possibly keep you out of jail.

It’s pretty easy to stay out of jail. Don’t cheat and do the right thing. If it feels a little shady, it is. If you work for a wirehouse, they pretty much take care your reg requirements anyway. The only material that applies directly to me and my every day job on the 66 is the Client Investment Recommendation section and the Investment Vehicle Characteristics. I was 44 out of 45 on those two sections. Where TC helps is the Laws, Regs and Guidelines sections. These are the questions where you can know the material cold but that’s not what they test. They test your ability to read the question and work through all their double and triple negatives. I can tell you with absolute certainty, I’ve been in wealth management for 10 years and a client has never asked me to come up with a solution based on a triple negative.

I’m using the STC book for the Series 66. Seems like a lot of people are loving the TC simply because of similar questions. I used STC for the Series 7 and scored a 92% and there were almost no similar questions. In my opinion I would rather learn the material to pass rather than remember questions to pass. After all, this is material that will help with your profession and possibly keep you out of jail.

I agree with you. The objective should be to learn the materials. To pass the the series 66 exam or any exam, you have to work hard at learning the materials.

Work with a Series 7 Tutor or get tutoring for other FINRA/NASAA licensing exams

Work with a Series 6 Exam Tutor or get tutoring for other FINRA/NASAA Exams

I just took the 66 this morning (first attempt) and passed with a 76%! So…real close. I used the STC material and found it was not bad. I heard that TC is much better and STC sucks, but I guess STC upped its game, because the info was pretty useful. I had the latest edition, the 43rd edition and there was a handful of questions that were identical to the practice tests. My advice for the 66, do the practice tests and make sure you are getting mid 80s. Dont worry about calculations and make sure you know whats exempt, whats nonexempt. They say the 66 is half law and regulations, but it mostly seemed like all suitability questions to me. I thought the 7 was harder.

One other thing I noticed about the 66 is the questions are not more difficult really, but the answers are more difficult to pick. What I mean by that is, during the practice tests, the answers are pretty clear, but on the test, there are maybe 2 or 3 answers that seem like the right answer. You have to end up guessing basically. Several times after I read a question I thought to myself “I know this answer” then when I read through the answers I was not sure which exact answer to pick. Tricky, tricky.

I take the 66 next week…I’ve studied using STC material a minimum of 20 hours/week for the last four weeks. I’ve been getting 70s and low 80s on the second go around of practice exams, but just scored a mere 66 on the Greenlight 2 exam this morning. Can’t be more discouraged and frustrated.

bobmat, I know it is frustrating. I would not worry about the info in the last chapter of the book. There were hardly any calculations or analytical style questions (5 I think). I would do the By Topic tests for state laws, there should be 3 or 4 of them. Also, you want to have a good grasp on the investment vehicles and Investment Advisor Clients sections, and do the By Topic tests on those. I was getting low 80s on the exams and got a 76 on the test, so they seem like a decent indicator. I hope you pass.

Thanks for the advice Don, appreciate it. I did a couple of topic tests earlier in my study calendar, so maybe that’s what I’ll concentrate on as the exam approaches. I’ve written a bunch of notes as well to go over…just frustrated of doing question after question after question, and then getting blown away by Greenlight 2.

Maybe my saving grace will be how I was doing roughly the same on STC Series 7 practice exams (plenty of 60’s first go around, then mostly 70’s and some very low 80’s second time) and wound up with an 81 on that exam. We’ll see.

Don, while you are studying, keep the following in mind, law, tax and compliance. Good luck on the exam

Mike
http://www.series7examtutor.com

I’m selling my Training Consultants Series 66 124pg Course Textbook.
Retail: $125
Asking: $70

I used the textbook plus bought access to the TC questions from a member on here and passed the first time without any issues. Let me know if you’re interested as it’s just collecting dust on my shelf now.

Better get your training materials while they still have the Q&A of the actual exams!

http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20120905/FREE/120909979?utm_source=indaily-20120905&utm_medium=in-newsletter&utm_campaign=investmentnews&utm_term=text

Bobcat, did you pass the 66?

Didn’t get it…failed 66 this morning with a 72. Not sure if I’m more mad about failing it or more mad about having to take the thing over again.

Bobcat, did you pass the 66?

sorry to hear that. which material did you use for 66?

[quote=newox1]

sorry to hear that. which material did you use for 66?[/quote]
Are you going to suggest a materials provider?

damnit bobmat. I am sorry to hear that. Take a few days off from studying, have some drinks and maybe try different study material. 3 more questions and you got it. I hear TC is good, never used the material though.

I used STC, and thought it was pretty good. I started 66 strong and ended strong, but the middle was tough…unfortunately that middle lasted 70 and not 65 questions for me. I’ve been directed to now take 63 then 65. Demotion? Very disappointing letting my employer down. This was the first professional exam I’ve failed after passing the CPA, life and health, and Series 7 all on first tries. Oh well, it’s been a rough day, so thanks to all for the kind words…now, pass me the whiskey so I can start my first day of studying for 63 with a hangover, hehe!

The 66 is rough (at best) using STC materials. Years ago, back when you needed a 71% or better, I failed it the first time with a 70. The 2nd time, a 68. The 3rd time, a 72. That was passing and I was happy.

With everything I’ve heard about Training Consultants, I wouldn’t hesitate to go with them.

If you have your PFS designation (available to CPAs only), then you wouldn’t have to take the 65/66 as it would be an exempt designation for it. Glad I have my ChFC because it has the same exemption.

With everything I’ve heard about Training Consultants, I wouldn’t hesitate to go with them.

I am surprised that you would have this view given the FINRA lawsuit that is in progress.

So I took the series 66 exam yesterday and didnt pass by 7 questions. Do I purchase the TC program considering the legal issues they are going on or do I just continue with Kaplan? Thoughts anyone???

Tough call because we don’t know whether the allegations are true or not. It probably depends on your comfort level with the legal issues. If I were taking the exam, I would not feel comfortable purchasing their materials at this point.

did the court rule that they could not continue to use the questions? How long before a ruling like that?

I cant find any info from their court date…

Up to you but the explanation of terms doesn’t change much from provider to provider. Whether you decide to get STC, TC or Kaplan, they will give you the same definition on what is a bond, stock, USA, IAA of 1940…etc, just maybe tweak it a lil but still same thing.

I used STC and they are very thorough to the point of giving you too much information but I like the way they explain things very detailed and easy to understand.

From what I heard TC cuts to the chase and basically goes over the basics and explains in a very simple format.

Regarding the lawsuit I think it’s going to be a lengthy process but from what I see they are still in business selling material.

This is apparently public information. From the minutes of the preliminary hearing held on September 17th

“4. DISPOSITION
The Court finds that Defendants have failed to show cause why a preliminary injunction should not issue and GRANTS a preliminary injunction in a form to be determined.”

http://court.cacd.uscourts.gov/cacd/judgereq.nsf/4ab98aba108db1c7882571fb004c4b5e/611880c2684480de88257a790082d0b9/$FILE/SACV%2012-1385%20AG%20(JPRx)%20MO%20re%20Preliminary%20Injunction%20(FINRA)%20(AAH).pdf

Your link does not work but I have read the report. It surprises me that FINRA is only asking for TC to stop using their questions and to pay them some money. If you believe that an entity has compromised the integrity of your financial exams, there should be significant penalties. The message here is not very strong and it suggests that there is only a small price to pay for unethical behavior.

Sorry about that. Well if I read correctly they were asking $4000 a question and out of the 900 questions they had in the bank, 250 were almost identical,(250 x$4000 ) so it’s about 1 million total. But yea I would think that being barred from industry would be a possibility as well.

Sorry about that. Well if I read correctly they were asking $4000 a question and out of the 900 questions they had in the bank, 250 were almost identical,(250 x$4000 ) so it’s about 1 million total. But yea I would think that being barred from industry would be a possibility as well.

The problem with barring them from the industry is that this issue was not raised in the original filing plus I don’t think FINRA has jurisdiction over the the test prep company. In other words, I don’t know how FINRA could stop them from operating in this business.

Took the 7 now on to the 66, I have the TC book, but the online access has ceased, does anyone have the chapter questions available? Please…

what do you mean ceased? did your time expire?

Yes, I am unable to access the online database since it was shutdown following the suit with FINRA.

I’ve got the 7 and the 66 from TC and both are working. Purchased the products out of my own pocket.
A friend at another firm told me their firm was using someone other than TC while this lawsuit was pending. Sucked because they were half way through and got shut down…

That’s odd because they you can still purchase their material online. Are any of you from CA? Don’t know if that makes a difference.

I’m in CA.
Nismo777, did your firm switch to some other company, or did TC just shut you down?
I don’t see why they’d leave some people on and shut others down.

I have an extra TC Book if anyone needs one…

Does anyone have TC materials they would sell me at a decent price (especially looking for access code to get full practice exams). PM me if you do and are interested, thanks!

Its amazing to me how people are still interested in their practice exams despite the FINRA lawsuit.

Last I checked you are innocent until proven otherwise so, lets see how this plays out. Hope they win their case because Tina’s method of teaching worked for me. Although I did find it annoying at first…

Question though MStudy don’t you have your own website for Studying?

Innocent?? lol Tina and her kids took a combined 64 FINRA exams and horribly failed more than 50 of them…and she teaches the material…i would consider that proven guilty

Twooten, I believe the court already ruled in favor of FINRA and issued a preliminary injunction. Not sure about any of the details regarding the injunction, though. You can’t study via my website. My company offers tutoring.

What is the deal with a preliminary injunction?
I mean, I’m still using TC stuff, so it obviously didn’t turn off my materials… Has anyone seen any additional information on that preliminary injunction?
I guess as long as I get through my exams and pass, I’ll be happy… Most of this material won’t even apply to what I’m going to be doing…

The suit did not include the 66

Happy to report that I passed the 63 (score of 85) last month and then the 65 (score of 80) yesterday, both on the first attempts, and both using STC. I still would have liked to have taken another crack at 66, especially since I missed it by just three questions, but I’m just thankful that my studying days are over!

Bobmat, Congratulations!

Just passed the Series 7 using Fire Solutions a few hours ago. I need to take the 66 in a few weeks. Would anyone know which package is best to purchase for the TC material? Online? Live? Everything? Or just the text book?

Just took the 7 and passed using STC with an 88. I bought the STC text for the 66, but it does not come with online access to tests like before.

Does anyone have access to STC or even TC practice tests that I could purchase from them? I have spent so much on these tests already, just looking for a little relief…

Hello everyone,

I’ve been following this site since I was studying for the Series 7. Using Kaplan, I passed the 7 with a 78. I then had the Series 66 and didn’t pass, getting a 70.

I heard all the raves about TC, so I went ahead and borrowed the book, as well as purchased the exams online (don’t have access to the lectures)

On Kaplan, I’m averaging in the low 70’s for practice exams, but for training consultants I’m averaging in the 80-86 range on the practice finals.

I take the exam Wednesday and my job may be depending on this. For those that have been with TC, is that good enough final scores to pass this exam? Any tips before Wednesday?

Hey all any TC for sale questions anywhere???

Yeah ran into a gal yesterday from another office who said the same and at their office they all break the rules and have TC books going around because too many fail using the mandatory Fire for the 66. Fire is horribly frustrating. We are forced to use it. Got an 80 on my 7 but felt I did not pass because the Fire program left me handicapped which I was. I have an 86 fairly open book with no review before submitting average going into Final 9 tomorrow. I passed both these exams 13 years ago with. If you know where to get some TC exam bank questions PLEASE let me know. Never failed a test for work and don’t want to start now. Thanks.

Hi all, I just want to let you guys know I passed the 66 two weeks ago using SOLELY Training Consultants. I got a 78% on the exam, and I was scoring 82, 85, 82, 80 on the random finals towards the end.

I memorized a bunch of information regarding Exempt Securities, Transactions, defintions of IA, Agent, IAR, BD, etc - and also the differences in Corporations/LLCs/Partnerships, and basically regurgitated (sp?) that information on the notepad I received prior to even entering the test. It definitely helped to have a reference while taking the actual exam.

Actual exam took me about 75 minutes.

Hey everyone,

Sorry I forgot to get back with you. I PASSED the 66 with a 78 using Training Consultants while I failed with a 70 using Kaplan before.

Training Consultants definitely helped me and yes, some questions are still exactly the same on the exam.

I still have the online practice exams due to expire on April 4th 2013. I’ll sell my name and password to someone for $25 to get some of my money back ($99 on website)

Studying for Life and Health insurance as we speak, hopefully this one is a lot easier lol.

Congrats and yes it does get easier. Life and Health Insurance are a joke of a test.

I passed the 66 (with a 77%) using STC reading materials and TC practice exam question. STC has way too much reading, but i felt like it did a good job explaining the concepts and etc… Unfortunately, I did not pass the first time using STC, so I purchased TC practice questions, upon reading this forum. The TC practice question were fairly easily… i score about 79,83,86,92,89 on first attempt, but it did boost up my confident. On the actually exam itself, i would say it had about 15-20 question almost exactly the same as TC. Overall, I spent two weeks preparing for this exam, and TC definitely helped me pass.

I’m selling my TC practice exam bank for $50, if anyone needs. The Retail price is $99 online, and I only used it for 1 week, so there is 3month and 2 weeks until it expires. plenty of time.

I’d like to say thanks to everyone who has contributed I find it very useful.

I recently passed the Series 7 with an 89 using STC. I have the STC materials for the 66 and plan on using them but I personally know of too many people that have failed using STC. One of them was getting 80s on the practice exams.

Does anyone know for sure if the 66 exams from TC have been altered since the lawsuit? Has anyone used them recently that isn’t trying to sell them?(no offense to anyone)

I’ve heard that the Kaplan Qbank is good as well. I plan on using it. Any input is appreciated. I don’t have long to study so I want to make sure I make the most of the limited time I have.

Thanks

Basically, I don’t think I have time for both the Qbank and the TC tests and I’m debating which one to use.

ZenAdvisor, Congratulations on passing the 7 with an 89! The FINRA versus Training Consultants lawsuit did not actually involve the NASAA exams. I don’t know if the exams have changed at all. I agree with ccon2000 about Smart66 from PassPerfect

I called TC and they said they haven’t changed any of their final exam questions. I’ll report back to let people know what worked/didn’t work.

FINRA does not administer the series 66 exam, NASAA does

I’m using Fire Solutions for my 66 studying (my firm uses Fire Solutions, wasn’t a personal choice) and have found countless grammatical errors in the text and definitional errors in the online exams, very disconcerting for obvious reasons. For a test as technical and detailed as the 66 I want my study materials to be exact, not vague and hypocritical. For instance the book will say one thing and then on a practice test it will have the exact opposite as the answer. My test is on March 15th and I think I am going to buy the TC exam prep ($99) this week. Hope that works out better!

I took the 66 today and passed with an 85. I’ll recap my experience for those taking it soon.

I read STC cover to cover taking all the end of section progress exams/videos, never took a full STC test. Then started taking Training Consultants exams. I got an 83, 91, then 93 on exams 1-3. The next two days I spent going through the Kaplan Qbank, by section, and looking up the answers in the Kaplan book which is very easy as it shows the page it is on. I found this to be very helpful. For some reason the STC 66 questions do NOT show where in the book the answers came from like they did for the 7.

The STC book was great for the 7 but BAD for the 66. The textbook is arranged it a way that it almost seems like they are deliberately trying to confuse you and the test questions seem to be based on random stuff from the book rather than actual test questions from the 66.

Kaplan was very well organized into 7 units with all the regulations(half the actual exam) that needed to be studies located in the first 3. When a state regulation is shown that has a similar but different federal regulation it lets you know right there. It doesn’t make you wait for several chapters later like in STC then force you to flip back and for to make a comparison. I can’t stress how much better the Kaplan book is.

I saw a tons of similar and many nearly identical questions on the actual exam. Unfortunately, I’m not sure whether I saw them on the TC tests or the Kaplan Qbank. However, I would say the TC tests are worth the $100 even if it just gives you 7 questions as that could be the difference between passing and failing.

If I had to recommend to a family member how to prepare for the 66 I would say: Use the Kaplan book/Qbank and supplement with the 5 TC tests. Just throw the STC for the 66 in the garbage. I’m actually pretty angry and how much time I wasted on that book when I could have been using Kaplan. I was shocked at how bad it was especially considering that I got a good score using it on the 7. I’m very luckky I stumbled on to this forum which gave me the idea to look into other providers.

Hope that helps.

I agree. STC sucks for 66.

Just passed the 66 with an 80. Used STC book as a reference guide and TC for practice exams. I’d say about 7 questions on the real exam were word for word from TC. I was scoring high 90s on TC and overall TC gives you a good base and similar format of how questions are asked on the real exam.

I’m selling my TC online question bank… $30 (unlimited use) pm me if you’re interested.

I’m currently in the process of choosing which materials to use in my studies for the series 66 (just passed the Series 7 with an 88% using STC only). The firm is recommending STC or Pass Perfect but my contact is leaning heavily towards PP as the recorded success rate with the STC materials is unfortunately very poor for the 66.

I’m glad to have found these forums but was surprised at all the TC recommendations. I’ve seen a few thumbs up for the smart 66 with pass perfect but not much in terms of how well the material they have stacks up to TC/the actual exam. Any words of wisdom or experience someone could share?

Recently took the 66 and fail with a 71 using STC. I started taking the exams for TC and scocing in the low 80s. Any suggestions?

anyone selling their tc online question bank? ive been using pass perfect and want to try the tc questions. thanks

Took my Series 66 today using TC material and PASSED 1st try. Yet I will say my colleague used Fire Solutions (total crap) and passed with the same score I did. Point being, TC is fantastic he said he had 1 question that he remember from his material and I had at least 50 but…it’s all on the luck of the draw as far as questions you get and I got some rowdy ones.

Passed my series 66 first day with a 82%. I used Pass Perfect for reading along with the Training Consultants question bank. The question bank was well worth the $100 and I felt totally prepared. I plan on selling my copy with about 75 days left for $50 in two weeks. PM me if you’re interested.

Selling my Training Consultants question bank with 83 days left for $50. PM me or email me at [email protected] if interested. thanks

Passed the Series 66 with an 80% using TC. I did not use any other material other than the TC online lectures and the Q bank. I would say that the TC material did prepare me well enough. Although, there were some questions on topics I had never seen. For the most part, I knew I passed when I clicked the final submit. Questions on things like how to calculate Alpha and Beta scores threw me off a bit because of the wording, as well as some slightly more complex insurance questions than I was ready for, but it was only a few questions overall that I flat out did not know. I was scoring in the 90s on the random finals and spent about 3 weeks of study time total. I would say, if you follow the program, you will pass. Either way, very glad those tests are overwith!

Passed my Series 66 yesterday with an 82% using Kaplan (firm provided) and subsequently ordering the TC question bank after reading all about it on here. I’ll recap my experience as well.

In my view, ZenAdvisor’s post above nailed it. Kaplan and TC together is a very good recipe for success. The $100 that I spent on TC’s test bank was WELL worth the money as I truly think I saw about 15 questions that were nearly identical to what TC had on their unit tests and practice finals.

I took my 7 and 63 over 12 years ago so I was pretty nervous for this one.,

All of those people raving about the TC material are spot on…It really is a game changer as their questions are very straight to the point and exactly what’s being tested on the actual exam. It’s REALLY helpful in drilling down to the important aspects of the law sections, and for building confidence going into the actual exam. Try to break 80% or higher consistently on the TC tests before considering the actual exam.

However, for those of you who are using Kaplan, their material is also very good, particularly relating to the client recommendations and investment vehicle characteristics sections, as well as the quantitative stuff. I think that Kaplan’s material is much more difficult than the actual exam questions, although I’m sure they do that purposefully. The one drawback in that is that sometimes they get TOO specific. Just focus on the basics.

Using Kaplan and TC, there were very few questions on the exam that I wasn’t prepared to see in some way, shape, or form.

Good luck and Happy Fourth!

I’ve been studying for the S66 using Kaplan for 3 weeks, and just found this forum last night! Wish I had found it sooner. I took the test this morning and passed with an 81%! I have used Kaplan for everything starting with Life/Health, then 6, 63, 7, and now 66.

I was getting mostly 72%'s on the practice exams using Kaplan’s Q-Bank., with an occasional 85%. Of course it would been nice to be higher going in, but I usually find that my actual exam scores are above the Kaplan practice scores. Once again that was the case.

I saw many questions that were very similar to the Kaplan Qbank, which is what we all like to see. I’d guesstimate that between 8 to 12 questions were nearly identical and another 10 were simplified versions Kaplan questions. I was surprised to see 2 specific questions about Indexed Annuities. Kaplan did not address these and I don’t sell them, so I was reduced to guessing on one of them.

There was one particular question I puzzled over regarding a limited partnership that had a 20% capital gain realized in November, but didn’t distribute the gains to the partners until January (5 partners 20% each). The question wanted to know if it would be treated as a capital gain or income to an individual partner and for which tax year? I wasted many minutes puzzling over this before guessing… don’t know if I got it right, but don’t really care either, now that I passed!!

This post is for all the people FREAKING OUT getting ready for the 66. The solution to pass is very simple and ill try and be as in depth as possible.

I can’t comment on any other study tools other than what I used. I was given the STC book by my firm. After about 10 days of reading/practice tests, I got frustrated with how confusing the exam questions were. They go above and beyond to try and trick you and use poor wording. The fact of the matter is the actual exam is NOT that tricky. Take it from a guy who took it less than 24 hours ago. I came on this site and read the million posts about TC and how great it was. Now, there are going to be a million people that want to play conspiracy theorists and say anyone who recommends them on this forum works for TC. Ignore them. What I did was buy the final exam/subject tests from TC which cost $100. On my first attempts through the five exams my scores ranged from 76-82. Don’t be too concerned with the scores the first time through. However, the second time through you do not want to be scoring lower than 85. I took the exam yesterday and passed with an 81. ALOT of the questions were either identical or very closely related. These practice finals give you an extremely accurate forecast of the actual exam. Also, take the practice tests about the USA and other laws repeatedly as this accounts for the majority of the test. These laws are not that tricky, its just a matter of understanding/memorizing who is exempt from registration and what information must be disclosed and when. Approach this as a law exam.

Hope this helped. Don’t panic. The exam is challenging but by no means impossible. I found it to be easier than the 7. Do not get caught up on it being tricky. If you know what you’re talking about then nothing is tricky.

Congrats bscharf. I just started studying with Kaplan. I want to supplement that with TC. Do you all recommend buying the online tutorials, or whatever they are? Or would it be safe to just buy the book and tests?

Hi all,

New to this forum (as you can see). Really needing some advice.

I passed the Series 7 a couple of months ago using Kaplan study materials and the live class. Since then, I have failed the Series 66 twice, also using Kaplan materials. After failing a second time, I bought the Kaplan Series 66 online class. My scores on the practice test are all over the place - in the last week or two I’ve gotten the following scores: 76, 73, 87. Prior to taking the test the second time, I was pretty consistently getting in low to high 80s (though did get a 78 and 77 also).

Does anybody have any tips? I need to take the test again soon, but absolutely cannot afford to fail. I don’t feel confident enough to take the test unless I have some foolproof method of passing this thing. Not sure if buying the STC tests will do the trick, as it sounds like they are considerably easier from what you all have indicated. Looking for a method to get this material to stick, as it feels considerably harder than the S7 stuff IMO.

Any ideas, advice, etc. is greatly appreciated.

Whatever source of materials you choose, you SHOULD NOT be looking EASY content or materials with questions you have heard are identical to those on the test. Easy content/questions will not prepare you for the test. The materials should be challenging. I would be very skeptical about materials that supposedly have a high number of questions that are identical to those on the exams.

Congrats bscharf. I just started studying with Kaplan. I want to supplement that with TC. Do you all recommend buying the online tutorials, or whatever they are? Or would it be safe to just buy the book and tests?

All I bought was TC’s exams. It was 99 dollars. I didnt think I needed the lectures because I already had the study background from STC which is sufficient. There are two reasons why TC is great. Number one is because there are a lot of practice questions that are identical to the test. This may seem too good to be true but it’s really not. This isn’t like the seven where they can change up numbers on math related problems or test you on 500 different subjects. This is about rules, and there are only so many ways they can ask about a rule. TC does a great job preparing you for what you will see. The second reason is that they focus on the important material. I never have seen Kaplan study material so i can’t comment on what you’re experiencing but the test is mostly about the USA and Act of 40. You can get an exact breakdown on the NASAA site. Its 80 percent law/regulation. TC focuses on the law aspect more than any other subject.

Look, Im not here to convince you. Simply to tell you what worked for me. Two weeks ago I was petrified of failing and came on this site and read all the reviews of how I needed to use TC. I passed the first time and felt I owed it to anyone else freaking out to make an account on here and post about my experience.

Best of luck to you whichever route you choose going. Don’t stress. The test is not nearly as hard/confusing as people love to make it out to be.

The series 66 is not 80% laws. It is 50%

@mstudy is correct. Here is the breakdown of the Series 66 outline from the NASAA website:

Hope this helps!

Rosie
http://solomonexamprep.com

I just took and passed the Series 66 exam with a very strong score. Formerly, I used Kaplan and Passtheseven (Robert Walker) for the Series 7 with great success. I then decided after some online research to give Training Consultant’s Series 66 material a try - and it’s terrific. The online lectures are very informative and you will grow to love the instructors voice (check mark highlight!) - but it’s the practice exams and their full explanations that make the course worth every penny. I studied for approximately 5 weeks and passed. It does take a week to get the printed textbook shipped to you (the book is brief and gets right to the point) and it’s good to follow along in the book with the instructor. The website itself is great too and intuitive - Be sure you go back and check the practice exams and review the questions you answered incorrectly - you can even print them off and save them to a binder for later review. I definitely recommend the course and I wish I had known about training consultants for my Series 7. Thanks folks - I passed!!!

I passed the 66 two weeks ago with an 83%

I used STC for all of the reading and I took both Greenlights. I found the Greenlights were much harder than the real 66 since I got a 69% and 70% on them.

I used Kaplan Qbank to just take test after test after test. I chose the “Mock Exam” where it mixes up 100 test like questions and I felt it was spot on. My last Mock exam I got an 84%.

I would suggest reading STC if you have it 2-3 times and then just hammering out practice exams.

I have access to Kaplan still so if anyone is interested DM me and we can work something out. They have something like 2200 practice questions.

Ive been using Kaplan for about 2 weeks and just purchased TC the other day. I was getting in the area of 75-82 on Kaplan mock finals and I just finished my first round of TC finals with scores (70, 74, 81, 81, 82) and on the random got an 85. Just took the first final over again and got a 92%. I feel confident but at the same time im seeing a lot of repeat questions with TC and just want to know if this is normal and how it relates to the exam. Also if I pass Tuesday, ill give someone the TC I just bought for free because I figured its worth to pay the 100 bucks to pass this thing on the first try.

mc929, keep me posted on how you do on Tuesday. I have to take the 66 the following Monday and I am also using TC and feel like I’m in the same boat as you. Doing well on practice tests but seeing repeat questions.

yeah I guess im just going to keep going until I get 90+ on all the finals and then random finals and take some of the section tests. Ill deff keep you posted hopefully all goes well.

Erodg - I just got done with the exam and got a 77. The test is deff tricky. I saw about 8 to 10 questions that were just like the TC material. I had some calculations on the test and trying to figure out the future value of TIPS bonds, break even points of call options, know current ratio and debt ratio, the definition of present value and how its calculated in the formula. Coverdell/547 plans. difference between UGMA/UTMA, many of the problems about the USA and Investment advisors act are very straight forward just know what the question is asking you. example would be - It will describe a scenario and at first glace you will think it violates USA but at the end of the question it will specifically as you what under USA is in violation. Another question I got was know how to compute an index annuity with a 90% participation and a 15% cap over three years. It gave you 20%, -5%, 10% for the year end values and you have to figure out what the total return would be in three years.

Overall I read “Pass the 66” once, took Kaplan and TC tests over and over again until I was getting 80 on Kaplan and today before the test I took a random final on TC and got a 96%. After taking the test I would say the best way to prepare for this is to memorize definitions and know certain basic finance formulas. I studied hard by taking tests over and over again and reading what I got wrong according the question. The only issue with this is if you get a test questions that’s worded differently you have to trust yourself that you can distinguish between the two. Overall its a hard test and shouldn’t be looked over but if you study definitions and understand what the question is asking you will be completely fine. Nothing on the test is stuff you haven’t seen.

Thanks for the info mc929. Glad to hear you passed and I know you are even happier. I was pulling for you. I have been taking TC tests and scoring in the low 90’s on the randoms and for the standard finals I am getting anywhere from a low to mid 90. I keep retaking the chapter tests that are on the USA and the investment recs and strategies (chapters1 and 6). Those two chapters account for 60 % of the test. I am starting to get nervous though. I will make sure to brush up on options and try to find that stuff about the index annuity calculation. Thanks again for the help and congrats!!

Failed the 66 last week using Fire Solutions - I don’t reccomend it personally. After the reading I have been doing on here I will most likely be using TC.

From the people who have passed - would you reccomend I go back and reread the TC textbook as well or just purchase the question bank and review using that? Thanks.

Dup127. I just passed the 66 on Monday using TC and TC only. I scored 83% on the exam and I’m not the best test taker. My suggestion is to get the entire package if you have time. The book that comes with the material from training consultants is a great outline. It’s about 150 pages long and if you listen along with the teaching video, Tina will tell you all the highpoints to hightlight. It’s very helpful. Also, I cannot say enough on how helpful the instructors are if you need to call in and ask any questions about the material or practice tests. Training Consultants is the way to go for the 66. Like so many others on this site have stated. I wish I knew about TC for the 7. I passed on the first try and I’m so glad to be past it. Good luck to you and all the other 66ers out there!

Erodg: Thank you for the response, I will be purchasing the entire package today - I have about 3 actual weeks till my retake, do you think that will be enough time to get through the material considering I know a lot already?

Dup 127: Yes you should be fine. Just make sure to checkmark/highlight the ones that Tina tells you to. The main chapters from TC material are 1,4, and 6. Know those chapters really well and you should be ok. Besides that just take those practice test a lot. Get to making in the mid to high 80’s on the standard finals and mid 80’s to mid 90’s on the random finals. Another thing I would do is take a chapter 1,4, or chapter 6 practice exam everyday. 60 percent of the actual exam comes from just chapeter 1 and 6 in the TC material. So know those very well. Of course make sure that you are going over what you miss from the practice exams.

Also, about the actual exam. I know you have already taken it once but I will give you my insight after studying with TC. My first 36 questions were very easy on the exam I took. It wasn’t till question 37 that I was actually stumped and had to cancel out the ones that I knew were wrong and guess between the two that I thought could have been right. From there I would say 40 of them were probabaly more difficult. But I just read carefully and picked apart the question and Multiple choice answers to choose from. After the more difficult ones, the questions get much easier again. Others on this website have mentioned the format of their test being similar. Just know the material from TC very well and carefully read the questions on your actual exam and you will pass. It’s a great feeling when you hit that button and see that word “PASSED”. Good luck, study hard and you’ll be fine. If I can do it you can too!

Erodg: Thank you for the more in depth perspective, I just bought materials this morning and have started studying - much better than the other material I have used up to this point!

I feel confident that if I study hard with TC I will be fine, just a matter of putting some solid time and effort into it. Congrats on passing, I will log back on after I have taken again and log my results.

Took the 66 yesterday and easily passed. TC is absolutely the way to go. Their 5 practice tests seem almost too easy; however, questions on the exam were very similar and some were exactly the same. I wasted way too much time with the STC book. Just hammer out the TC tests with an understanding of the answers, and you should be fine.

Well guys, mark another win down for TC - I studied my butt off after not passing the first time using FireSolutions and decided to purchase TC on my own because of all the great things I heard about it from this forum.
I studied for three weeks (1/4-1/23) using TC and scored in the low to mid 80’s (83, 85, 82, 79, 85) on my first round of finals, I then went back and reread chapters 1 and 6 and took sets of 50 questions twice in chapter 1 and 6. Following this I took 2 Random Finals and scored 92 and 89 and then retook the finals I didn’t score above 85 on.
Following this I called TC and spoke with the people they had available to answer questions - every time I called they were available and gave me 30-40 minutes of phone time to ask any questions I had and were extremely quick and helpful in answering everything I had asked.
Yesterday I took my exam at 3pm - before it I was extremely nervous (my job was on the line) and I called to ask 2 last minute questions, to my surprise the owner of the company, who is also the founder (Tina) was actually the one who took my call. She was extremely nice, helped me figure things out and literally gave me a pep talk and calmed me down, she said “I predict you will score between 83 and 87 based on your questions and exam scores - you will be fine” and then gave me her email to follow up and let her know how I did. I SCORED AN 85. Talk about an accurate forecast! I must say that not only did the course content completely prepare me for the test but the customer service and availability of support was amazing.
10 out of 10 for TC - buy it if you want to pass this test.

Took the Series 66 today and passed with an 83%. I used Kaplan and Training Consultants. TC was by far the more useful material which they had just updated this week. I used only Kaplan for the series 7 and passed that on my first attempt also but i feel Kaplan had many overcomplicated questions which were not at all related to what the actual test had. Kaplan’s q bank is still a good source of examples but for the series 66 i would recommend TC over anything else. It took me a solid 2 weeks of study reading the material than doing the 5 tests. The test itself was unreal close to the training consultant based questions. Just make sure you have a good understanding on all of the material and that you are hitting good scores on tests (in my opinion 85-90 and above). Make sure you know how to do calculations as well. I had around 5-6 questions calculating total values or something such a Equity Indexed Annuities with Caps on them and finding values. Anyhow TC definitely prepared me for passing this exam.

Passed the 66 yesterday with an 81% on my first attempt. Used a combination of TC and STC. Looking to sell my TC exam pack. As of today, there are still 70 days left on it. PM me if interested.

Just passed the 66 today, using primarily Training Consultants and had to complete Fire Sol for my firm. I will tell you TC is the way to go, clear and simple.

Passed the 66 yesterday using the TC material. TC is the way to go for the 7 and 66. @mstudy

Passed the 66 yesterday with a score of 81%, using a combination of Passperfect & Kaplan. I’d say that PassPerfect was more difficult than the kaplan and probaly prepared me the most

Another win for TC! Passed the S66 today with an 83%. Read the book twice and took each of the exams once. Was averaging 80-90% on the practice exams. Easier than I expect it. Good luck all!

looking for TC material, please pm me! Thanks!

After using examFX twice and getting a 73 on my first try, and a 74 on my second, I passed with TC with a 90 no problem. I would definitely recommend TC to anyone taking the 66 or 7

Failed using Kaplan for s66 studied over a week and got a 70. Bought TC and was scoring 80-85 range practice exams. Ended up getting a 77 on my retake.

TC works. The s66 is just blatantly wrong in certain parts. Lots of trick questions that have two right answers and you guess which one is more correct. Definitely bell shaped test as well. First 30 are easy, next 50 are hard and last 30 are easy.

I have a TC s66 for sale with 60 days left on it up for sale.

I promised myself I would come back and post on these threads. I purchased Training Consultants (TC) to study for the Series 66 only because of the success stories I read on these threads. I thought maybe some of the stories were fake and trying to boost the credibility of TC, but in the end I am glad I went with them.

I took the 66 today and passed with an 88%. I spent a few months working through the lectures by doing 5-10 hours a week and then I did 12 practice exams. It truly is effort with this exam to learn the material and go back to re-learn the sections you struggled in after taking the practice exams. I took the 5 practice exams and scored 78, 89, 83, 75, 77, 80. THE KEY is I reviewed the incorrect answers and reviewed the hard sections and eventually was getting 78-93 on the 5 exams and then 2 random finals. Granted I was remembering some of the questions from before but still felt good.

During the test I would say 5-10 questions were almost exact from the practice tests which is nice. A few questions are out of nowhere and just have to guess but for the most part I thought the test was easier than the practice tests. I hope this helps!

Just passed the Series 66 with a 77% This test is a tricky pain in the ass. I highly recommend you study even more for this test. Hardly any of it is logical and just lots of poorly worded questions. Training Consultants was the best vendor for this. Do not waste time with STC. Half of the stuff I learned with STC wasn’t even part of the test, so wasted effort. Training Consultants focuses on what matters. I spent a couple of weeks on STC and that was just a waste of time. Wish I would have started with TC from the jump. I was scoring in the high 70s to mid 80s on the practice tests. This was not high enough and you should definitely be scoring in the high 80s before you mess with this test. Make sure you focus on memorizing exemption rules for securities and transactions.

I passed the 66 utilizing the flash cards part of STC and the lecture series part of the training materials. Also being able to differentiate between state and federal registration of broker/dealers and IAs is the key. You’ll get a few retirement and options questions thrown in from your 7 material.

I checked this thread (through a Google search) when deciding which program I should use for the Series 66. I started out with Kaplan and struggled with the material (very dry and not up to date). Kaplan’s online classes were sloppy as well. I wouldn’t recommend Kaplan to anyone. I think Training Consultants is the way to go. You can get through the textbook and online lectures a lot easier than Kaplan or Pass Perfect. The actual questions on the Series 66 are very similar to the questions you see in TC. Definitely follow TC’s online course along with the textbook and just follow the program the exact way they want you to and you’ll pass. I think Pass Perfect definitely provides more info but for some people I can see it being a bit overwhelming. However, in a way Pass Perfect will make you somewhat of an expert and when it comes time for the exam, it feels easy and less stressful. Simply put - TC teaches you the stuff you need to know. Pass Perfect does as well, but maybe a little too much. It really depends on the type of studier you are. The tricky questions on the actual exam are the investment recommendations questions/investment vehicle questions due to how vague some of them are. I really wouldn’t worry about the regulation questions trying to trick you. The way these programs train you is spot on so when you see the “all are excluded EXCEPT” type of questions - you’re well prepared for it and it’s normal to see it asked that way. You just really need to know state vs federal laws because that can determine which answer is right. For those worried about the options questions, from my experience they were extremely easy and I wish I’d seen more (hedging strategies). You’re going to see a lot of questions come down to 2 right answers, just go with your gut. If you see a similar question asked again, you most likely got the first one wrong so go back and review it. 2.5 hours is plenty of time, most of you will finish with at least an hour to spare. Take a good month-2 months to study and stick with the same program throughout. Do TC and if you want to challenge yourself a little bit more towards the end, get the PP exams a week before the test and do a couple. Hope this helps!

For those who plan to work hard at this, Pass Perfect’s materials or those of Kaplan are just fine. If you don’t want to work hard, then perhaps another prep provider’s materials is the way to go.

My passing was completely due to TC. Selling TC book and online access. Please message me if interested!

I took the 66 for the second time after using Knopman and failing by only a few points. Took it again after using TC for a month and passed with an 88. TC is much easier to comprehend and helped me feel way more prepared. Selling the TC book and online access - message me for details.

Has anyone passed the 66 only using TC materials?

I'm taking the 66 Tuesday. My scores on the TC finals so far are 83 83 and 83. I decided to use the PP test bank also. It's so different than TC. Feeling stressed and trying to figure out my best strategy now.