It is simply a case by case (or branch by branch) issue. They do want all FS’s to be licensed, so it simply depends on the volume of your branch. I had to get it about 2 years ago, not the easiest exam, but not that tough either, although I did not pass the 10 (I think) the first time. To my knowledge, there is not an across the board movement to have us get the 9 and 10, I think they know that most of us are not that smart.

You may be correct about the case by case or region by region. In my region its the bankside mgt that wants it. They want a registered FS in every branch. They are pushing for at least 3 FS’s per branch. The main problem I see with this in my area is that there does not “currently” seem to be enough bankside business to keep 3 FS’s happy and busy (obviously location and branch size affect this ). The good ones incomes are taking a hit as a result and it appears to be demoralizing for them. Some of us may think the demands mgt place on us can be tough. From what I see its nothing like the pressure the FS’s face everyday to hit the “numbers”. These guys and gals are really pushed very hard every single day. I’m not saying thats bad management philosophy, just a whole different management style than I have to deal with day to day. 

Well, I think that if they offer you the chance to take it, you should.  I always think it is a good idea to get as many licenses as you can.  If you are concerned about the test, i studied for 3 days (about 3 hrs a night) and ALL I did was take practice tests.  I never once read any of the books.  I have done that for every exam I have taken, 6,65,7,9,10,24,3, life and health.  To tell you I retained all the info I learned would be a lie, but hey, i got the license.

I had to take the 9 & 10, as a couple other FAs did where they had 3 FS’s in one location.



It was not too hard but, it did take me 3x to pass one of the two (mainly because I did not study and care).



It’s no big deal. Get the license, it never hurts.

Which one is harder 9 or 10? I only have the study guides for the 9 and the options crap is a pain in the A@@. I mean who really uses half that stuff on a regular basis? Covd calls, puts, calls great, no problem, but the other strategies…never used them and probably never will. 

I passed the Options one (can’t remember which one that is) on the first try.   The other one was harder because it was a lot of hypotheticals and I did not study, nor feel like reading a couple of paragraphs to answer the questions. And yes, I have ADD.

U spent all of 9 hours and only took practice tests – like anybody believes that. Wish I could do that with the CFA

You find it hard to believe that somebody with a brain could study 9 hours for the 9, and another 9 hours for the 10 and pass??  I probably did not even study that long, but I TRIED to study 3 hours a night.  I do not know about you, but I learn NOTHING by just reading the exam books, so that is why i take the practice test, and then read the explanations (I think I used Bysis, but not sure).  Now do not get me wrong, I did not go in there and crush it with a 98%, but I passed, and that is all that matters.