financialbroker

How to Become a Certified Financial Broker

Introduction

Financial brokers have many responsibilities in their field. Brokers buy and sell stocks. Brokers also serve as sales agents. They can work independently or as part of a brokerage firm. Brokers usually work directly with their customers and they are responsible for keeping a list of their current clients. A background in business or finance and strong communication skills are extremely helpful to aspiring financial brokers. Once you pass your licensing exams, you will be able to buy and sell securities as a certified financial broker.

Difficulty: Moderately Difficult

Things You'll Need:

0. Access to media

Instructions

Step 1

Take classes in economics, finance, business, and sales in college. While a business degree is not mandatory to become a financial broker, it is more difficult to gain success as a broker without previous education. Many people looking into becoming financial brokers declare majors in economics, finance, math, and business.

Step 2

Read the newspaper to stay up to date on financial markets. You can also gain current fiscal knowledge by watching financial news programs. Many websites may also be helpful in your search for financial information.

Step 3

Land a job in sales. You are more likely to be successful as a financial broker if you have previous work experience in the field. Working in sales will help you get a feel for the sales side of the brokerage profession.

Step 4

Obtain a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) license. This license is necessary in order for you to be able to begin buying and selling securities. You can earn your FINRA license by passing the General Securities Registered Representative Examination (also known as the Series 7 Exam). This test includes questions about the basics of investing and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Step 5

Check if your state expects you to take the Uniform Securities Agents State Law Examination. If they do, take and pass the test. When you have completed the last of your examinations, you will be a certified financial broker.

Tip

Try to find a brokerage firm to “sponsor” you. This is when a brokerage firm provides training and exam fees for a candidate that they have taken on as an apprentice.

Warning

Do not attempt to become a financial broker if you are not an energetic person with wonderful communication and multi-tasking skills as these skills are necessary for the position.

Investopedia: Preparing for a Career as a Broker or Trader

http://www.investopedia.com/articles/financialcareers/07/broker_trader.asp