College Degrees

• Colleges and universities do not offer a specific degree program to become a stockbroker. If you are in school or planning to attend in the future, some major fields of study you should consider are finance, economics and business management. Though legally you do not have to obtain a college degree to work as a stockbroker, many larger investment firms may require that you have one.
  
  

Work Requirements

• One of the professional licenses you must hold to work as a stockbroker is the general securities representatives license, more commonly known as the Series 7 license. To obtain this license, you must pass the Series 7 exam with a score of 70 percent or higher. Before you are able to take the Series 7, you must work for a Financial Industry Regulation Authority (FINRA) registered company for a minimum of four months. During this time, you will work as a stockbroker trainee, typically under a senior member of the company. You will also have to attend various classes, workshops and seminars on the financial services industry.
  
  

Series 7 Preparation Classes

• Many educational and financial training companies offer Series 7 exam preparation classes. The Series 7 exam is a 250-question, six-hour-long exam and covers such subjects as equities, packaged securities, debt securities and investor suitability. The exam also covers the major rules, regulations and laws that govern the securities and financial services industry. If you fail the test, you must wait one month before you are eligible to retake it. Whether you are currently taking college classes in finance or not, a Series 7 prep class can help you make sure you know all the exact material covered on the exam.
  
  

Other Licenses

• To work as a stockbroker in your state, you have to pass the uniform securities agent law, or Series 63, exam. This exam covers 65 questions regarding the securities laws specific to the state in which you plan to practice. You have one hour and 15 minutes to complete the exam and must score a 72 percent or higher to receive your Series 63 license. To prepare for this exam, consider purchasing a Series 63 study guide.