Try this site where you can compare quotes from different companies: WWW.ANNUITY-HELP.US What license do I need to sell government securities to a city, state, or government agency? 1 Start studying for the Series 7 exam, which all stock brokers have passed to become licensed. You don't have to jump through any hurdles to begin studying for the exam; all you need is a little time and information to do this task. While it might seem like an effort to start studying first, it's a step that will make passing the test easier. If you already are in the financial industry, you'll improve your knowledge with this step. If you aren't in the industry, you'll benefit by getting a quick start. Public libraries often have copies of the Series 7 study course from past years. 2 Search for a company to sponsor you for the Series 7 exam. You can't take the exam without a sponsoring FINRA (NASD) firm. If you're already working for an insurance company that offers mutual funds, you can use them as sponsors. Check with companies that offer contracts to independent brokers for products such as variable annuities. Often they'll sponsor you for the exam in hopes of adding another broker to their base. If you are recruited by a brokerage firm or insurance company, they often provide study courses to help you pass the Series 7. 3 Submit the application for a Series 7 license. Once you find a sponsor, you still have a mound of paperwork to do before taking the exam called a U-4 application. The paperwork involves a history of your education, financial condition, work, addresses and criminal record. If you have a criminal record, you must disclose it. Also if you've ever filed bankruptcy, that too must be disclosed. The exam costs $150. 4 Secure a fingerprint card. Besides filling out the information for the Series 7 license, you also have to supply them with a fingerprint card. Securing a fingerprint card is as easy as going to your local police station. It has a nominal fee of $5 to $10 and only takes minutes. 5 Send for a study guide or sign up for the class. Even though you may have used the library study guide to prestudy before you began the process of applying for an exam, you need to make certain that your information is up-to-date. To do this, you need to get the latest copy of a self-study program or enroll in an interactive online or live study course. 6 Schedule a time for your exam. FINRA offers exams at specific locations such as Sylvan Learning Centers. The test is computerized, so you know your results right away. The exam takes six hours and has a break after three hours. There are 250 question that count and 10 experimental questions. You'll need to take a copy of a valid picture ID with you.