How to Get a Stock Trader License

Get a job at an investment company or brokerage firm. Whether you have your college degree or not, you must be employed by an investment or brokerage firm because they will be your corporate sponsor for the Series 7 exam. You cannot sit for this exam without a sponsor.
Study for your Series 7 exam. The Series 7 exam covers general securities regulations. Once you find a job at an investment or brokerage firm, you not only have to complete your employer's on-the-job training requirements, you are expected to study for the Series 7 exam at the same time. See Additional Resources to obtain a Series 63 study guide.
Sit for your Series 7. After your employer registers you for the Series 7, you have to call and schedule a time to sit for the exam at your local testing office. You must receive a score of 70 percent or better on the exam to pass.
Study for your Series 63 exam. The Series 63 exam covers securities regulations specific to your state. Not all investment brokerages or firms require a Series 63, but most do. See Additional Resources to obtain a Series 63 study guide.
Sit for your Series 63. After your employer registers you for the Series 63, you will need to call and schedule a time to sit for the exam at your local testing office. You must receive a score of 72 percent or higher on the exam to pass.