If you're thinking about a formal Series 3 prep course, Varsity Tutors can set you up with private Series 3 classes to help you improve your study skills. The Series 3 - National Commodities Futures Exam is a National Futures Association (NFA) exam administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that investment professionals must pass in order to legally trade in commodities and securities. It's considered more challenging than the Series 7 exam, which only covers securities. If you feel that you could benefit from a Series 3 course, reach out to us today to learn more about how we may be able to assist you!
One of the first things discussed in most Series 3 courses is the formatting you can expect on exam day. The Series 3 is a standardized test administered at testing centers across the country. A calculator is provided for your use, as are a pair of dry erase boards you may use as scrap paper. Both of these items must be returned to the test center at the conclusion of your testing session. The chart below provides additional information about the Series 3 test:
| Question Format | # Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score |
| Multiple-Choice | 120 | 2 Hours and 30 Minutes | 70% |
You might think that the Series 3 is easy because it utilizes a multiple-choice format, but some of the questions may be deceptively worded. You might want to take practice exams during your Series 3 class to get a feel for the way questions are worded. Since it is a timed test, taking practice exams under realistic conditions may help you develop effective time management strategies as well.
Once you understand the exam's formatting, you can move on to more specific content areas in your Series 3 prep class. The bulleted list below includes some of the topics you might want to go over:
Series 3 Major Subject Areas
- Futures trading theory and basic functions
- Futures margins, option premiums, price limits, futures settlements, delivery, exercise, and assignment
- Types of orders, customer accounts, price analysis
- Basic hedging, basis calculations, hedging futures
- Spreading
- Speculating in futures
- Option hedging, speculating, spreading
- Regulations
Private Series 3 prep classes allow students to concentrate on their unique areas of opportunity to improve study efficiency. For example, a test-taker who lacks a firm grasp of pertinent regulations may focus on them during their test prep. Likewise, you can spend your class time on futures if you don't completely understand them. Any questions you have may be answered promptly, as you are your instructor's sole pupil during your Series 3 prep courses.
A private instructor may also be better able to accommodate your individual learning style during your Series 3 course. If you are a visual learner, charts and graphs may be utilized to help illustrate key concepts. If you are more of an auditory learner, a lecture format may be used to help you better retain information.
We also strive to make Series 3 test prep as convenient as we can. All instruction takes place on our mobile-friendly Live Learning Platform, facilitating remote study sessions anywhere with a stable internet connection. We also try to match you with a tutor who meets your scheduling needs for added flexibility.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of taking a Varsity Tutors Series 3 class, contact an Educational Consultant today for more information. We look forward to helping you reach for your academic goals!
Ben: Series 3 course instructor
Experienced portfolio manager, strategist and published author with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Skilled in Asset Management, Equities, Bonds, Investment Strategies, and Capital Markets. Strong finance professional with a MBA focused in Finance, General from University of Southern California - Marshall School of Business. Series 65, 7, 63, 24, CFA, FRM
Education & Certification
- University of Amsterdam - Bachelor of Economics, Economics
- University of Southern California - Masters in Business Administration, Economics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- WMCP - Wealth Management Certified Professional
- CPA
- Series 5 - Interest Rate Options Exams
- +39 subjects
Chi-Sun: Series 3 course instructor
...the students to truly understand the concepts and reasoning behind math, and not just learn how to apply formulas and do well on tests. Although they may get good grades, this will be useless later in life. In my teaching experience, when students actually learn the concepts and logic, not only does their math vastly improve, but they also learn to enjoy math, which is the ultimate goal. My qualifications include excelling at all high...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- +112 subjects
Michael: Series 3 course instructor
...University of Phoenix and a PhD in Finance from Capella University. Since earning my PhD in 2020, I have been instructing at three online universities, teaching finance, accounting, and emergency management. I am also a Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor at a local airport where I teach ground school and flight to student pilots. I really like teaching in general, and enjoy when I can learn something and then pass it on to others....
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Doctor of Philosophy, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 79
- Series 66
- Series 65
- +16 subjects
Jonathan: Series 3 course instructor
As an MBA with a concentration in finance, I am well acquainted with many of the various subjects taught by varsity tutors. The courses I have taken in financial derivatives, business statistics and corporate financial analysis have given me a broad base knowledge, as well as a forum for exploration. My personal goal is to use the knowledge I have gained combined with my experience teaching others to be a great tutor and overall resource...
Education & Certification
- St Johns University-New York - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- St Johns University-New York - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Insurance License
- Intermediate Accounting
- SAT
- +75 subjects
Mary: Series 3 course instructor
...member firms and the Board of Governors, serving on committees, worked on new business initiatives, recruiting and training new hires from top universities. At the time, O'Connor was the largest market maker in the U.S. financial options exchanges and had been looking to partner with a larger financial institution. The firm entered into a joint venture with Swiss Bank creating the opportunity to become part of a newly formed global team deployed as financial engineers...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Northwestern University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 52
- Series 82
- Series 12 - NYSE Branch Manager
- +109 subjects
Andrew: Series 3 course instructor
...Chapel Hill with a dual BA in Economics and Psychology, with a Math minor. I also have a MBA from UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School with a Finance Concentration. I recently completed my MS in Finance from Georgetown. I have worked for the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, investment banks, and a private equity firm; so, I have experience in the applied application of academic theory. I am adept at teaching economics and finance, as well...
Education & Certification
- UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Economics & Psychology
- Georgetown University - Masters, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 63
- CPA
- Series 55
- +70 subjects
Kevin: Series 3 course instructor
...a focus on math, science, history, government, geography, accounting, finance and related business topics. One of my goals for each tutoring session is to keep the student engaged and challenged yet not overwhelmed. I use a number of teaching methods, including practice questions and topical computer related tools. I often ask for feedback and appreciate candid communication. I try to be flexible with my time. To ensure that we have a quiet and comfortable study...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 24
- Series 65
- Series 6
- +41 subjects
Paul J : Series 3 course instructor
- 25 years of seasoned option trading involvement across diverse sectors. - Proven track record in investment banking and commodity exchange settings. - Insightful CFA exam grader with deep understanding of exam requirements. - Successful stint in hedge fund environment, enhancing market insight. - Former Head of Trading Risk at major clearing house, overseeing significant operations. - Aims to mentor CFA candidates, combining rich industry background with exam expertise. Marine engineering degree MBA in business CFA
Education & Certification
- Pace University-New York - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 5 - Interest Rate Options Exams
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 32
- +58 subjects
Peter: Series 3 course instructor
...today. My peers, other broker-dealers, had enough confidence in me to elect me to two different FINRA offices. One was regional office and the other a national position. I sat in on the meetings when FINRA changed the Series 7 test from a single 6 hour exam to the present two exams being the SIE and the Series 7 top off. I passed the Series 3 exam, the National Commodities Futures Exam. If you want...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- CPA
- Series 26
- Series 63
- +42 subjects
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 7
- Series 6
- CFA
- +10 subjects
Michael: Series 3 course instructor
...have a Masters degree from Baruch in Finance. What I could help a Varsity Tutors client understand is futures, equities and options, commodities especially energy both paper and physical usage, pricing and use in a strategy either for profit or hedging. Also, technical and quantitative analysis such as understanding graphing and more advanced tools such as moving averages, stochastic and market profile. Also, I can impart a trader's mentality outlook, having been a trader in...
Education & Certification
- Long Island University-C W Post Campus - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- CUNY Bernard M Baruch College - Master of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 63
- Series 4
- +14 subjects
Gregory: Series 3 course instructor
...Mathematics at The University of Chicago (Masters Degree.) I have 20 years experience using complex concepts in finance (stats, linear algebra, calculus) at JPMorgan and UBS. I teach stats, finance and programing in a user friendly way. I don't repeat the dry methods of text books. MATLAB is my main scripting language; I also use R and SPSS. I enjoy math and science, and I tutor my own children (7 and 10)
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Chicago - Master of Science, Financial Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 31
- Series 63
- Series 7
- +48 subjects
Hal: Series 3 course instructor
...NASD) creation and registration process. I attended what was then a week-long Brokers Option Course at the Chicago Board of Options and followed that as the designated options trader for a firm. I have over twenty years of teaching experience at the college and university level in addition to having served as a national educator in investments for a Fortune 20 firm. My background includes having been licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 86
- Series 57
- Series 87
- +171 subjects