If you're ready to move into options trading or market making at your firm, Varsity Tutors can set you up with effective Series 4 prep classes. We use an individualized approach, putting you together with a test prep and finance expert who can cater a Series 4 course to your particular needs. Whether you need to learn options trading strategies, understand how you can hedge your firm's other trades using options, or hone your understanding of options disclosure regulations, a Series 4 prep course gives you the opportunity to focus on the areas where you need the most support.
If you're ready for a Series 4 class, then you've already been through the SIE and the Series 7 exam. That means that you know what Finra expects from you on these exams, and also that you can expect the difficulty level to rise as you move into more complicated products. That's why a customized Series 4 class could be right for you. You can dictate what sessions focus on so that you're always learning efficiently. If you don't know where you need to fill gaps, your Series 4 prep class instructor can perform an assessment of your knowledge and capabilities so they can build a study plan that keeps you making progress throughout sessions.
One of the first things you'll need to know for the Series 4 is its makeup. Here's what you'll be preparing for in Series 4 courses:
Question Format | # Questions | Time Allowed | Passing Score | Corequisites |
Multiple-Choice | 125 | 3 hours and 15 Minutes | 72% | Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) + Series 7 |
With this information in mind, you should know that Series 4 prep courses can help you develop additional skills beyond the topics you need to know for the test. Your Series 4 class also gives you the chance to build up your study and test-taking skills, develop time management and other test-taking strategies, and know where you stand in terms of a passing score. Put together, this knowledge can help you get more out of the test, cut out obvious wrong answer choices to increase your chances of getting tough questions correct, and overall feel more confident heading into test day.
Your Series 4 class isn't low on substance though. You'll have to understand a lot of different concepts and apply that knowledge throughout the exam. Often, it makes sense to spend time drilling on concepts the exam covers so you have them at the tip of your tongue come test day, especially if you don't do everything on the exam on a daily basis at your firm. Here are just some of the topics you could make sure you understand during your Series 4 prep courses:
Series 4 Topics (non-comprehensive)
- Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements
- Due Diligence and Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements
- Options disclosure document requirements
- Options programs and trading strategies
- Authorization and approval of any discretionary handling
- Requirement to perform suitability reviews to determine if the use of options is consistent with the customer profile
- Margin requirements set by regulation for initial/maintenance requirements
- Contract adjustments due to such events as splits, mergers, and dividends
- Record retention and segregation requirements
- Aggregation of accounts for reporting position limits, exercise limits, and large positions
- Separation of proprietary, market making, and customer trading
- Authorizing and monitor customer market access
If Series 4 classes sound like a good idea to you, reach out to the Educational Directors at Varsity Tutors today. Directors can listen to your needs and specifications and set you up with a Series 4 course instructor who can meet at a time that is most convenient for you. You'll also be able to meet for each Series 4 class using our innovate online Live Learning Platform. Let's get you started today.

Michael: Series 4 course instructor
...moving averages, stochastic and market profile. Also, I can impart a trader's mentality outlook, having been a trader in several asset classes. My areas of expertise are the energy complex, crude and heating oil, RBOB gasoline, natural gas in both physical and futures and options. My energy knowledge includes OTC natural gas basis swaps and futures crack, heat and spark spreads. Equities and equity options pricing and quantitative portfolio overlay strategies theory and construction.
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 4
- Series 63
- Series 3
- Series 44 - NYSE Arca Options Market Maker Exam
- +14 subjects

Aaron: Series 4 course instructor
...financial realm; and to this day, constantly work to perfect my craft. I believe a lot of work done by financial professionals is noble, they have the ability to help others retire comfortably, protect themselves and loved ones against unfortunate circumstances, help others as well as many other goals they have. I believe there is a right way to do business and I strive to help others in their efforts to do business the right...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Omaha - Bachelor of Science, Finance
- Kansas State University - Master of Science, Financial Planning
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- CFP
- Series 66
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +7 subjects
Education & Certification
- Saint Peters College - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- Series 63
- Series 9
- Series 10
- +4 subjects

Daniel: Series 4 course instructor
I am a CPA with a background in teaching and tutoring. I can work with you on most finance, business, and accounting subjects. I help simplify the material and highlight the core lessons. I've been told it's very effective and helpful!
Education & Certification
- Malone University - Bachelor in Arts, Organizational Leadership
- Baldwin-Wallace College - Masters in Business Administration, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- Series 7
- SIE
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- +25 subjects

Peter: Series 4 course instructor
...Series 7 top off. I passed the Series 3 exam, the National Commodities Futures Exam. If you want to obtain the SIE license, you probably are in one of these categories. You may be doing for the fun of it, looking to get a better understanding of investments, and exploring it as a career. You possibly are in college and wanting an internship at an investment firm. You are hired in the business and need...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- IBEW - International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- SIE
- Series 66
- +42 subjects

James: Series 4 course instructor
...position of 2nd Vice President of Investments. By 1987, I had founded AISCO Holdings, Ltd., where I served as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and its Chairman of the Board. During my tenure, I held, among others, SEC Series Licenses 3, 4, 7, 15, 24, 27, 53, and 63. As the firm's primary SEC Licensed Principal, I grew this financial services conglomerate to $21 million in annual revenues, with over $700 million in customer assets...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Bachelor in Arts, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- Series 66
- Series 27
- Series 24
- +24 subjects

Jim: Series 4 course instructor
...for over 20 years and have a good understanding of many different areas. I will do my best to help the student by simplifying the material and using everyday tasks as examples. Exams I have taken (and passed on the first try): Series 7 (General Securities), Series 24 (General Securities Principal), Series 4 (Registered Options Principal), Series 27 (Financial and Operations Principal), Series 53 (Municipal Securities Principal), Series 66 (Investment Advisor Representative) and PA Life...
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- Series 7
- Insurance License
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +16 subjects

Sakshi: Series 4 course instructor
...and serving as a Teaching Assistant at Queen's, where I guide students in Math, Economics, Finance, English, Social Impact, and Diversity & Inclusion. While I tutor a wide range of subjects, I am most passionate about English, Math, Economics and Business Management. I particularly enjoy helping students prepare for standardised tests, where we often make the most progress and have the most fun working on logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and writing. I strongly believe education...
Education & Certification
- Queen's University - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 4
- Series 52
- Series 63
- Insurance License
- +498 subjects