Chapter Introduction

This chapter covers 13% of the Series 63 exam (approximately 8 questions).


What You'll Learn

UnitTopicKey Concepts
1Definition of an Agent of a Broker-DealerAgent definition, clerical exclusion, issuer representatives, activities requiring registration
2Registration and Post-RegistrationForm U4 and U5, effectiveness at noon on the 30th day, updating uniform forms, conduct obligations, denial and cancellation

Why This Chapter Matters

This is the single heaviest registration chapter at 13%. An agent is always an individual, never the firm, and registration is employer-specific: it goes inactive the moment the agent leaves.


Exam Strategy

At 13% of the exam, this chapter produces about 8 questions. Focus on:

  • An agent is an individual. The entity is the broker-dealer
  • Clerical and ministerial staff are not agents unless they effect transactions
  • Issuer representatives escape the definition only for a narrow list of exempt securities, exempt transactions, and certain federal covered securities
  • Registration is effective at noon on the 30th day and expires December 31
  • A firm change requires three notifications: the agent, the old firm, and the new firm

-> Start Unit 1: Definition of an Agent of a Broker-Dealer