Series 7 Certification on Resume

What Is Series 7 Certification

The Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination is a licensing examination administered by Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This certification qualifies individuals to sell all types of securities products, including corporate stocks and bonds, municipal funds, mutual fund shares, and direct participations in master limited partnerships. IT signifies expertise in the knowledge required to understand complex investment strategies and execute transactions on behalf of clients.

The Series 7 exam validates core skills such as market risk principles and practices, trading procedures, and essential investment vehicles. Given its comprehensive coverage of the securities industry, IT plays a crucial role in maintaining investor protection standards and fostering market integrity.

To be eligible to take the Series 7 exam, candidates must have no disqualifying criminal convictions, meet FINRA's financial responsibility requirements, and complete qualifying work experience under a registered representative. Once obtained, the certification remains valid for three years, after which IT needs to be renewed by satisfying FINRA's continuing education requirements. The estimated time to prepare for the Series 7 exam is approximately 80-120 hours, depending on the individual's prior knowledge and learning style.

Should I Include Series 7 Certification on Resume?

Including the Series 7 certification on your resume can demonstrate your expertise in the financial securities industry, especially when applying for roles within investment banking, wealth management, or brokerage firms. The relevance of this credential may depend on your career stage and industry. For example, recent graduates pursuing entry-level positions in finance may find IT particularly valuable to highlight their Series 7 certification.

However, the recency of your certification is also a factor to consider. If you have not used your Series 7 license for an extended period, IT may be less relevant to potential employers. In such cases, you might choose to focus on other skills or experiences that are more directly applicable to the role you're seeking.

The geographical relevance of this certification should also be considered. While the Series 7 is recognized nationwide in the United States, its value may differ depending on the regional financial market landscape. For instance, candidates applying for positions in New York City or Chicago, major financial hubs, are likely to find a Series 7 certification more advantageous than those seeking roles in less finance-oriented regions.

Hiring Managers And Series 7 Certification on Resume

• Influences their decision-making process: A Series 7 certification demonstrates to hiring managers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to handle complex financial securities transactions, making you an attractive candidate for roles within investment banking, wealth management, or brokerage firms.
• Associated skills/qualities: Hiring managers associate a Series 7 certification with strong analytical abilities, understanding of market risk principles, and proficiency in trading procedures.
• Industry-specific perspectives: Within the finance industry, having a Series 7 certification is often viewed as essential for roles that require direct client interaction and securities transaction execution.
• Setting candidates apart from competitors: A Series 7 certification can help set you apart from other job seekers by signaling your commitment to professional development and expertise in the field.
• Potential negative perceptions: If a candidate has let their Series 7 license lapse or has not used IT recently, hiring managers may perceive this as a lack of engagement or interest in the finance industry.

How to List Series 7 Certification on Resume

• Exact formatting: List your Series 7 certification under a dedicated "Certifications" section using bullet points for clarity.

• Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), [Year of Passing]

• Certification number/ID: Include the certification number if IT is requested by the employer or job application; however, IT's not typically necessary to list this information on a resume.

• Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), [Year of Passing], Certification Number: [Insert Number]

• Expiration/renewal dates: If your Series 7 certification has expired or will soon expire, make a note of this in parentheses after the year passed. If IT is current or renewed, simply list the year without mentioning its validity period.

• Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), [Year Passed], (Expired)

• Certifying organization: Always include the name of the certifying organization in your certification listing to demonstrate the legitimacy and credibility of your qualifications.

Where to List Series 7 Certification on Resume

Place your Series 7 certification under a dedicated "Certifications" section or, if you do not have many certifications, IT can be listed with your education information. If the position you're applying for requires extensive financial industry experience and expertise, consider mentioning your Series 7 certification in the summary section as well.

When listing multiple certifications, prioritize them based on their relevance to the job you're seeking, with the Series 7 certification near the top if IT is a key qualification for the position.

Examples of How to List Series 7 Certification on Resume

Example 1 - For a Technical Resume

Certifications: Series 7 Certification - Issued by the certifying organization (2021-2024)

This format is suitable for a technical resume as IT focuses on professional certifications, keeping the document organized and easy to skim. The validity period provides an understanding of the current status of the certification, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining up-to-date skills.

Example 2 - For a Recent Graduate

Education: Bachelor of Science in Finance - University Name (Graduation Year) Certifications: Series 7 Certification - Issued by the certifying organization (2021)

Recent graduates might choose to list their certification alongside their education section, showcasing their commitment to professional development early on. The specific year of certification issuance highlights a newcomer's proactive approach in obtaining industry-specific credentials.

Example 3 - In a Dedicated Certifications Section

Certifications: Series 7 Certification - Issued by the certifying organization (2019-2022) Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level II - CFA Institute (Pass Year)

Job seekers with multiple certifications can create a dedicated section for them, as shown here. This format highlights an individual's proficiency in various areas and may be preferred by those who have built up a collection of relevant credentials over time.

Example 4 - In a Skills-First Resume Format

Skills: Securities registration - Series 7 Certification (Issued 2018) Investment advisory and management (Current) Financial planning and analysis (Proficient)

In a skills-first resume format, certifications are integrated into the list of abilities, emphasizing the practical applications of a job seeker's skillset. This approach is ideal for candidates who want to highlight their expertise in specific areas first, as IT immediately draws attention to their relevant competencies. The year of certification issuance can be included to demonstrate currency.