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!
Andrew: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...Carolina, 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;...
Education & Certification
- UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Economics & Psychology
- Georgetown University - Masters, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 56 - Proprietary Trader Qualification Exam
- Series 55
- Series 7
- +70 subjects
Peter: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...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 to obtain the SIE license, you probably are...
Education & Certification
- Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Bachelor of Science, Materials Engineering
- California University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Mathematics and Statistics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 22
- Series 57
- CSET - California Subject Examinations for Teachers
- +42 subjects
Chi-Sun: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...for 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...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Exam LTAM - Long-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Exam P - Probability
- +112 subjects
Daniel: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
Learn from a finance industry professional with nearly 2 decades of experience. Formally trained in Economics with an MBA in Finance. I am also a CFA Charterholder. My talent in explaining difficult concepts easy to understand!
Education & Certification
- Boston University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- FGV - Fundação Getulio Vargas - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- CFA
- Series 6
- Series 7
- +10 subjects
Kevin: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...Accountant), MBA and inventive Patent Holder with the US Patent Office, I know that learning is a great investment. My passion for teaching comes from a life long passion for learning. Im a Masters Degree graduate of Washington University in St. Louis (Olin School of Business: Finance emphasis) and also received my Bachelor of Science...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 65
- Series 6
- Series 24
- +41 subjects
Gregory: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...Financial 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...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Chicago - Master of Science, Financial Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- Series 7
- Series 31
- +48 subjects
Jonathan: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...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...
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
- Macroeconomics
- Latin America History
- +75 subjects
Michael: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...while I may of started with book knowledge practical applications are different in terms of how things work to some degree. I started my career on the Coffee, Sugar and Cocoa exchange's trading floor at a young age, then moved upstairs to run Bear Stearns's energy futures desk using my options knowledge and learning the...
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
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Series 55
- +14 subjects
Hal: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...natural to each individual whether it be economic, intellectual, or spiritual. Learning is unique to each person and each person, who has the interest, will benefit from the best possible learning situation that can be provided and consequently contribute to the whole of society. No one method applies to all. It is my goal to...
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 22
- Series 79
- Series 65
- +171 subjects
Michael: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...from 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...
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Doctor of Philosophy, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Series 79
- Series 66
- +16 subjects
Ben: Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...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
- Series 65
- Series 27
- CPA
- +39 subjects
Paul J : Marysville Series 3 course instructor
...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...
Education & Certification
- Pace University-New York - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 32
- CFA
- Series 44 - NYSE Arca Options Market Maker Exam
- +58 subjects