If you're ready to invest in formal Series 3 test prep, Varsity Tutors can refer you to a private Series 3 class to help you pursue your professional goals. The Series 3 - National Commodities Futures Exam is required to earn a license to sell and trade commodities in the United States. If you are ready to take your Series 3 prep to the next level, let us connect you with Series 3 tutoring today!
One of the most important aspects of Series 3 prep is developing a familiarity with the test's structure and content. The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions administered over a testing session lasting two-and-a-half hours. A four-function calculator and dry erase boards will be provided for your use, but you are not permitted to take any other materials into the testing lab with you. Since the exam is timed, you might want Series 3 tutors to show you how to efficiently use these tools to your advantage.
If you're curious about the topics you might review in a Series 3 course, the list below highlights some of the exam's core concepts:
Series 3 Topics (non-comprehensive)
- Futures and forward contracts
- The Structure of Futures Markets
- Hedging Theory
- Speculative Theory
- Futures terminology
- Options terminology
- Margin Requirements
- Option Premiums
- Offsetting Contracts, Settlements, Delivery
- Options Exercise, Assignment, Settlement
- Market/stop/stop-limit/etc. orders
- Technical and fundamental analysis
- Short and long hedging
- Spread trading
- P&L calculations for speculative trades
- Option Spread Strategies
- CFTC registrations/NFA membership
- FCM/IB Regulations
- Arbitration Procedures
- NFA Disciplinary Procedures
- CFTC Commodity Exchange Act Enforcement
Private Series 3 test prep affords you the luxury of spending as much time as you need on every topic. For example, a student who has a hard time with options terminology might incorporate flashcards into their Series 3 prep. Alternatively, you might want to review sample problems concerning long-term hedging during your Series 3 test preparation to get more comfortable with them heading into exam day. Regardless, large Series 3 classes are often unable to cater to an individual's needs the same way private Series 3 test prep courses can.
Similarly, Series 3 test prep may be adapted to your preferred learning style. If you are a hands-on learner, your instructor might incorporate real-world examples into your Series 3 prep to illustrate the most important concepts. Likewise, an auditory learner might want a Q&A discussion format to make it easier to retain information.
Working with a private instructor also ensures that any questions you have may be addressed immediately. In fact, some students find it easier to ask a private tutor for help than a classroom instructor responsible for a group of students. This can be important, as correcting any misunderstandings before they spiral out of control can be beneficial.
Varsity Tutors also tries to make Series 3 preparation as convenient for you as possible. Our proprietary Live Learning Platform utilizes powerful features such as a virtual whiteboard to facilitate digital study sessions, giving you the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the logistical nightmare of meeting up in person. Likewise, we try to match every student to a tutor who fits their scheduling needs for added convenience. We believe that nobody should stop living their life because they are preparing for a test and design our products accordingly.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of one-on-one Series 3 test prep, reach out to Varsity Tutors today. Educational Directors are standing by to assist you in any way they can!

Ben: Series 3 test prep 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
- Series 15 - Foreign Currency Options Exam
- Series 65
- Series 7
- +33 subjects

Hal: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 Planner, Certified Trust and Investment...
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 51
- Series 6
- Series 16
- +166 subjects

Kevin: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 space, I work with the...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 66
- Series 63
- Series 24
- +41 subjects

Michael: Series 3 test prep instructor
...gained doing various jobs 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 energy complex. So wearing the sales/trader/strategist hat I built a team to assist oil companies hedge...
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
- Series 4
- Series 55
- +14 subjects

Mary: Series 3 test prep instructor
...trading single stock options and futures. My training began in the trading pit, side by side senior traders for whom I would be responsible for tracking delta positions, hedging trades, communicating with the partners, and learning options theory to prepare for a three-week intensive in house options course in Chicago with a peer group. We were close-knit, collaborative and hand-picked for what would be a rigorous and unique learning experience to set a foundation for...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Northwestern University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 10
- Series 87
- +99 subjects

Peter: Series 3 test prep instructor
...their finances and make money doing so. These licenses are so valuable, that you have the potential to make as much money, if not more money than doctors and lawyers. You do not need a secondary degree, you just need to pass the tests. You would want me as at tutor mainly because of my experience. My expertise is in OPTIONS and MARGIN. I started a broker-dealer from scratch, was a manager of other reps,...
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 16
- Series 10
- Series 63
- +20 subjects

Christy: Series 3 test prep instructor
...I'm currently learning Dutch. I have studied Russian, French and Spanish. I earned 2nd place in the $100,000 Fx International Traders Competition sponsored by YLD Fx in London, with over 700 participants globally. Recognized as a "Woman of Outstanding Leadership", by the Executive Committee of "The International Women's Leadership Association" (TheIWLA), in June 2014. A member of "Who's Who in American Professionals and Entrepreneurs" Academic Scholar for 4 years at New York University School of...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, International Economics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 86
- Series 63
- Series 7
- +32 subjects

Gregory: Series 3 test prep 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 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
- Exam FM - Financial Mathematics
- Series 31
- Series 63
- +48 subjects

Andrew: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 as topics in math, statistics,...
Education & Certification
- UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Economics & Psychology
- Georgetown University - Masters, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 63
- Series 7
- Series 55
- +70 subjects

Jonathan: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 for students.
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
- Math
- Other
- +75 subjects

Chi-Sun: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 school math competitions including finishing...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- AAI - Accredited Adviser in Insurance
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +112 subjects

Daniel: Series 3 test prep 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
- Series 6
- Series 7
- CFA
- +10 subjects