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!

Andrew: Series 3 test prep instructor
...My teaching philosophy begins with understanding a student's goals and helping them achieve success both inside and outside of the classroom. I can use elements of a student's background to relate complex subjects in a way that is more familiar with the student. Outside of work, I am an avid sports fan, lover of books and movies, meeting new people and hanging out with friends. I enjoy traveling, having been to 19 countries on 4...
Education & Certification
- UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Economics & Psychology
- Georgetown University - Masters, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Test Prep
- Science
- Math
- +70 subjects

Chi-Sun: Series 3 test prep instructor
...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 second at the 1989 Colorado Math Olympiad....
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Finance
- Computer Programming
- College Math
- +112 subjects

Jonathan: Series 3 test prep instructor
...MBA 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
- College Math
- Other
- Writing
- +75 subjects

Gregory: Series 3 test prep instructor
...economics at Wesleyan University and 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...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Chicago - Master of Science, Financial Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Algebra 2
- Discrete Math
- High School Computer Science
- +47 subjects

Warren: Series 3 test prep instructor
I have enjoyed and prospered for 40 years in the security industry. If I can help another person have the same success then I have truly accomplished something. I attended the University of Illinois but my life education is from experience running brokerage and registered investment advisory firms. My approach to training starts with an understanding of the individual's needs from there we can structure an approach around the unique needs of each individual.
Education & Certification
- College of Financial Planning - Associate in Arts, Financial Planning
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 6
- Series 65
- Series 86
- +21 subjects

Mary: Series 3 test prep instructor
...to set a foundation for our respective quantitative trading roles. I became a market maker, providing liquidity to the public orders, a specialist, keeping an orderly book of all public orders, and floor manager, overseeing the daily operations. The environment was dynamic, highly demanding, requiring laser focus, preparation and stamina. An integral member of the firm, collaborating with other member firms and the Board of Governors, serving on committees, worked on new business initiatives, recruiting...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- Northwestern University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Writing
- Series 39
- Business Ethics
- +95 subjects

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
- German
- Dutch
- Business
- +33 subjects

Hal: Series 3 test prep instructor
...worked as a financial planner, wire-house broker (stockbroker), trust advisor, and wealth advisor. I worked the broker-dealer channel, the bank channel, and the independent channel. I developed and took an introducing brokerage firm through the entire FINRA (then NASD) creation and registration process. 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...
Education & Certification
- Frostburg State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting and Business Management
- Frostburg State University - Master of Science, Management Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Business Enterprise
- AP Microeconomics
- Social Studies
- +145 subjects

Kevin: Series 3 test prep instructor
...life" professional experience and have traveled extensively, I am able to provide you real life examples to help understand the value of learning the topics I tutor you with. I specialize in tutoring a broad range of subjects with a focus on math, science, 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...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Business
- Series 79
- Elementary Math
- +41 subjects

Michael: Series 3 test prep instructor
...(Order management systems) algorithms types and usage, options trading strategies, futures trading strategies, portfolio strategies, quantitative portfolio theory and strategies, hedging strategies in equities, options, compliance questions, proper order handling, Multi asset class trading strategies, futures and OTC swaps types and usage. It is most important to understand what your goal is and what best strategy can be used to accomplish it, knowing the risks associated with each strategy and best option to hedge it,...
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
- Fine Arts
- Series 7
- Finance
- +14 subjects