Veteran Licensing

Author: Travis Wendt

  • What is the SIE: Securities Industry Essentials

    What is the SIE?

    If you’re transitioning from military service to civilian life and considering a career in finance, you’ve probably heard about the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam. Think of the SIE as your “basic training” for the securities industry—it’s the foundation you need before moving on to more specialized roles.

    What is the SIE Exam?

    The SIE is an entry-level exam administered by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). It’s designed to test your understanding of the core concepts that anyone working in the securities industry should know. Passing the SIE doesn’t make you a licensed professional yet, but it’s your ticket to the next phase—just like completing boot camp before heading to your MOS-specific training.

    What Does the SIE Cover?

    The exam focuses on four major areas:

    1. Knowledge of Capital Markets
      • Types of markets and offerings
      • Economic factors that impact investments
    2. Understanding Products and Their Risks
      • Stocks, bonds, mutual funds, ETFs
      • Risk vs. reward
    3. Trading, Customer Accounts, and Compliance
      • How trades are executed
      • Rules for handling customer accounts
    4. Regulatory Framework
      • FINRA rules
      • SEC regulations
      • Anti-money laundering basics

    If you’ve ever studied a mission briefing, you know the importance of understanding the terrain—this is your map of the financial battlefield.

    Exam Details

    • Number of Questions: 75
    • Time Limit: 1 hour and 45 minutes
    • Passing Score: 70%
    • Cost: $80

    It’s a computer-based test, and you can take it at a testing center or online. No need to memorize every regulation like a field manual, but you do need a solid grasp of the basics.

    What Comes After the SIE?

    Passing the SIE opens the door to FINRA registration exams that qualify you for specific roles, such as:

    • Series 6: Investment Company and Variable Contracts Products Representative
      • Mostly working with Investment Company products like Mutual Funds
    • Series 7: General Securities Representative
      • Comprehensive license that allows you to do everything a Series 6 does and offer individual securities.
      • People used to call this a “Stock Broker”
    • Series 63: State Laws and Regulations
    • Series 65: Investment Advisers Law exam
    • Series 66: Combines the Series 63 and 65 exams into one

    Think of these as your advanced training schools—each one prepares you for a specialized mission in the financial sector.

    Why Veterans Excel in Finance

    Your military experience—discipline, attention to detail, and mission focus—translates perfectly to the securities industry. Passing the SIE is your first step toward a rewarding career where your skills continue to make an impact.

    Ready to start your next mission? Check out our resources at www.veteranlicensing.com/resources to learn more about preparing for the SIE and beyond.

    How to Pass it?

    There are a lot of resources out there. If you love YouTube, I encourage you to check out @Series7Guru

  • Why Most Licensees Choose 1099: A Guide for Veterans Exploring Entrepreneurial Careers

    Most Agents and Advisors are 1099’d

    1099 vs W2…The careers we’re focused on here at Veteran Licensing are most commonly entrepreneurial opportunities with a 1099 Independent Contractor relationship rather than a W2’d employee relationship. For example, an Insurance professional will build their own insurance operation as an agent for a well known brand.

    Why Entrepreneurs Choose This Path

    When I’m recruiting new agents and advisors, I paint the picture that this is a business building entrepreneurial opportunity. Agents can leverage brand value, marketing materials, systems and software, as well as in the field resources while still maintaining tax advantages and independence on how they run their business. We often say it’s a great way to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

    Transitioning Servicemembers and the 1099 Role

    Not everyone can adapt to the 1099 world of tracking expenses, paying quarterly tax estimates, and renting an office. As a soldier, my whole world was the Army and almost everything was provided for me. No missed paychecks, no LES statement with $0, Tricare, SGLI, etc… As an entrepreneur, you’re going out and securing those things on your own.

    Is it Right for You

    If you’re looking for steadiness, the licenses would still be valuable but, for every give there’s a take. If I have a guarantee, my commission and the upside overall will likely be lower than building your own practice. Those type of opportunities are most commonly found in banks/credit unions, financial services call centers, and employee roles working under another agent/advisor.

    Challenges of the 1099 Lifestyle

    I have always loved the upside potential of operating as an entrepreneur, but it comes with its challenges. The high cost of health insurance in particular took me out of that model. I took a corporate job for a while and moved back into a management role in an employee relationship.

    Curious about why we do what we do, learn more about our story and our mission. I’ve also attached links to a YouTube video and an ADP article in the post above for your reference.

  • My Story and Our Mission

    Patriotic Eagle

    Veteran helping Veterans

    On a mission to connect Veterans with education and opportunities in Insurance, Financial Services, Real Estate, and other licensed careers

    • Connecting Veterans to Education and Licensed Careers

      Thanks for stopping by my blog! I’m excited to launch this site because it gives me a chance to connect Veterans with education and licensed career opportunities. My mission is simple: Connect veterans with education and opportunities in Insurance, Financial Services, Real Estate, and other licensed careers.

      First, let me share a little about my background. While on Active Duty, I was a mechanized infantryman with the 4th Infantry Division. Our regiment’s motto, “Ducti Amore Patriae”—Having been led by Love of Country—captures what drives me to serve my country and fellow veterans.

      After leaving Active Duty, I was a Combat Medic in the Iowa National Guard. This role helped me stay connected to the military community while preparing for civilian life.

      Like many veterans, the transition was not easy, so I looked for ways to support other veterans.

      I found that, living in Colorado Springs gave me access to great resources for service members. Most programs supported Air Force, Army, and Space Force members. Occasionally, we saw Marines or Sailors, but in a landlocked area, they were rare. During this time, I helped these programs by doing mock interviews, reviewing resumes, and sharing LinkedIn tips.

      As for my own licensed career journey, after a few years in a call center, I followed my entrepreneurial spirit and opened a multiline insurance practice. I got off to a strong start and soon accepted a management role almost 20 years ago.

      Over time, I gained deep insight into the licensing process. As a District Manager, I’ve guided many people through licensing. As a producer and manager, I’ve taken plenty of exams myself, so I know what works. Later, I served as Director of Sales for an online real estate education company. My team worked with brokers and Realtor associations to build relationships and drive enrollments.

      Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can help Veterans find meaningful careers and thrive in civilian life.

    Veteran helping Veterans On a mission to connect Veterans with education and opportunities in Insurance, Financial Services, Real Estate, and other licensed careers Blog categories