Have a futures or securities related question? Take advantage of our Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find information about the Center for Futures Education's products?
Our complete list of products is available at our online store.
I want to become a futures broker. How do I get started?
If you want to become a futures broker who can handle customers trading futures and futures options on U.S. futures markets, you need to pass the Series 3 exam. The National Commodity Futures Exam (Series 3) is administered by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD). If you are in the United States, you can obtain an application on the NASD's web site at http://www.nasd.com/web/groups/reg_systems/documents/regulatory_systems/nasdw_005232.pdf or by calling the NASD at (301) 590-6500. If you are outside the United States, call the Center for sponsorship options. To study for the exam, you may wish to use our Futures Brokers Home Study Course. It is available in a three-ring binder format (click here for more information) and in an online format (click here for more information). After you pass the exam, you must become associated with a brokerage firm or start your own. You will also be required to take ethics training. The Center offers three choices for online ethics training. For more information, you may want to order our booklet How to Become a Futures Broker.
I want to become a securities broker. How do I get started?
If you want to become a securities broker who can broker trades on U.S. securities exchanges, you need to pass the Series 7 exam. Our Series 7 preparatory material (Securities Brokers Home Studies Course) prepares you for this exam. To take the Series 7 exam, you need to be sponsored by a NASD- or NYSE-member firm for whom you intend to work once you pass the exam. The Series 7 exam qualifies you to broker stocks, bonds, investment companies, and all general securities.
Are there any prerequisites for taking the Series 3 or Series 7 exam?
Yes; you must be at least 18 years old to take these exams. Also, it is possible to be restricted from taking either exam if you have a criminal record involving "moral turpitude."
Where can licensing exams be taken and how can I find out about them?
The Series exams are offered in computerized centers worldwide. For locations, see http://apps.finra.org/Registration_and_Qualifications/exam/listexamlocs_form.asp.
Does the Center sponsor candidates for the Series 3 exam?
Yes, we do. Some people prefer to have us sponsor them (especially if they do not have a U.S. bank account) because of the convenience we provide for accepting funds (the NASD does not accept non-U.S. funds or credit cards).
For more information regarding sponsorship, click here, or contact us for details.
When does the electronic calendar come out?
Our electronic Futures Calendar and Reference Guide is usually first available during the previous August. At that time, the information is rather limited; however, we add information continually as more data becomes available. Once into the current year, we update the information in the e-Calendar at least monthly. For more information, click here.
Does the Center provide seminars? If so, what is the cost?
Occasionally, we conduct Series 3 preparatory classes if a firm has a group of trainees. Please call (724) 458-5860 and ask for Bob Sennholz if you would like to have a class at your firm. Costs vary depending on location.
How quickly can I get my products?
For domestic retail orders, we generally ship the same day by UPS ground.
We can also ship by 3-Day Select, Second Day Air, or Next Day Air for an extra charge. For international shipments, we can ship by USPS, UPS Express or UPS Expedited. Access to electronic courses and booklets is generally made available automatically by e-mail at the time you order through our online store. Orders for e-Calendars can usually be set up within 24 to 48 hours.
What is the Center's returns policy?
Due to the easily photocopied nature of our printed products, we have a NO RETURNS policy.
Can I get quantities of the Center's products with my own customized cover on them?
Yes, the Center's booklets can be customized in quantities of 500 or more. For customized courses or booklets, please call (724) 458-5860 and ask for Bob Sennholz.
How can I pay for my order?
The Center accepts VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, checks drawn on U.S. banks, money orders, certified checks, and bank wires to our Deutsche Bank account in Düsseldorf, Germany. Wiring instructions: Bank #30070024, Account # 7504905, swift code DEUTDEDD