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!

Mary: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
I am dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel confident to excel. My approach is tailored to each learner, breaking down complex ideas into simple, relatable steps. With a focus on building skills and self-assurance, I strive to make every session impactful and enjoyable. Together, we'll turn challenges into achievements.
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelor, Bachelor of Arts.
- Harvard University - Master's/Graduate, MSc. Mechanical Engineering
- State Certified Teacher
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- ACSM - American College of Sports Medicine
- NAPLEX
- Series 38
- +1359 subjects

Michael: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...advancements, change on Wall Street is a constant as they are always on the look out for the fastest, least expensive way to operate this usually applies to head count reductions. So, with a better of understanding of where we are now and where we had come from you maybe able to guess where it is we are going and where the jobs will be. If you care to read on exactly how I gained...
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 55
- Series 7
- Series 63
- +14 subjects

Ryan: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...in execution trading at top financial institutions, I bring a practical, hands-on approach to CFA and Series 7 tutoring. My teaching is rooted in my own academic success, having graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Corporate Finance & Alternative Investments from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. I'm passionate about helping students not only succeed but feel confident and excited about their learning journeybecause finance can be fun when you know what you're doing!
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelor of Science, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- FINRA - Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
- SIE
- Series 7
- +6 subjects

John: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...BS in Computer Science and Economics from Yale and an MBA from NYU. I have my Series 7 and 57 and work as a proprietary trader on Wall Street. I'm passionate about financial markets, technology and economics. My philosophy towards education is one of efficiency. I believe that time management is the key to accomplishing your academic and professional goals. I'm here to help you not only learn but absorb the material into your skill...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
- New York University - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 4
- Series 72
- +38 subjects

Anubhav: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...school or getting the job of your dreams. I have worked with high school students preparing for SATs and college, and also have done mentorship programs for iMentor teaching high school and grade school students. I did my Bachelor in Business Administration at Pace University, doing a double major in Finance and Management Information Systems. After work experience, I then obtained my Master in Business Adminstration from New York University (NYU Stern), with concentrations in...
Education & Certification
- Pace University-New York - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
- New York University - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 65
- PMP
- Real Estate License
- +50 subjects

Gregory: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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 (7...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
- University of Chicago - Master of Science, Financial Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 63
- Series 7
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +48 subjects

Jonathan: New Rochelle Series 3 course 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
- Probability
- GED Math
- +75 subjects

Peter: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...designations. Since 2014 I have been an adjunct professor at Berkeley College in New York City teaching both onsite and online. I primarily teach the CFP courses but I have also taught undergraduate accounting and finance courses. I like helping students as the memory of struggling through a class is still fresh with me. Tutoring gives me the opportunity to reduce or eliminate that same feeling a student may have. As a college professor my approach...
Education & Certification
- Hofstra University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
- Long Island University-C W Post Campus - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 22
- Series 28
- Series 79
- +18 subjects

Hal: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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 focus on the individual, adapt my methods to their needs, and inspire them to succeed. I enjoyed a nearly thirty-year career in financial services where I worked as a financial...
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 10
- Series 66
- Series 9
- +171 subjects

Michael: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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 pilots. I really like teaching in general, and enjoy when I can learn something and then pass it on to others. That is what brought me to earn my PhD and my flight instructor certificate, allowing me to teach various...
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Doctor of Philosophy, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 63
- Series 9
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- +16 subjects

Peter: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...One was regional office and the other a national position. 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 in one of these categories. You may be doing for...
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 66
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- Series 27
- +42 subjects

Andrew: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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, business administration, and standardized testing including several of the Series Exams. My teaching philosophy...
Education & Certification
- UNC Chapel Hill - Bachelors, Economics & Psychology
- Georgetown University - Masters, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- CPA
- Series 63
- Series 7
- +70 subjects

Daniel: New Rochelle 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
- Series 6
- CFA
- Series 7
- +10 subjects

Kevin: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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 in Accounting from Truman State University. Both students and parents say that I help students succeed and realize their own potential with improved confidence, grades and test scores. Because I have over 20 years of "real life" professional experience and...
Education & Certification
- Truman State University - Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Washington University in St Louis - Masters in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Series 30
- Series 65
- Series 7
- +41 subjects

Chi-Sun: New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
...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. I also graduated from MIT at 19...
Education & Certification
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- Exam IFM - Investment and Financial Markets
- Exam STAM - Short-Term Actuarial Mathematics
- Series 7 - General Securities Representative Exam (Stockbroker)
- +112 subjects

Ben: New Rochelle Series 3 course 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 65
- Series 63
- CFA
- +39 subjects

Paul J : New Rochelle Series 3 course instructor
- 25 years of seasoned option trading involvement across diverse 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 background with exam expertise. Marine engineering degree MBA in business CFA
Education & Certification
- Pace University-New York - Masters in Business Administration, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- Series 3
- ChFC - Chartered Financial Consultant
- CRM - Certified Risk Manager
- CFA
- +58 subjects