California Occupational License

Any person who for compensation, engages in the business of advising others, either directly or through publications or writing, as to the value of securities or as to the advisability of investing in, purchasing or selling securities or who for compensation and as a part of a regular business, publishes analyses or reports concerning securities.

There are certain exclusions from the definition of investment adviser under Corporation Code Section 25009 and exemptions from the certification requirement set forth under Corporation Code Section 25230. See these sections for more information.

Fees: Application: $125
Renewal: $125
Registration of Individual Representatives: $25
Annual Renewal of Individual Representatives: $25 (may be up to $35)

Examination Frequency: The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), administers all qualifying examinations required under the California Code of Regulations, Section 260.236. Contact the FINRA concerning exam frequency.

Exam Locations: Exam locations are determined by FINRA.
Experience Requirement: N/A
Average Time to Process Application: 30-45 days.
Renewal Period: 1 year (December).

Special License Requirements: An investment adviser and each investment adviser representative (IAR) or associated person thereof (as defined in Section 25009.5 of the Code) shall pass, within two years prior to the date of filing the application for an investment adviser certificate or becoming engaged as an investment adviser representative or associated person: (1) the Series 65/Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam in effect on January 1, 2000 (2000 Series 65 Exam), or (2) the Series 7/General Securities Representative Exam (Series 7 Exam) and the Series 66/Uniform Combined State Law Exam (2000 Series 66 Exam).

There are various waivers and exemptions to the investment adviser qualification.
Authority: Corporations Code, Sections 25230, 25236.