Ok I've googled this and so many things come up with someone wanting to sell some kind of online course or something. I just want to know where the heck I can go that is a reliable source that I don't have to waste money for something that isn't necessary? Any help at all is greatly appreciated.
Securities Training Corporation, S.T.C. , is still the industry standard for institutional traders. http://www.stcusa.com/
I found a book at the public library. It doesn't look that hard to me. I scored over 70% on the practice test without reading the book. The stuff I missed had to do with fixed-income and broker-client specific stuff.
I bought a book, read it for a few days, then took 5 day crash course on the subject. then took the test. I'm glad I took the course, as I realized a large portion of the test was Options/muni's I would have studied each section equally, but the instructor informed us on what too study for. just google "securities, classes, securities test prep class" etc and use your zip code/city. I personally recommend a class over wasting too much time studying pointless info. 1. get a general book for $30.00 read through it so you have an idea 2. take a class. (typically 5 days) 3. take several thousand practice questions. 4. take the test I feel 2 weeks is ideal time.