Depends on the kind of financial advisor you want to be the path could be really different.

If you want to be an independent, you will have to setup and register your own company. Pass either Series 65 or 66 exams. Register yourself as an investment adviser with your firm. Follow all compliance and regulations as far as paper work, accounting, audit etc. You may wish to start working on CFP certification to broaden your skills and increase your credibility.

You could also work for a true financial advisory firm (i.e. a fee only financial advising). You will still have to pass Series 65. The company will take care of your registration. You may still have to take Series 6 depending on your responsibility and scope of contact with clients.

If you want to be a financial advisor for an investment firm like Fidelity, Merrill Lynch etc. This role is a glorified sells position. You will need to pass Series 6 and 7 in order to sale stock, mutual fund and insurance (depending on the company’s product). You will need to pass Series 66 to be eligible to register as both Investment advisor and Security Agent.

For more information, consult

Best wishes.

This site can help you with the questions you asked and more. It is the Washington state employment office site. Look to the left side of the page to find links with tons of information.

I would suggest finding a regional director or a financial advisor. I know how Amerprise works and that is you hook up with an advisor and they train you for your series 7 once you pass that you can pretty much work for any company or trade on the open market.