Are you considering a career as a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones? It's a path many explore, drawn by the promise of autonomy, unlimited earning potential, and the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. But before you dive in, one of the most common questions that comes up is: "How long is Edward Jones training?"
Let's break down the training journey at Edward Jones, which is known for its comprehensive and structured approach to developing new financial advisors. It's not a short sprint; it's a marathon designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to build a successful practice.
Understanding the Edward Jones Training Philosophy
Edward Jones invests heavily in its new financial advisors. Their philosophy is to provide a robust training program that covers not only the technical aspects of financial advising but also the crucial business-building and client relationship skills. This commitment to training is a significant part of their value proposition for new recruits.
The Multi-Phase Training Journey: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Edward Jones financial advisor training program is typically a nine-month experience, though it can vary slightly based on individual progress and prior experience. It's an intense period of development with little flexibility for time off, so be prepared to dedicate yourself fully.
Step 1: Your Initial Onboarding and Licensing Blitz (Approximately 12 Weeks)
- Engage with your future! The very first step, even before officially becoming a financial advisor, is a crucial period of intense study and preparation for your industry licensing exams. This is where your commitment truly begins! Edward Jones will provide you with comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and dedicated support to help you navigate these challenging exams.
- The Big Tests: You'll be preparing for:
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam: This foundational exam covers basic knowledge of the securities industry.
- Series 7 (General Securities Registered Representative Examination): This is a comprehensive exam that assesses your competency to perform the job of a general securities representative. You must be sponsored by a FINRA member firm (like Edward Jones) to take this.
- Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Examination): This exam combines aspects of state securities laws (Series 63) and investment advisory principles (Series 65).
- State Insurance Licensing Requirements: You'll also need to complete specific state insurance licensing requirements.
- Get Paid While You Learn: A significant benefit during this initial phase is that Edward Jones provides hourly compensation while you are studying for your licenses. This allows you to focus on your development without immediate financial pressure. Expect to commit a minimum of 45 hours of study each week.
Step 2: Home Office Immersion and Foundational Skills (Approximately 6 Months)
Once you've successfully passed your licensing exams, the training deepens significantly.
- Relocation to the Home Office: For many new financial advisors, this phase involves relocating to Edward Jones' home office locations in St. Louis, Missouri, or Tempe, Arizona, for approximately six months. This intensive, in-person training is a cornerstone of the Edward Jones development program.
- Structured Curriculum and Workshops: This phase is highly structured with a robust curriculum. You'll participate in:
- "Know Your Customer" Training: A dedicated week focused on understanding client needs and building strong relationships.
- Essentials Training: Approximately six weeks introducing you to the core behaviors, investment knowledge, and tools used by Edward Jones financial advisors.
- Client Needs Training: A 12-week segment providing a framework for identifying client solutions and utilizing tools to help them achieve their long-term goals.
- Field Preparation: About five weeks dedicated to preparing you for your eventual transition into the field.
- Application and Skill Demonstration: The training isn't just theoretical. It includes multiple application experiences and opportunities to demonstrate your skills through in-field prospecting simulations and home office settings.
- Coaching and Support: You'll have Academic Training Leaders facilitating workshops, providing ongoing coaching, and offering support throughout this immersive period.
Step 3: Transition to the Field and Practice Building (Ongoing)
After the intensive home office training, you'll transition into your own branch office, but the learning and support don't stop there.
- Branch Office and Administrator Provided: Edward Jones sets you up for success by providing a firm-leased office in a community you choose and a dedicated Branch Office Administrator (BOA) to help run your daily activities. This is a significant advantage for new advisors.
- Field Transition: This phase (around six weeks) focuses on building your client pipeline and preparing you for performance standards as you begin to actively build your practice.
- Ongoing Mentorship and Regional Support: You'll be connected with a mentor – often an experienced Financial Advisor in your region – who will share their expertise and help you acclimate. Edward Jones emphasizes a collaborative culture, offering access to regional leaders, peers, and corporate staff.
- Practice Development Programs: Edward Jones offers ongoing virtual and in-person learning sessions, including "Launch Your Practice" and other practice development programs. The firm emphasizes continuous learning throughout your career, with regular training programs for both financial advisors and branch office administrators.
- Supplemental Salary: For up to five years, new financial advisors are eligible to receive a supplemental salary, which gradually adjusts as your business becomes more established and commission-based. This provides a crucial safety net as you build your client base.
Key Timelines at a Glance:
- Initial Licensing Study: Approximately 9-12 weeks.
- On-Campus Financial Advisor Career Development (FACD) Program: Approximately 6 months (relocation to St. Louis or Tempe).
- Total Structured Training (Initial Phase): Roughly 9 months.
- Supplemental Salary Support: Up to 5 years.
- Ongoing Training and Support: Throughout your entire career with Edward Jones.
It's important to remember that while the structured training program is about nine months, the journey of building a successful practice is an ongoing process that requires dedication, hard work, and continuous learning. Edward Jones aims to provide the foundational support to help you achieve that.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Edward Jones training, with quick answers:
How to prepare for the Edward Jones financial advisor interview process?
- Research Edward Jones' culture and values, understand the role of a financial advisor, and be ready to discuss your sales aptitude, work ethic, and ability to build relationships.
How to get paid during Edward Jones training?
- Edward Jones provides an hourly compensation during the initial licensing and study period, and a supplemental salary for up to five years as you build your practice.
How to succeed in the Edward Jones training program?
- Dedicate yourself fully to the intense study and learning, leverage the provided resources and mentors, and be proactive in applying what you learn to real-world scenarios.
How to manage work-life balance during Edward Jones training?
- The training is intense with little flexibility for time off. It requires significant dedication, so be prepared for a demanding schedule, especially in the initial phases.
How to get licensed as an Edward Jones financial advisor?
- Edward Jones provides a structured program, study materials, and support to help you prepare for and pass the SIE, Series 7, Series 66, and state insurance licensing exams.
How to build a client base after Edward Jones training?
- Edward Jones provides initial resources and guidance on prospecting and business development, and you'll receive ongoing training and support to help you build your client relationships and grow your practice.
How to progress in a financial advisor career at Edward Jones?
- Success is largely performance-based. By effectively building relationships, growing your client base, and meeting performance standards, you can advance your earning potential and potentially take on leadership roles within the firm.
How to find a mentor at Edward Jones?
- Edward Jones typically assigns new financial advisors a mentor, often another experienced advisor in their region, to provide guidance and support.
How to handle the relocation for Edward Jones training?
- If you are part of the on-campus Financial Advisor Career Development (FACD) program, relocation to St. Louis or Tempe for approximately six months is usually required. The firm provides some travel and accommodation support during certain trips to your region.
How to determine if Edward Jones is the right fit for me?
- Consider if you are self-motivated, disciplined, possess strong communication and relationship-building skills, and are comfortable with a performance-based compensation model and a highly structured training environment.
