A trading assistant is similar to an apprentice. Their primary duties include working closely with a certified trader to learn how to sell financial products on behalf of their clients, manage risks, and provide general assistance to the trader. Trading assistants also run errands for traders, such as getting lunch or coffee. Typically, a trading assistant works for a period of up to two years with a trader to amass the knowledge and skills necessary to become a full-time trader. Once they are ready to become a full-time trader, they need to take the Series 7 and Series 63 exams to become licensed.