Stock Trading and Other Things

What experience level do you need to trade spreads with options brokers?

A committed novice trader wants to trade options. Do they need to start ground-up with the basics to be able to trade strategies with their brokers?
I would want to trade level 3-4 eventually.

Public Comments

1. I agree, level 10.

Back in the 70's, when simple stock options made their appearance, it was possible to make decent money playing up against the pros. But with the advent of high-frequency trading and Black-Scholes in the 80s, option premiums have dropped to where the pickings are very very slim.

Some people do well - but they are bringing a wealth of experience, a lot of cash and software aids with them. Though I've been investing successfully for 35 years I don't yet have the correct combination of attributes.