Up until now, the only way to become licensed was to quit your current job, get employed by a brokerage firm registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., formerly known as the NASD, (FINRA), study for, and hope to pass a rigorous licensing exam.
Many people, while interested in trading securities and a career in the field, aren't willing or able to "drop everything" in the hope of starting a new career or obtaining a license.