Last updated: February 2026 | Sources: FINRA.org, NASAA, SEC
Why FINRA Continuing Education Matters in 2026
If you hold a FINRA securities license -- whether it is the SIE, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66, or any other registration -- continuing education (CE) is not optional. Failure to complete your CE requirements on time results in CE inactive status, which means you cannot conduct any securities business until you are back in compliance.
FINRA completely overhauled its continuing education program in recent years, replacing the old system of a single computer-based training session every three years with a modern, annual content-based approach. The 2026 CE cycle introduces updated topics reflecting the latest regulatory priorities, market developments, and compliance trends.
This guide covers everything you need to know about FINRA CE requirements in 2026: the Regulatory Element, the Firm Element, the Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP), the NASAA Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP), consequences of non-compliance, and the specific topics you should expect on your 2026 CE content.
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FINRA Continuing Education at a Glance
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Element | Annual requirement for all registered persons |
| Firm Element | Annual training designed and delivered by each member firm |
| Who Must Complete CE | All FINRA-registered individuals (Series 7, 6, 63, 65, 66, 79, 99, etc.) |
| Regulatory Element Deadline | December 31 each calendar year (uniform deadline for all registered persons) |
| Firm Element Deadline | By December 31 of each calendar year |
| Delivery Method | Online via FINRA's CE platform (Regulatory); firm-designed programs (Firm) |
| Cost | No fee for Regulatory Element; Firm Element costs borne by the firm |
| Consequence of Non-Completion | CE inactive status -- cannot conduct securities business |
The Regulatory Element: What Every Registered Person Must Complete
Overview
The Regulatory Element is the FINRA-mandated continuing education that every registered person must complete. Since the 2022 CE transformation, the Regulatory Element is now an annual requirement delivered through content tailored to your specific registration categories.
Prior to the overhaul, registered representatives had to complete a computer-based training session within 120 days of their second registration anniversary, then every three years thereafter. That system was widely criticized as too infrequent and too generic.
Under the current model:
- Frequency: Annually
- Content: Tailored to your specific registration categories (e.g., Series 7 registrants receive options and suitability content; Series 6 registrants receive investment company content)
- Delivery: Online, self-paced through the FINRA CE platform
- Passing Requirement: You must achieve a satisfactory score; you can retake if needed
- Deadline: December 31 of each calendar year (uniform deadline for all registered persons since 2023)
How the Annual Regulatory Element Works
Each year, FINRA publishes a CE Council Annual Report that outlines the learning topics and content priorities for that year's Regulatory Element. The content is developed by the Continuing Education Council, which includes representatives from FINRA, NYSE, NASAA, and industry participants.
Your Regulatory Element content is determined by the registration categories you hold:
| Registration Category | Applicable Exams | CE Content Focus |
|---|---|---|
| General Securities Representative | Series 7 | Options, suitability, debt/equity securities, municipal securities, Reg BI |
| Investment Company/Variable Contracts Representative | Series 6 | Investment companies, variable annuities, suitability, Reg BI |
| Uniform Securities Agent State Law | Series 63 | State registration, exemptions, anti-fraud provisions |
| Investment Adviser Representative | Series 65, Series 66 | Fiduciary duty, advisory regulations, ethics |
| General Securities Principal | Series 24 | Supervision, compliance, regulatory obligations |
| Operations Professional | Series 99 | Back-office operations, settlement, books and records |
If you hold multiple registrations, your CE content will cover topics relevant to all of your categories. For example, a registered representative with both the Series 7 and Series 66 will receive content covering both general securities topics and investment advisory topics.
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2026 Regulatory Element Topic Updates
FINRA updates CE content annually to reflect the most pressing regulatory and market developments. For the 2026 CE cycle, expect content focused on these priority areas:
| 2026 CE Priority Topic | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) Enforcement | SEC enforcement actions have increased; reps must understand the care, disclosure, conflict of interest, and compliance obligations |
| Crypto and Digital Asset Regulations | Evolving SEC/FINRA guidance on digital asset securities, custody rules, and suitability considerations |
| Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Updates | FinCEN beneficial ownership requirements, updated SAR filing procedures, and sanctions compliance |
| Cybersecurity and Data Privacy | SEC cybersecurity disclosure rules, customer data protection, and incident response obligations |
| Senior Investor Protections | FINRA Rule 2165 (financial exploitation holds), trusted contact persons, and diminished capacity protocols |
| ESG and Sustainable Investing | Regulatory scrutiny of ESG claims, greenwashing concerns, and suitability of ESG products |
| Outside Business Activities (OBAs) and Private Securities Transactions | Increased enforcement of FINRA Rules 3270 and 3280, particularly around fintech and crypto side businesses |
| Communications with the Public | Social media compliance, influencer marketing, testimonials under the SEC marketing rule |
These topics will appear across various registration categories. For example, Reg BI content is relevant to Series 7 and Series 6 holders, while fiduciary duty and ESG content is particularly relevant to Series 65 and Series 66 holders.
The Firm Element: Your Firm's Annual Training Program
Overview
The Firm Element is the second component of FINRA continuing education. Unlike the Regulatory Element (which FINRA designs and administers), the Firm Element is developed and delivered by each individual FINRA member firm based on a written needs analysis.
Key Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | At least annually |
| Who Designs It | Each FINRA member firm |
| Who Must Complete It | All "covered registered persons" at the firm |
| Deadline | Typically December 31 of each calendar year (firm-determined) |
| Needs Analysis | Firm must conduct a written needs analysis to identify training topics |
| Record Keeping | Firm must maintain records of the training plan, participation, and completion |
| FINRA Oversight | FINRA may review Firm Element programs during examinations |
What the Firm Element Must Cover
Each firm must conduct a needs analysis that considers:
- Regulatory developments -- Recent FINRA, SEC, and state regulatory changes
- Firm-specific issues -- Deficiencies identified in internal audits, compliance reviews, or FINRA examinations
- Product-specific training -- New products being offered or changes to existing product lines
- Sales practice concerns -- Issues identified through customer complaints, arbitration cases, or supervisory findings
- Technology and operational changes -- New trading platforms, customer relationship management tools, or cybersecurity protocols
2026 Firm Element Best Practices
For 2026, firms should prioritize training in these areas:
- Reg BI compliance documentation -- Ensuring reps understand how to document their reasonable-basis, customer-specific, and quantitative suitability analysis
- Digital asset custody and suitability -- Training on firm policies for crypto-related client inquiries
- Cybersecurity incident response -- What reps should do in the event of a phishing attempt, data breach, or unauthorized account access
- Senior investor safeguards -- How to implement temporary holds under FINRA Rule 2165 and when to contact a trusted contact person
- Social media and digital communications -- Firm policies for LinkedIn, X (Twitter), TikTok, and other platforms under FINRA's communications rules
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The Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP)
What Is the MQP?
The Maintaining Qualifications Program (MQP) is one of the most significant CE-related changes FINRA has introduced. The MQP allows individuals who leave the securities industry to maintain their qualification status by completing continuing education, rather than having to re-take their licensing exams if they return to the industry within a certain period.
Before the MQP, if you left the industry for more than two years, your registrations expired and you had to re-pass all of your exams to re-enter. This was a major barrier that discouraged talented professionals from returning to the industry after career breaks.
How the MQP Works
| MQP Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Any individual whose FINRA registrations have been terminated (voluntarily or involuntarily) |
| Enrollment | Must enroll within two years of the registration termination date through FINRA Gateway |
| CE Requirement | Must complete annual CE content specific to the registrations being maintained |
| Duration | Can maintain qualifications for up to five years from the termination date |
| Cost | Annual participation fee applies |
| Re-Registration | Upon re-associating with a member firm, no need to re-take qualifying exams (if CE is current) |
| SIE Validity | The SIE exam has a separate four-year validity window (SIE results are valid for four years from passing, independent of the MQP) |
Who Should Use the MQP?
The MQP is particularly valuable for:
- Career changers who may return to the securities industry
- Parents taking time off for family responsibilities
- Individuals relocating who need time to find a new firm
- Professionals pursuing advanced education (MBA, law school)
- Military personnel on deployment or active duty
- Individuals experiencing health issues requiring extended leave
MQP and the SIE Exam
It is important to understand the relationship between the MQP and the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) exam:
- The SIE exam has its own four-year validity period. If you pass the SIE but do not associate with a firm within four years, you must re-take it.
- The MQP covers representative-level and principal-level exams (Series 7, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, Series 66, Series 24, etc.).
- If your SIE expires while you are in the MQP, you will need to re-pass the SIE when you re-register, but your other qualifications remain valid through the MQP.
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NASAA EVEP: Extending Your Series 63, 65, and 66 Validity
What Is the NASAA Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP)?
While FINRA's MQP covers FINRA-administered exams, state law exams (Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66) are administered under the authority of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). NASAA has its own program for maintaining the validity of state law exam results: the Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP).
How EVEP Works
| EVEP Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Exams | Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 |
| Purpose | Extends the validity of state law exam results beyond the standard two-year window |
| Enrollment | Through NASAA's designated platform |
| CE Requirement | Must complete NASAA-prescribed CE content annually |
| Duration | Extends validity for as long as CE is maintained (subject to NASAA rules) |
| Integration with FINRA MQP | Designed to work alongside the MQP so individuals can maintain both FINRA and state qualifications simultaneously |
Why EVEP Matters
Without EVEP, if you leave the industry and your state law exam results expire (typically after two years of non-registration), you must re-take the Series 63, 65, or 66 exam when you return. EVEP eliminates this burden by allowing you to maintain validity through continuing education.
Example scenario: A Series 7 and Series 66 holder leaves the industry to attend law school for three years. Without EVEP and the MQP, they would have to re-pass both the Series 7 and Series 66 when returning. With EVEP and the MQP, they simply complete annual CE content and can re-register without re-taking any exams.
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Consequences of Non-Compliance: CE Inactive Status
What Happens If You Do Not Complete CE on Time?
Failure to complete the Regulatory Element by your deadline results in CE inactive status. This is one of the most serious administrative consequences a registered person can face, short of a suspension or bar.
CE Inactive Status: What It Means
| Consequence | Impact |
|---|---|
| Cannot conduct securities business | You may not execute trades, provide investment advice, or solicit customers |
| Cannot earn commissions | Commissions and trailing fees may be withheld while you are inactive |
| Firm notification | Your firm is notified of your inactive status |
| CRD record | CE inactive status is reflected on your CRD (Central Registration Depository) record |
| Customer impact | Your clients may need to be reassigned to another representative |
| Duration | Status continues until CE is completed or registration is terminated |
| Termination risk | If you remain CE inactive for an extended period, your firm may terminate your registration |
| Two-year termination | If registrations are terminated and you do not enroll in the MQP within two years, you lose your qualifications entirely |
How to Cure CE Inactive Status
To return to active status, you must:
- Complete the overdue Regulatory Element content through FINRA's CE platform
- Confirm completion with your firm's compliance department
- Wait for FINRA to update your CRD status (typically within a few business days)
There is no financial penalty beyond the business impact of being inactive. However, the reputational and career damage from being unable to serve your clients can be significant.
Avoiding CE Inactive Status: Best Practices
- Set calendar reminders at least 60 days before your CE deadline
- Complete CE early -- do not wait until the last week of your window
- Coordinate with your compliance department to ensure you receive timely notifications
- Track your Firm Element deadline separately (usually December 31)
- If you plan to leave the industry, consider enrolling in the MQP before your two-year window closes
2026 CE Timeline and Deadlines
Understanding the timeline for CE completion is critical. Here is a summary of key dates and deadlines for 2026:
| Event | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Element CE window opens | January 1 of each calendar year |
| Regulatory Element completion deadline | December 31 of each calendar year (uniform deadline) |
| Firm Element needs analysis | Should be completed by Q1 2026 |
| Firm Element training delivery | Throughout 2026, completed by December 31, 2026 |
| MQP annual CE | Must be completed within each annual cycle to maintain qualifications |
| NASAA EVEP annual CE | Must be completed within each annual cycle to maintain state exam validity |
| CE inactive status | Triggered automatically if Regulatory Element is not completed by deadline |
How CE Applies to Each Major FINRA Exam
If you hold (or are pursuing) one of the major FINRA exams, here is how CE applies to your specific registration:
SIE (Securities Industry Essentials)
The SIE is a co-requisite exam, not a registration. SIE results are valid for four years from the date you pass, whether or not you are registered. The SIE itself does not have a CE requirement, but once you pair the SIE with a top-off exam (Series 7, Series 6, etc.) and become registered, you are subject to CE requirements for that registration.
Series 7 (General Securities Representative)
Series 7 holders must complete annual Regulatory Element CE covering general securities topics. The Series 7 registration can be maintained through the MQP for up to five years after leaving the industry.
Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law)
The Series 63 is a NASAA exam. Its validity can be maintained through the NASAA EVEP program. Series 63 holders who are also registered with FINRA must complete both the FINRA Regulatory Element (for their FINRA registrations) and the EVEP CE (for the Series 63).
Series 65 (Investment Adviser Representative)
The Series 65 is also a NASAA exam. Its validity can be maintained through EVEP. Many RIA-only advisors hold only the Series 65 (without FINRA registrations), in which case they are subject to state-level CE requirements rather than FINRA CE. Some states have adopted their own IA CE requirements that are separate from the FINRA Regulatory Element.
Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law)
The Series 66 combines the Series 63 and Series 65, so it falls under NASAA EVEP for validity extension purposes. Since the Series 66 also requires the SIE and Series 7, holders are subject to both FINRA Regulatory Element CE (for the Series 7) and NASAA EVEP (for the Series 66).
CE for Dual-Registered and Multi-Licensed Professionals
Many securities professionals hold multiple registrations simultaneously. Here is how CE works for common multi-license scenarios:
| Scenario | FINRA Regulatory Element | Firm Element | NASAA EVEP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series 7 + Series 63 | Yes (Series 7 content) | Yes | Yes (Series 63 via EVEP if maintaining) |
| Series 7 + Series 66 | Yes (Series 7 + advisory content) | Yes | Yes (Series 66 via EVEP if maintaining) |
| Series 6 + Series 63 | Yes (Series 6 content) | Yes | Yes (Series 63 via EVEP if maintaining) |
| Series 65 only (RIA) | No (not FINRA-registered) | No | State-specific IA CE requirements |
| Series 7 + Series 24 (Principal) | Yes (rep + principal content) | Yes | Depends on state registrations held |
The key takeaway: if you hold both FINRA and NASAA registrations, you have CE obligations to both organizations. Do not assume that completing FINRA CE also satisfies your NASAA requirements, or vice versa.
Tips for Completing FINRA CE Efficiently in 2026
1. Do Not Procrastinate
The most common reason for CE inactive status is procrastination. Set a calendar reminder for 60 days before your deadline and another for 30 days before. Complete your Regulatory Element as soon as your window opens -- there is no benefit to waiting.
2. Use CE as a Learning Opportunity
Instead of treating CE as a box-checking exercise, use it to genuinely update your knowledge. The 2026 content on Reg BI enforcement, digital assets, and cybersecurity is directly relevant to your day-to-day practice and can help you better serve clients.
3. Coordinate with Your Compliance Team
Your firm's compliance department can tell you exactly when your Regulatory Element window opens, what your Firm Element obligations are, and whether you have any outstanding CE requirements. Check in with them at the beginning of each year.
4. Keep Records
Maintain your own records of CE completion, including confirmation emails, completion certificates, and dates. If there is ever a dispute about your CE status, having your own documentation is invaluable.
5. Plan for Career Transitions
If you are considering leaving the securities industry -- even temporarily -- understand the MQP and EVEP enrollment deadlines before your registration is terminated. The two-year window to enroll in the MQP starts the day your registration ends. Missing this window means having to re-take all of your qualifying exams.
6. Stay Current Between CE Cycles
Do not rely solely on your annual CE to stay current. Subscribe to FINRA's Regulatory Notices, read the SEC's enforcement releases, and follow compliance news sources throughout the year. The CE content will make much more sense if you have been tracking regulatory developments in real time.
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Frequently Asked Questions About FINRA CE
How often must I complete FINRA continuing education?
Under the current system (since January 1, 2023), the Regulatory Element is an annual requirement with a uniform December 31 deadline for all registered persons. This replaced the old anniversary-based system. The Firm Element must also be completed annually by December 31 of each calendar year.
What happens if I miss my CE deadline?
You are placed in CE inactive status, which means you cannot conduct any securities business -- no trades, no client solicitation, no investment advice, no commissions. Your firm is notified, and your CRD record reflects the inactive status. You must complete the overdue CE content to return to active status.
How long does the Regulatory Element take to complete?
The time varies depending on your registration categories and the amount of content assigned. Most registered persons report that the annual Regulatory Element takes between 2 and 4 hours to complete. Some registrations with more content (such as the Series 7 combined with a principal registration) may take longer.
Can I complete my CE on a mobile device?
Yes, the FINRA CE platform is accessible on desktop and mobile devices. However, many firms recommend completing CE on a desktop or laptop for the best experience, as some interactive content may display better on larger screens.
What is the difference between the Regulatory Element and the Firm Element?
The Regulatory Element is designed by FINRA and covers broad industry and regulatory topics. The Firm Element is designed by your individual firm and covers topics specific to your firm's business, products, and compliance needs. Both are required annually.
Does completing CE count toward any continuing education for other designations (CFP, CFA)?
FINRA CE does not automatically satisfy continuing education requirements for other professional designations. However, some CE content may overlap with topics covered by the CFP Board or CFA Institute CE programs. Check with each designation's governing body to determine if any cross-credit is available.
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