Continuing Education

The securities industry requires ongoing education to ensure registered persons stay current with regulations, products, and best practices. FINRA's Continuing Education (CE) program has two components.

Overview of CE Program

The Securities Industry Continuing Education Program consists of two elements:

Both elements are mandatory for maintaining registration.

Regulatory Element

The Regulatory Element focuses on compliance, regulatory, ethical, and sales practice standards.

Key Requirements

What the Regulatory Element Covers

Content is tailored to each registration category and includes:

• Significant rule changes
• Regulatory developments
• Compliance issues
• Ethics and professional standards
• Sales practice requirements

Completion Deadline

CE Inactive Status

If you fail to complete the Regulatory Element by December 31:

Warning: While CE inactive, you cannot engage in any activities requiring registration, including soliciting customers or executing trades.

Completing the Regulatory Element

1. Log into FINRA's Financial Professional Gateway (FinPro)
2. View assigned learning plan
3. Complete all required courses
4. Pass any required assessments

Firm Element

The Firm Element is training developed and administered by each member firm.

Key Requirements

Firm Element Content

Firms must provide training on:

• Securities products
• Investment features and risks
• Suitability obligations
• Firm-specific policies
• Regulatory updates relevant to firm business

Annual Needs Analysis

Firms must conduct an annual needs analysis to determine training priorities:

Firm Element Written Plan

Each firm must maintain a written training plan that includes:

• Training content and objectives
• Persons required to complete training
• Delivery methods
• Assessment methods
• Completion deadlines

Firm Element vs. Regulatory Element

CE Resources

FINRA Resources

FinPro Gateway Features

• View CE status and requirements
• Access Regulatory Element courses
• Track completion progress
• View registration information

Maintaining Registration

CE and Registration Status

Tips for Compliance

1. Don't wait - Complete CE early in the year
2. Track deadlines - Monitor through FinPro
3. Document training - Keep Firm Element records
4. Stay informed - Watch for regulatory updates

Special Situations

New Registrants

Multiple Registrations

If you hold multiple registrations:

• Complete Regulatory Element for each category
• Some courses may satisfy multiple requirements
• All must be completed by deadline

Registration Transfers

When transferring to a new firm:

• CE requirements follow you
• Firm Element continues at new firm
• Regulatory Element deadlines unchanged

Key Takeaways

• CE has two parts: Regulatory Element and Firm Element
• Regulatory Element: Annual, administered by FINRA, due December 31
• Firm Element: Annual, customized by each firm
• Missing Regulatory Element = CE Inactive status
• CE Inactive = Cannot perform registered activities
• Firms must conduct annual needs analysis for Firm Element
• Both elements are mandatory for maintaining registration