Frequently Asked Questions

The Regulatory/Practical Element Committee of the CE Council meets quarterly to discuss topics to cover in the Regulatory Element, focusing on new rules, rule amendments and industry trends. Topics are chosen with specific registrations in mind. Once finalized, the topics for the upcoming year are posted on View a Regulatory Element Learning Plan by October 1.

Once the topics are identified, who helps create the content?

The CE Content Committee is comprised of volunteer industry members who collaborate closely with FINRA on the content and scenarios of each course, ensuring that they are relevant and realistic. If you are interested in joining the CE Content Committee, you can apply on the Council website.

What is the difference between the Regulatory Element and the Firm Element?

Each is a distinct component of the Securities Industry Continuing Education Program. The Regulatory Element is administered by FINRA, and the Firm Element is determined and administered by each firm. See the table below for specific features and characteristics of each.

Your FinPro account will show the Regulatory Element courses that are assigned to you based on your registrations/licenses. You can also utilize the annual learning plan tool to see what topics are assigned to each registration category in a specific calendar year at View a Regulatory Element Learning Plan.

How many courses should I expect, and why have I been assigned more courses than some of my colleagues?

Courses are assigned based on the registrations someone has. For example, if a person is registered as both a general securities representative and a registered principal, they’ll be given extra courses to make sure they stay up to date on the topics specific to the principal role. Also, the number of courses may not be the same each year.

Some of the courses assigned are not aligned with my day-to-day responsibilities—why?

The courses are assigned to you in alignment with the specific registrations that you hold.  Please keep in mind that each Regulatory Element course is designed for one or more registrations and courses are not specific to the unique roles across the financial services industry.

How do I know if the Regulatory Element requirement applies to me?

You can sign into your FinPro account to see if Regulatory Element courses have been assigned to you. You can also check View a Regulatory Element Learning Plan and review the learning plan for your registration(s).

I’ve been in the industry for many years. Is there a point at which I am no longer required to complete the Regulatory Element?

Every registered person must complete their Regulatory Element requirement annually.

You can start completing your Regulatory Element courses once they are posted to your FinPro account on January 1.

How long does it take to complete the Regulatory Element?

This depends on the number of registrations held. Typically, the Regulatory Element will take 1 – 1.5 hours to complete. However, you may need more time if you hold multiple registrations.

Why is my firm making me complete the Regulatory Element before FINRA’s due date of December 31?

FINRA has given firms the option to establish an earlier deadline each year (before December 31). Your firm may set an earlier deadline to coincide with its business needs.

Do I need to finish all my annual Regulatory Element courses in one sitting?

The Regulatory Element can be completed in one or multiple sessions. In fact, you can exit a course and resume where you left off.

Why is the Regulatory Element annual?

The industry is constantly evolving, and the Regulatory Element is designed to help you stay up to date with industry rules and regulations.

What happens if I don’t complete my Regulatory Element by December 31?

On January 1, you will be designated as CE Inactive and therefore unable to act in a registered capacity or receive related compensation until the CE is completed.

If I hold multiple registrations and complete CE for one but not another, is the registration I’ve completed CE for considered CE Satisfied?

You must complete all assigned Regulatory Element courses by December 31 to avoid becoming CE Inactive.

You can use the Regulatory Element toward six credits of the Products and Practice component of your IAR CE requirement if the reporting fee of $18 ($3 per credit) is paid by either you or your firm. Please check with your firm to determine whether they will report IAR CE, or you should self-report your completion through FinPro and pay the applicable reporting fee.

For additional information on IAR CE, please visit NASAA’s website.

How can I find out whether my completion of the Regulatory Element gave me credit toward IAR CE?

Check your FinPro account to view your IAR CE status.

How do I self-report completion to ensure I receive credit for IAR CE’s Products and Practice requirement after completing the Regulatory Element?

To self-report the completion, you will need to log in to FinPro, access My Tasks from your dashboard, and you should see a notification that you are eligible to receive six credits for IAR CE for a fee. Select the blue Pay Now button and follow the prompts to pay the $18 ($3 per credit) reporting fee.