FINRA continuing education requirements for registered representatives
As of Oct 5, 2026, FINRA requires registered representatives and principals to complete the annual Regulatory Element for each registration category held, with content assigned by FINRA, due December 31 and not measured in hours.
FINRA sets continuing education for registered representatives and principals in its Rule 1240. Here is what it requires, what happens if you miss it, and where each fact comes from.
What is required today
The annual Regulatory Element for each registration category held, with content assigned by FINRA, due December 31 and not measured in hours
- Cycle
- Each calendar year, due December 31.
"shall complete the Regulatory Element for the registration category annually by December 31" Source: finra.org, checked Oct 5, 2026.
The continuing education FINRA assigns each year for each terminated registration you keep, a Regulatory Element and a Practical Element, due December 31 and not measured in hours
- Cycle
- Each calendar year, due December 31.
"a maximum of five years in which to reregister with a member firm without having to requalify by exam" Source: finra.org, checked Oct 5, 2026.
How the rule works
- Applies to everyone registered with FINRA as a representative or principal. If you first registered on or after January 1, 2023, your first Regulatory Element is due December 31 of the year after the year you registered.
- Miss December 31 and your registration is CE inactive until you finish: you may not act as a registered person or be paid for securities transactions, though trail commissions on earlier business can continue unless your firm bars them. FINRA terminates a registration that stays inactive for two consecutive years. FINRA can allow more time on a written request that shows good cause.
- The Firm Element is separate: your firm must keep an annual training program, based on a written training plan, that covers your role and professional responsibility, and you must take part as your firm requires. FINRA sets no number of hours for it.
- For people whose FINRA registration has ended. You are eligible if you held the registration for at least one year immediately before it ended, and you must elect to take part within two years after it ended.
- Completing the assigned CE each year keeps your qualification for up to five years, so you can reregister with a firm without retaking the exam. FINRA Rule 1240(c) sets the yearly deadline at December 31, and FinPro Gateway shows each participant's due dates.
- You lose eligibility if you are CE inactive for two consecutive years or become subject to a statutory disqualification. FINRA charges a $100 annual participation fee.
Other requirement guides: CFP · CIMA, CPWA, RMA and CIMC · CFA · American College (ChFC, CLU, RICP) · IAR CE by state
Requirements shown are summaries. FINRA and your firm have the final word. Today is Oct 8, 2026, Eastern.