Firm Element | CE Council

Firm Element Requirement

The Firm Element requirements apply to all registered persons.

Annually, each firm must analyze and evaluate its training needs to provide a firm-developed and administered training program. This training keeps registered employees current on topics related to their professional responsibility. The Firm Element requires broker-dealers to conduct a Needs Analysis to develop a written plan for training. They are to then maintain records documenting the content and completion of the program.

For more information see CE Council Guide to Firm Element Continuing Education Programs or contact cecounciladmin@finra.org

Quarterly highlights

The Council publishes the Firm Element Needs Analysis Quarterly Highlights to aid industry participants with identifying potential topics to include in Firm Element training plans.

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CE Council Guide to Firm Element Continuing Education Programs

Guidance to create a needs analysis and training plan.

The integrity of the financial services industry relies, in part, on registered financial professionals and their in-depth knowledge and expertise. To facilitate education and training, member firms in the securities industry must create and maintain effective and meaningful programs that expand a financial professional’s knowledge of the securities and financial industry and keep them abreast of regulations governing their business activities.

View Guidance Document

Firm Element Needs Analysis

This template is designed to assist firms in fulfilling their training requirements.

CE Council Firm Element Needs Analysis Template – PDF

CE Council Firm Element Needs Analysis Template – Word

CE Council Firm Element Needs Analysis Template – Excel

2023 Firm Element CE Survey Feedback

In May 2023, the CE Council launched a survey aimed at compliance CE administrators in an effort to gauge the impact of recent changes to CE and registration rules and enable the CE Council to enhance its guidance materials.

2023 Firm Element Continuing Education Survey Feedback

firm element Frequently Asked Questions

Who is required to participate in Firm Element training?

Effective January 1, 2023, the Firm Element requirement applies to all registered persons, including any person who is permissively registered as a representative or principal pursuant to Rule 1210.02.

What in particular should firms consider when undertaking their annual needs analysis?

Firms may want to consider changes to firm or industry demographics from the prior year. Firms may also want to consider new products, new rules related to firm business and problems the firm has experienced, such as complaints and regulatory or legal actions. Refer to the Council Guide to Firm Element Continuing Education Programs document for additional information.

What are some best practices when assessing the need for supervisory training?

Firms may want to review their internal supervisory policies, the effective use of internal monitoring or supervisory systems, the effective use of escalation processes, and the sources of information or assistance available to supervisors within the firm.

Will self-regulatory organizations (SROs) or the Council preapprove training materials or programs developed by firms or providers?

No. Neither the SROs nor the Council will preapprove training materials or training programs. Firms are responsible for training material content regardless of whether it was prepared by the firm or by an outside training provider.

For a full list of FAQ related to Firm Element training, please click below.

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