Todd Rosenfeld, Chief Learning Officer at STC, discusses the key requirements for IAR Continuing Education.
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Welcome to another edition of Todd Talks! In this video, we dive into the Model Rule on Investment Adviser Representative Continuing Education (IAR CE) established by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), which has raised several inquiries.
Here is an outline of the key points to help you understand the current landscape of IAR CE requirements.
Specific Requirements for IARs
Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) must complete 12 CE credits annually to maintain their registration. This includes:
- 6 credits in Products and Practices
- 6 credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Deadline: December 31 annually.
Requirements for Dually Registered IARs
IARs who are also registered representatives of a FINRA member firm can use their FINRA Regulatory Element CE to satisfy the Products and Practices requirement. These IARs must only complete the 6 credits of Ethics and Professional Responsibility content.
Importance of CE for IARs
Why CE Now?
The rapid growth of the investment advisory profession and the increasing amount of global assets under management, expected to grow from $139 trillion in 2024 to over $200 trillion by 2030, necessitate ongoing education for IARs to protect clients and maintain industry standards.
State Adoption
State approval is necessary for the CE requirements to take effect. Initially adopted by three states in 2022, the mandate has expanded to 24 states and territories, including Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2025, and Illinois in 2026.
IARs should regularly check NASAA’s website or contact local securities regulators for updates.
Compliance and Consequences
If you pass the Series 65 or Series 66 exams in 2026, you are exempt from CE requirements for the rest of the year but must comply the following full calendar year. Failure to complete the required CE can result in being designated a “CE Inactive,” necessitating double the credits to regain compliance.
Available IAR CE Courses
As an approved provider, STC offers 56 courses in the Products and Practices and Ethics and Professional Responsibility categories.
To make completing CE easy, STC offers both 6-hour and 12-hour bundles. In addition to the selected number of online courses, each bundle includes the mandatory CE assessment, a Certificate of Completion, 24/7 tech support, and automatic completion reporting to FINRA.
STC expects to add courses throughout the year and will update its offering list here.
IAR Continuing Education Requirements FAQs
Q: What are the annual IAR Continuing Education requirements?
A: To maintain your registration, you must complete 12 CE credits every year by the strict December 31 deadline. This mandate breaks down into two specific categories: 6 credits in Products and Practices, and 6 credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
Q: How do the rules apply to dually registered IARs?
A: If you are also a registered representative of a FINRA member firm, you have a distinct advantage. You can apply your FINRA Regulatory Element CE to completely satisfy the 6-credit Products and Practices requirement. You only need to complete the remaining 6 credits in Ethics and Professional Responsibility to stay fully compliant.
Q: Why is NASAA mandating IAR CE now?
A: The investment advisory profession is experiencing explosive growth. With global assets under management projected to skyrocket from $139 trillion in 2024 to over $200 trillion by 2030, NASAA established these requirements to protect clients and uphold the highest possible industry standards.
Q: Which states have adopted the IAR CE mandate?
A: State approval is mandatory for the CE requirements to take effect. Since 2022, the mandate has expanded rapidly to 24 states and territories. This includes Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2025, and Illinois in 2026. We highly recommend checking the NASAA website or contacting local regulators frequently to stay informed on your state’s status.
Q: Am I exempt if I recently passed the Series 65 or Series 66?
A: Yes. If you pass the Series 65 or Series 66 exam in 2026, you earn a full exemption from IAR Continuing Education requirements for the remainder of the year. You will simply need to begin complying during the following full calendar year.
Q: What are the consequences of missing the IAR CE deadline?
A: Failing to complete your required CE by December 31 carries heavy penalties. Your registration will be downgraded to a “CE Inactive” status. To regain compliance and restore your active standing, you will be forced to complete double the required credits.
Q: How can I easily fulfill my IAR CE requirements?
A: As a premier approved provider, we offer the industry’s most effective training solutions, featuring 56 expert-crafted courses. We make compliance effortless with our convenient 6-hour and 12-hour bundles. Each bundle includes your mandatory assessment, a Certificate of Completion, unmatched 24/7 technical support, and automatic completion reporting directly to FINRA. Secure your comprehensive CE bundle today and guarantee your compliance well ahead of the deadline.
