Regulatory Guide · 2026
IAR Continuing Education Requirements
In states that have adopted the NASAA rule, every investment adviser representative needs 12 CE credits each year, due December 31. Here is what the rule requires, what happens if a rep misses it, and how to track it across your firm.
6 Ethics + 6 Products & Practice
Annual deadline, every calendar year
Status for reps who miss it
What counts
- Ethics & Professional Responsibility (6): fiduciary duty, conflicts, client care, and ethical conduct.
- Products & Practice (6): investment products, planning, regulation, and practice topics.
- Courses must come from a NASAA-approved provider.
- Completions are reported to the rep's FINRA CRD record.
Which states apply
Adoption is state by state and grows each year. The rule follows the rep's registrations, so a rep registered in several states needs to meet it if any of them has adopted it. Always check NASAA's current list and each state's securities regulator.
NASAA's current state listStates with an IAR CE requirement
25 jurisdictions have told NASAA they have an IAR CE requirement, listed with the year it took effect. Source: NASAA Member Adoption list (checked September 2026).
Once a rep is registered in one of these states for any part of a year, the requirement stays with them, even after they leave that state. Missed credits can add up to 36. Confirm with NASAA and each state before relying on this list.
A simple firm-level CE process
Bronze and Silver compliance packages include annual IAR CE reminders and a completion log for each rep; Silver adds follow-up on CE Inactive reps. The courses themselves are taken with an approved provider. See pricing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NASAA IAR continuing education requirement?
Under the NASAA IAR Continuing Education Model Rule, each investment adviser representative (IAR) registered in a state that has adopted the rule must complete 12 CE credits every calendar year: 6 credits of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and 6 credits of Products and Practice.
When is the IAR CE deadline?
December 31 of each calendar year. Credits must be completed with a NASAA-approved provider and reported to the rep's FINRA CRD record by the deadline.
What happens if an IAR misses CE?
The rep is shown as CE Inactive. A rep who stays CE Inactive can have their registration blocked from renewing until the missing credits are made up. Check each state's rule for the exact consequences.
Does every state require IAR CE?
No. Adoption is state by state and the list is growing each year. The requirement applies based on the states where the rep is registered, so check each one. NASAA keeps the current list of adopting jurisdictions.
Do SEC-registered advisers' reps need IAR CE?
Yes, if the rep is registered as an IAR in a state that has adopted the rule. IAR registration is handled by the states even when the firm is registered with the SEC.
Does FIN Group offer CE courses?
No. FIN Group is not a CE provider. We help firms track each rep's CE status, send reminders, and follow up on CE Inactive reps as part of our compliance packages.
Educational reference only; not legal advice. Rules and state adoption change — confirm current requirements with NASAA and each state securities regulator before relying on this page.
Want us to track CE for your reps?
We keep the log, send the reminders, and chase the stragglers before Dec 31.