Series 65 Continuing Education Requirements by State [2026]

Quick Answer: IAR CE Requirements

Before 2022, there was no continuing education requirement for IARs after passing the Series 65 exam. That changed when NASAA (the North American Securities Administrators Association) adopted a model rule establishing IAR CE requirements. States have been gradually implementing this rule, and by 2026, nearly half of U.S. States require annual CE. Learn more about the overall Series 65 registration and licensing process.

This guide covers which states have adopted CE requirements, what you need to do to stay compliant, and how professional credential holders can leverage their existing CE.

The NASAA Model Rule: Origins and Purpose

In November 2020, NASAA members voted to adopt a model rule establishing continuing education requirements for investment adviser representatives. The goal was to ensure IARs maintain current knowledge of:

• Evolving investment products and strategies
• Changes in securities regulations
• Ethical standards and fiduciary duty
• Best practices in client service and compliance

Unlike the Series 65 exam itself (which is administered by FINRA), the IAR CE program is a state-level requirement. Each state decides whether to adopt the NASAA Model Rule, and adoption has been gradual since 2022.

Key Differences from FINRA CE

If you hold other FINRA licenses (Series 7, 63, 66), you may already be familiar with FINRA’s Continuing Education program. IAR CE is separate:

State-by-State IAR CE Adoption

As of January 2026, 23 jurisdictions have informed NASAA they have adopted IAR CE requirements. States continue to adopt the rule, so check NASAA’s official IAR CE Map for the most current list. For detailed state-specific registration requirements, see our state registration guide.

When New States Adopt

If a state adopts IAR CE requirements during a calendar year, IARs in that state won’t be required to complete CE until the following full calendar year. For example, if your state adopts CE in October 2026, you won’t need to complete CE until the 2027 calendar year.

Annual CE Requirements: What You Need to Complete

The NASAA Model Rule requires 12 CE credit hours annually, split between two categories:

Key Rules to Know

• No carryover: Excess credits cannot be carried forward to the next year
• No repeats: You cannot take the same course twice for credit
• New IAR grace period: If you register as an IAR for the first time in a CE state, your requirement begins January 1 of the following year
• Multi-state reciprocity: Complete 12 credits once to satisfy all IAR CE states where you’re registered

Costs

IAR CE involves two types of costs:

Credential Exemptions and CE Credit

If you hold a professional credential that qualifies for a Series 65 exam waiver, you may be able to use your credential’s CE toward IAR CE requirements.

Qualifying Credentials

The following credentials can waive the Series 65 exam and may provide CE credit. Compare these options in our Series 65 vs CFP vs CFA guide:

• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• ChFC (Chartered Financial Consultant)
• CIC (Chartered Investment Counselor)
• CPA/PFS (Personal Financial Specialist)

NASAA’s Model Rule specifically states that CE credits completed for credentials that qualify for an examination waiver can count toward IAR CE requirements, provided:

• You currently hold the credential (not lapsed)
• The CE content meets NASAA’s standards for Products/Practice or Ethics categories
• The course is reported to FINRA through an approved provider

No Age or Experience Exemptions

Unlike some professional licenses, there are no exemptions based on age or years of experience. Even veteran IARs with decades of experience must complete annual CE in states that require it.

Approved IAR CE Providers

IAR CE courses must be taken through providers approved by NASAA and registered with FINRA for reporting. Major providers include:

Choosing a Provider

When selecting an IAR CE provider, consider:

• FINRA reporting: Ensure the provider reports completion directly to FINRA (most do)
• Content format: Video, text, or interactive based on your learning style
• Mobile access: Can you complete courses on the go?
• Bundled pricing: Annual packages vs. Pay-per-course
• Credential integration: If you hold CFP/CFA, does the provider offer dual-credit courses?

FINRA Regulatory Element

If you hold FINRA licenses (Series 7, 63, 66) and complete the FINRA Regulatory Element, you can apply that toward the Products and Practice component of IAR CE. However, you’ll still need to complete the Ethics component separately through an IAR CE provider.

Maintaining Compliance: Deadlines and Tracking

Annual Deadline

IAR CE courses must be reflected on your IAR CE transcript in the CRD system by the end of each calendar year. Course providers report completion to FINRA, who updates your CRD record.

Checking Your Status

You can verify your IAR CE status through:

• Web CRD: Log in and check your IAR CE transcript (requires IAR registration)
• Your RIA’s compliance department: They receive reports on IAR CE status
• Course provider portal: Shows completed courses and reporting status

What Happens If You Don’t Complete CE

Multi-Year Deficiency

If you’re missing CE for multiple years (e.g., both 2024 and 2025), you’ll need to complete all outstanding credits before your registration can be restored. The process becomes more complex and time-consuming the longer deficiencies persist.

Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP)

If you’ve passed the Series 65 but aren’t yet registered as an IAR, you may be interested in NASAA’s Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP). This is a separate program that allows you to maintain your exam validity without active registration.

How EVEP Works

Normally, Series 65 exam results are valid for 4 years. If you don’t register as an IAR within that window, you’d need to retake the exam. EVEP extends this validity for up to 5 additional years if you:

• Pay a $35 annual enrollment fee
• Complete 12 credits of IAR CE annually (same as registered IARs)
• Maintain continuous enrollment

EVEP vs. Standard IAR CE