What is the difference between regulatory element CE and firm element CE in professional registration?

The distinction between regulatory element continuing education (CE) and firm element CE hinges on their timing and frequency requirements. Regulatory element CE, which is mandated by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and other regulatory bodies, must be completed every three years. This requirement ensures that registered professionals remain current with relevant regulations and regulations changes applicable to their roles.

On the other hand, firm element CE is designed to be tailored by the individual firms to meet their specific business needs and accordingly must be completed on an annual basis. This allows firms to ensure their employees are updated on products, risks, and services that are integral to their specific business operations.

Both elements are critical for maintaining professional competency, but their differing frequencies reflect their unique purposes in the training and understanding of industry regulations and firm-specific knowledge.