Assignment of CEUs

The Board of Governors may periodically evaluate the educational value of certain activities. If the Board of Governors determines that a particular activity is in furtherance of the continuing education program, it shall assign a CEU value to the activity. Currently approved educational activities and their assigned CEU values shall be published not less often than annually.

Examples of Activities That May Qualify for CEUs

The following activities, provided they are relevant to securities compliance, are deemed appropriate for receipt of continuing education units:

Participation in Educational Programs

One (1) CEU for each 50 minutes of participation

a. Educational portions of NSCP meetings (national, regional, or local meetings).

b. Educational portions of programs of securities compliance and other relevant professional associations.

c. Educational portions of programs sponsored by organizations or vendors on topics, which maintain, update, or enlarge knowledge and/or skills.

d. Telecommunications and web-based communications (e.g. conference calls, webinars, podcasts).

Participation in Formal Educational Programs of Study

a. Post-secondary courses attended for credit, including guided independent study and regular college or university courses. Courses taken in pursuit of associate, baccalaureate, master, or doctorate degrees are included. All coursework and final exams must be completed by the December 31 cycle end date.

Fifteen (15) CEUs for each semester/trimester credit
Ten (10) CEUs for each quarter credit

b. Audit of academic course or relevant non-credit adult education course, including attendance at a college or university course with permission and following regulations, without completing necessary requirements for full formal credit. Course must be completed by the December 31 cycle end date.

Six (6) CEUs for each semester/trimester credit
Four (4) CEUs for each quarter credit

c. Correspondence and other formal, independent, online, or distance education study programs which consist of readings and exercises submitted to a knowledgeable instructor for evaluation. Courses normally cover several lessons to be completed in a specific time cycle. Certificate of completion must show that all coursework and exams were completed by the December 31 cycle end date. Self-study programs are defined as courses completed outside of a classroom environment using printed material, periodicals, audio and/or video cassettes, electronic media or online media.

Credit for self-study programs is determined by the hours of completion time recommended / established by the CE sponsor.

Programs are accepted for CEUs in an initial unit of at least one hour (minimum of 50 minutes constitutes one class hour).

Publication of Material

Publication is the development of an original work which has been reproduced by written or electronic means for general dissemination to the public.

• Author of a textbook, workbook or manual | fifteen (15) CEUs

• Author of a chapter in a textbook, workbook or manual | ten (10) CEUs

• Author of an article in a peer reviewed research journal | ten (10) CEUs

• Author of an educational article in a professional or trade journal | five (5) CEUs

• Principal author of a comment letter submitted to a regulatory or legislative body on behalf of a professional organization (e.g. NSCP) | five (5) CEUs

• Author of an educational article in a newsletter | two (2) CEUs

• Editor of a textbook, workbook or manual | ten (10) CEUs

Instruction, Discussion Leader or Speaker

Credit may not exceed 50 percent of the total CEUs required during any reporting cycle.

Presentation is the development of an original work delivered to an audience. Credit is only allowed for the first presentation per CE reporting cycle; based on 2 CEUs for each hour of class or presentation time. For example, an instructor may claim 4 hours for teaching a two-hour class.

• Speaker at an educational program, meeting or engagement directed to securities compliance professionals provided topics are covered in the Core Content Areas | One (1) CEU for each 25 minutes of podium time

• Panel Certificant at an educational program | One (1) CEU for each 50 minutes of podium time

Independent Study Activities

a. Study groups devoted to topics relevant to securities compliance.
One (1) CEU for each 50 minutes of participation

b. Completing a quiz accompanying NSCP Currents article or a book published by NSCP
(CEUs pre-determined by NSCP)

c. Correspondence courses offered by professional associations or organizations.
One (1) CEU for each 50 minutes of participation

Examples of Activities That Do Not Qualify for CEUs

Examples of activities that do not qualify for CEUs are as follows. The list is illustrative and not intended to be inclusive.

a. Responsibilities that fall within the normal parameters of an individual's job description, including but not limited to the following: (1) staff meetings; (2) preparation for and/or participation in regulatory examinations; (3) preparation of procedure, policy or administrative manuals; (4) conducting internal audits; (5) participation in career day activities; (6) development of employee/staff training materials.

b. Short newspaper articles, Q&A’s, company newsletters, published materials and/or presentations developed as part of an individual's employment or in an effort to market the firm/product.

c. Credit as an instructor, discussion leader or speaker for presentations designed primarily for persons not engaged in the securities compliance industry (e.g. presentations to the general public; presentations for marketing purposes; television and radio talk shows; and participation in high school programs).