Continuing Education Requirements

Certified FIRMA members must submit their annual Continuing Education Attestation by November 30th in even-numbered years. THE NEXT REPORTING YEAR WILL BE 2026 (COVERING YEARS 2025 & 2026).  

Introduction

The FIRMA Board of Directors affirms the importance of maintaining high standards of skill and proficiency for professionals in fiduciary, audit, compliance, and risk management roles. As the financial services landscape continues to evolve, ongoing education is essential. FIRMA’s CE program supports Certified Members in demonstrating their commitment to professional excellence, with oversight provided by the Board and support from the Education Committee, which evaluates the eligibility of educational programs for CE credit.

CE Program Requirements

  • Total Credits: 40 credit hours per two-year period.
  • FIRMA-Specific Credits: Minimum 30 hours must relate to fiduciary or investment audit, compliance, risk management, administration, or operations.
  • General Credits: Up to 10 hours may cover other banking or finance topics, technology, or job-related professional development.
  • CE Year: Calendar year. CE requirements begin January 1 following certification or joining FIRMA, whichever is later.

Attestation and Recordkeeping

  • Certified Members submit the CE Attestation Form by November 30 in even-numbered years.
  • Members are responsible for maintaining CE records, including:
    • Attendance dates
    • Program title and sponsor
    • CE hours (specifying FIRMA-specific credits)
    • Proof of attendance (certificate, agenda, or supervisor validation)
  • Records should be retained for the duration of the current two-year CE cycle and maintained until the end of the following CE cycle. This ensures proper documentation is available for compliance verification and audit purposes.

CE Audit Process

To ensure the integrity of the CE attestation process, FIRMA’s Education Committee periodically conducts audits by selecting a sample of submitted attestation forms for validation. As part of this process:

  • Selected members may be asked to provide supporting documentation for their reported CE activities.
  • The Education Committee reviews the submitted materials to confirm compliance with CE requirements.

This process helps maintain the credibility of FIRMA’s CE standards and supports ongoing professional development.

Inability to Meet CE Requirements

  • Members unable to earn or attest to 40 CE credits in two years will be placed on  Sustaining Membership and subject to an increased membership fee.
  • Certified Member status can be reinstated by completing the required 40 CE credits.

Appeals Process

  • Members may appeal denied CE credits to the FIRMA Board of Directors within 45 days of notification, providing a summary of benefits and rationale.
  • Appeals due to extenuating circumstances may also be submitted in writing.
  • The FIRMA Education Committee will review appeals at its next scheduled meeting and respond within 30 days.

 

Eligible CE Programs

Industry Schools, Seminars, Conferences, Video/Teleconferences

Sponsored by recognized industry organizations (ABA, AICPA, Cannon Financial Institute, FIRMA, etc.)

College or University Classroom Courses

Certified Members may earn CE credits for college or university courses completed with a passing grade in subjects related to financial services, auditing, risk management, compliance, or management. Official documentation is required. Unless otherwise specified, the Education Committee grants:

  • 42 CE credits per semester course, or
  • 30 CE credits per quarter course.

Transcripts must indicate whether the course was on a semester or quarter system.

In-House Training Programs

Certified Members may earn CE credits for industry-related training within their organization. Proof of attendance is required. Credit approval may depend on instructor qualifications and course content.

Self-Study

Certified Members may earn up to 10 CE credits per two-year period through self-study on topics related to financial services, auditing, risk management, or compliance. Hours must be verified in writing by the Member’s supervisor and may be designated as FIRMA-specific.

Speaking/Lecturing

Certified Members can earn one CE credit per hour for speaking or lecturing (minimum 1 hour). Additional CE credit for preparation and research is capped at the lesser of three times the presentation length or 10 CE credits. Credit can only be earned the first time a specific presentation is given in a calendar year.

FIRMA FORUM Quizzes

  • Quarterly 10-question multiple-choice quizzes based on FIRMA FORUM content
  • 5 FIRMA-specific CE credits per quiz for a score ≥80%
  • Payment must be received prior to submission