Direct answer: The entity that identifies the required CE content and outlines what course providers must include for each year depends on the specific CE framework and regulatory domain being considered. In common professional contexts, this is often defined by the relevant regulatory or credentialing body that governs continuing education for that field. Examples include:
- In social work and mental health disciplines, the accrediting body for continuing education sets standards on content areas, currency, and required topics, with providers responsible for aligning courses to those standards and regularly updating materials. See relevant CE handbooks and standards published by the credentialing or licensing boards in your jurisdiction.
- In mortgage lending (SAFE Act) contexts, the nationwide system (NMLS) provides a Topic List and guidance for annual CE, detailing required components such as federal law and regulations, ethics, nontraditional mortgage product training, and an approved topic list for the annual CE cycle. Providers must follow these topic requirements and ensure courses map to the mandated subjects.
- In securities and FINRA-regulated contexts, the CE program is governed by FINRA rules (and the CE Council) with two core programs (Regulatory Element and Firm Element) and defined topics and annual compliance requirements. Providers must ensure content adheres to FINRA Rule 1240 and related guidance.
- In other regulated domains (state insurance, banking, real estate, etc.), state-level agencies publish CE provider guidelines, including what topics must be covered, how often content must be updated, and how annual CE is structured.
If you can specify the exact profession, jurisdiction, and the regulatory body involved (for example, “NMLS/SAFE Act in the U.S.,” or a particular state board for social work, or FINRA for securities), I can pinpoint the precise rulebook or guidance document that identifies the content requirements and annual topic inclusions, and summarize the required topics and update cadence for that year.
