IAR CE · South Carolina

South Carolina IAR CE: check exemption eligibility first

South Carolina’s IAR CE program began in 2023. Its regulator describes a specific age-and-service exemption request; qualifying criteria and written confirmation must be checked before assuming CE is waived.

Who should check the age-and-service exemption?

The Securities Division’s current FAQ describes an exemption for an IAR who is at least 65 and has at least 25 years of South Carolina IAR licensure under section 35-1-404. Both conditions are required. Requests must reach the Division by November 15 of the year concerned, and the exemption is not effective until the Division confirms it.

Use the regulator’s official instructions and form through its investment-adviser resources. Do not send identification documents to a course inquiry form. A firm’s assumption or the submission of a request is not the regulator’s confirmation.

Does that exemption cover other registrations?

The FAQ says the exemption is South Carolina-only and does not remove other states’ CE obligations. It also warns that failing to maintain CE can affect later participation in the examination-validity extension program (EVEP). Review every registration and any exam-validity goal before choosing whether to rely on the exemption.

If CE is required, which credits should I check?

The standard annual split is six Ethics and Professional Responsibility and six Products and Practice credits. The FAQ describes conditional FINRA Products and Practice recognition and designation coursework approved for IAR CE. It also directs advisers to avoid repeated Course IDs. Confirm the reporting year, category balances and any recognized credit before enrolling.

Keep the firm’s renewal process separate from CE completion and reporting. A renewal payment does not remove a shortfall. Consult the current reporting timetable and ask promptly about missing provider reports.

Planning example: eligible to request, not yet exempt

Fictional planning example. A South Carolina adviser appears to meet both age and service criteria and also holds another state registration. The adviser confirms the licensure history, follows the Division’s request instructions and waits for its determination. In parallel, the firm checks the other state’s CE and any exam-validity implications. The adviser does not cancel all CE plans solely because a request was sent.

The review record has separate rows for South Carolina’s written determination, each other jurisdiction and remaining category balances. That structure prevents a state-specific exception from being treated as a nationwide waiver.

Select learning for the obligations that remain

After the exemption and cross-state questions are resolved, use the FinPro selection guide and course details. If no CE purchase is needed for a confirmed obligation, a bundle is not required merely because it is available. If credits remain, compare exact Course IDs and relevant subject matter before purchase.

Quick answers

Is every South Carolina IAR age 65 or older exempt?

No. The FAQ also requires at least 25 years of South Carolina IAR licensure, a timely request and confirmation from the Securities Division.

When must a South Carolina exemption request arrive?

The FAQ specifies November 15 of the year for which the exemption is requested. Follow the regulator’s current instructions.

Does submitting the request make the exemption effective?

No. The Securities Division must confirm the exemption.

Does a South Carolina exemption remove CE in other states?

No. The FAQ limits the exemption to South Carolina and separately warns about examination-validity program implications.

Sources

Facts about requirements checked October 28, 2026 against these official sources; confirm your own status with your regulator and firm.

Plan your IAR CE

Gulfstream CE is a course provider; courses are NASAA-approved for IAR continuing education. This page is educational and is not investment advice, legal advice or an offer of securities. Questions: sterling@gulfstreamwealth.com.