Resources for Neutrals
Basic Arbitrator Training
After an arbitrator candidate's application is approved, he or she must then complete a comprehensive basic arbitrator training program before becoming eligible to serve on arbitration cases. The tuition for our training program is $125, although training fees may be waived in the event of financial hardship. The training includes three courses, and we strongly recommend that candidates proceed through our training program in this order listed. Arbitrator candidates who have been approved to the roster, and who successfully pass the arbitrator training program become eligible for case service. Individuals who do not pass the online basic course will have one additional opportunity to retake the course.
In certain states, continuing legal education (CLE) credit is available for some of our courses. Please review the CLE chart to determine whether accreditation has been obtained in your area. Questions regarding CLE should be directed to your state bar association.
Courses
Enrollment Instructions
Please click on the corresponding "online enrollment form" to access a registration form. You will need to enter your arbitrator identification number on the registration form. Once you submit the registration form, you will receive an initial email confirming your registration. Within two business days, you will receive a second email with your login ID and password which will instruct you to access the online course at our learning Web site: www.finralearning.org.
System Requirements
The two online courses are accessible only on a PC using Internet Explorer. For Mac users, we are working diligently to provide this course in a compatible format. As a temporary remedy, you may register for the course and log onto the learning site to print the course materials in a PDF format; you may print the materials using a Mac even though you will not be able to access the course online. You may also send an email to Jisook Lee to request a print version.
Course Descriptions
1. Online Basic Arbitrator Training Course
This highly acclaimed skills course requires a thorough review of online self-study materials and completion of an examination. After completing the review of the materials online, the candidate may begin the 25-question, multiple-choice final examination, which is designed to measure the candidate's understanding of the program's material. Twenty correct answers (80%) are required to pass the examination.
The course and exam take approximately eight hours to complete, and can be done over a period of 30 days from the date of registration. Payment of the $125 tuition fee for the training program will be due upon registration for the online basic arbitrator training course. To register for the course, please complete and submit the enrollment form.
2. Live Video or Onsite Classroom Training Session
After successfully completing the online course and examination, the candidate is ready to attend a four-hour live video or onsite classroom training. The live video and onsite courses reinforce concepts learned in the online training, and provide practical guidance for resolving common issues that arise during arbitration. The trainings also provide an opportunity for FINRA's trainer to meet and evaluate each candidate. Live video trainings are conducted via WebEx several times per month and are available to individuals in any hearing location. Onsite classroom trainings are conducted in each of our Regional Offices throughout the year: Boca Raton, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City. Candidates may attend either program to satisfy the classroom training requirement. For both formats, candidates must confirm with the trainer that they have successfully completed the online basic course.
To view training schedules and register for a live video training session, view the live video arbitrator training schedule.
To view training schedules and register for an onsite classroom training session, please select a region on the map below.
West Region | Midwest Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region
3. Online Expungement Training Course
This mandatory online course has been revised to include additional guidance on expungement procedures outlined in our new Code of Arbitration Procedure Rules 12805 and 13805. The course continues to explain the role of the Central Registration Depository, give an in-depth review of Rule 2080 and discuss the specific findings arbitrators must make in order for FINRA to waive its right to oppose the expungement request in court. There is an examination at the conclusion of the course, and a grade of 80 percent or greater is required to successfully pass the course. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and can be done over a period of 30 days from the date of registration. Payment of the tuition fee for the course is included in the cost of the basic arbitrator training program. Users may register for the expungement training course by going to the online enrollment form.
