Advanced Arbitrator Training

In addition to the mandatory basic arbitrator training program, FINRA Dispute Resolution also offers subject-specific online training modules. These modules are voluntary, unless stated otherwise. Arbitrators who successfully complete FINRA Dispute Resolution's training courses will have this noted on their arbitrator disclosure reports. In the event of a financial hardship, training fees may be waived.

 

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 following 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 of the following courses.

 

Course Descriptions

  • Expungement (Revised): 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.

  • Civility in Arbitration: This voluntary, online course presents scenarios that demonstrate how arbitrators should maintain civility during an arbitration hearing. Specifically, the course helps arbitrators evaluate their obligations before and during service on a case, and set a proper tone for conducting fair and efficient hearings. The course takes approximately one hour to complete and may be completed over a 30-day period. Tuition for the course is $25. Users may register for the civility course by completing and submitting the enrollment form.

  • Chairperson Training: This course instructs arbitrators on the added responsibilities of arbitrators assuming the important role of Chairperson. The course requires approximately nine hours of study time, and can be completed over a period of 30 days from the date of registration. There is an online assessment at the end of the course and a passing grade of 80 percent or greater is required. Tuition for the course is $50. Users may register for the Chairperson Training by completing and submitting the following online enrollment form.

  • Your Duty to Disclose: This voluntary, online course focuses on arbitrators' obligations to disclose information to FINRA, parties and co-arbitrators. The course describes FINRA's disclosure requirements, explains the necessity for complete disclosure and its importance to the neutrality of the process, instructs arbitrators on how to correctly make a disclosure and reinforces the need for arbitrators to meet their continuing disclosure obligations. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and may be completed over a 30-day period. Tuition for the course is $25. Users may register for the disclosure course by completing and submitting the following online enrollment form.

  • Discovery: Abuse and Sanctions: This voluntary, online course focuses on the respective duties of arbitrators and parties in the discovery process. The course explains the Discovery Guide; discusses the need for Orders of Confidentiality; guides arbitrators to recognize and address discovery abuses and reviews the array of possible sanctions if they become necessary. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and may be completed over a 30-day period. Tuition for the course is $25. Users may register for the discovery course by completing and submitting the following online enrollment form.

  • Direct Communication Rule: This voluntary, online course provides an overview of FINRA's direct communication rule. The course discusses the benefits of proceeding under the direct communication rule, outlines the types of communication that are not permitted and provides practical guidance in applying the rule in arbitration. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and may be completed over a 30-day period. Tuition for the course is $25. Users may register for the direct communication course by completing and submitting the following online enrollment form.

  • Understanding the Prehearing Stage: Initial Prehearing Conference: This voluntary, online course helps arbitrators manage the Initial Prehearing Conference. The course also assists arbitrators in organizing the Conference, keeping the parties focused on the tasks at hand-of which scheduling hearing dates is primary, and providing practical guidance on other preliminary issues that may arise during the Conference. The course takes approximately one hour to complete, and may be completed over a 30-day period. Tuition for the course is $25. Users may register for the prehearing course by completing and submitting the following online enrollment form.

  • Revised Code of Arbitration Procedure Training: This course - which is FREE to all FINRA arbitrators -- provides background information about the Code revision project and discusses the key, substantive changes of the Customer Code with complementary Industry Code highlights. This course is mandatory for arbitrators who completed the online basic arbitrator training prior to April 16, 2007. Arbitrators must complete the Mastery Test at the end of the course to receive credit for the training. The course takes approximately two hours to complete, and can be done over a period of 30 days from the date of registration.

    FINRA is also offering this course to the general public. Although the course was written for arbitrators in FINRA's arbitration forum — and has not been modified for the general public — we believe that non-FINRA arbitrators can benefit from the training. This course is available to non-FINRA arbitrators for a registration fee of $100.

    FINRA Arbitrators and non-arbitrators may register by completing and submitting the online enrollment form. FINRA arbitrators must have their arbitrator identification number on hand at the time of registration to avoid the $100 registration fee.