CRCP Scholarship Program FAQ
What is the FINRA Institute CRCP®program?
The FINRA Institute Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP)® program is an executive education program for compliance, legal and regulatory professionals. During the program—which takes place over two non-consecutive weeks—participants gain an in-depth understanding of the foundation, theory and practical application of securities laws and regulation, and at the conclusion of the program, earn the CRCP designation.
Where can I learn more about the FINRA Institute?
More information about the CRCP program is available on the FINRA Institute page.
Who is the CRCP program designed for?
The CRCP program is designed for experienced compliance professionals pursuing leadership roles; high-potential regulatory, legal and compliance staff; business-line professionals with expanding compliance responsibilities; and experienced state and federal regulators.
Why did FINRA create a CRCP Scholarship?
FINRA developed the CRCP Scholarship to facilitate participation from small firms—those with 150 or fewer registered representatives.
How many CRCP Scholarships will be awarded?
FINRA awards five scholarships annually.
Who is eligible to apply for the CRCP Scholarship?
You are eligible to apply for the CRCP Scholarship if you meet the following criteria:
- hold a FINRA registration with a FINRA member firm that has 150 or fewer registered representatives;
- have support from their supervisor to apply for the scholarship and the ability to commit to the program’s time requirements, which include mandatory, in-person weeklong sessions in July and November; and
- perform job functions that include compliance and/or regulatory responsibilities.
Can a firm nominate an employee to receive a scholarship?
Each individual needs to submit their own CRCP Scholarship application. Principals or supervisors at FINRA small firms should encourage eligible compliance professionals at their firms to submit applications.
What is included in the CRCP Scholarship?
The scholarship covers full tuition, meals and lodging for the entire program. Scholarship recipients are responsible for travel to and from Georgetown and all other incidental expenses. For more details, see the program cost page.
Who can I contact if I need more information or have questions about the CRCP Scholarship?
For additional information, please call FINRA at (800) 321-6273 or send us an email.
How do I apply?
During the application period, visit the CRCP Scholarship page and select the “Small Firm Scholarship Application” button, which directs you to the application form. Once you submit the application form, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have additional questions or comments, call FINRA at (800) 321-6273 or send us an email.
What is the application deadline?
The 2025 CRCP Small Firm Scholarship application period closed on Monday, August 25, 2025. The next application period will be Summer 2026.
How will my application be evaluated?
A dedicated subcommittee of the FINRA Small Firm Advisory Committee (SFAC) will select scholarship recipients through a blind selection process. This approach ensures a fair, merit-based evaluation where your professional qualifications—not personal identifiers such as your name or firm name—are the focus.
The subcommittee will consider your experience in the financial services industry, as well as your compliance responsibilities in the firm’s overall structure, as described in your brief statement.
Does my supervisor have to approve my application?
Yes. Your supervisor must support your participation in the scholarship program and the time commitments required to complete the program.
Will my supervisor be contacted during the selection process?
The subcommittee may contact your supervisor to confirm that they support the time commitment needed to complete the program.
If I applied this year, when will I learn whether I have been selected to receive a scholarship?
All applicants will receive notification of the disposition of their applications by December 31, 2025. Notification will be emailed to the address provided on your application.
If I did not receive a scholarship this year, can I reapply next year?
Yes. Information on next year's application timeline will be posted to the CRCP Scholarship Program page.
Will I lose the CRCP Scholarship if I leave the firm I was registered with when I submitted my application?
Yes. Scholarships are awarded jointly to the individual and the firm and cannot be transferred between firms. Should a recipient leave their firm—whether before, during, or after program completion—the scholarship is forfeited by both parties. However, recipients who transition to another qualifying small firm may reapply during the subsequent scholarship selection period.