[ by Howard Haykin ] FINRA is modifying how qualification exams and Regulatory Element CEP is administered for candidates whose primary language is not English.  Beginning 9/1/12, individuals with limited English proficiency ("LEP") will have additional time to complete exams or CEP training sessions. The extended time frame will be available only to those individuals who meet the LEP criteria as outlined in Information Notice that announced the change.  The individuals also must submit to FINRA an "LEP Request Form" and receive notification that their form was processed before they can schedule and LEP exam or CEP session. FINRA Staff Contacts. Direct questions to: Jeanne Hartman, Sr. Director, Testing & CE Dept - (240) 386-6348; or Tia Stafford, Ops Manager, Testing & CE Dept - (240) 386-4437. Discussion. Currently, individuals for whom English is their second language may request additional time when they make an appointment for an examination or CE session.  They must bring a letter on his or her sponsoring firm’s letterhead to the test center on the day of the exam or CE session - which represents, among other things, that English is the candidate’s 2nd language and is signed by candidate’s supervisor or manager. New Criteria and Process Begin 9/1/12. The program is available to individuals who:  (i) do not speak English as their primary language; and (ii) have limited ability to read, speak, write and understand the English language.  They'll receive additional time to complete an examination or CE session.  But before they get such permission, they must take the following steps:

• Open the appropriate enrollment window in the CRD.
  • For exams, use Form U4.
  • For CE sessions, the CE session enrollment window automatically opens in the CRD system based on the anniversary of the individual’s initial securities registration.
• Submit a completed LEP Request Form to FINRA's LEP Support Services Team.  FINRA will send a confirmation once the LEP Request Form has been processed.
• Upon receipt of the confirmation from FINRA, schedule the exam, or CE session appointment with a test center.

For further details, go to:  [FINRA InfoNote, 8/1/12].