JACKSON, Miss. – The Securities Division of the Mississippi Secretary of State's Office has finalized the adoption of new rules to reduce red tape on investment professionals through the implementation of the new Exam Validity Extension Program (EVEP).

Through EVEP, currently registered broker-dealer agents and investment advisor representatives will have the opportunity to extend state qualification exams for up to five (5) years if compliant with continuing education requirements.

Designed to provide flexibility for currently registered individuals who may need to temporarily leave the industry due to various reasons, EVEP allows registrants the opportunity to stay relevant on industry practices and ethical obligations during time away from the profession.

“Our office continues to find ways to reduce overly burdensome regulations on hardworking Mississippians," said Secretary of State Michael Watson. "The implementation of EVEP is another example of policy in action to ensure professionals, who experience unexpected life events, are not hindered by government red tape."

Mississippi is among the first states to adopt the newly created program. Launched by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) in cooperation with the Maintaining Qualifications Program (MPQ), EVEP was established by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

The new rules can be found in Chapters 5 and 6 of the Mississippi Securities Act Rules as well as the Mississippi Administrative Bulletin.

For additional information or questions about EVEP, please contact the Securities Division at (601) 359-1334 or securities.customerservice@sos.ms.gov.