Which Online Compliance Courses Are Mandatory for Your Business?

One of the most important challenges any business faces today is ensuring it offers the right training programs and adheres to regulatory requirements. But in a changing environment, ensuring that the online compliance training programs provided are up to standard and meet requirements is a challenge in itself. With this guide, a simpler, clearer way to identify the right training requirements is possible. Therefore, a clear approach is available to address compliance training in 2026.

Key Takeaways

• The word “mandatory” has several origins. Mandatory training may be required at the federal, state, or local government levels; by industry; by certification bodies; or by the insurance industry.
• This issue affects all types of businesses because they will be required to offer training on anti-harassment policies, workplace Safety (OSHA), and data privacy.
• Industry-defined needs: The industry you are in may have additional training requirements. The healthcare industry has HIPAA training, the construction industry has OSHA training, and the financial industry has FINRA training.
• A multifaceted approach is needed: to better understand your needs, conduct a risk assessment, consult an attorney, review industry standards, and stay abreast of regulatory changes.
• An investment in proactive training: It is a mistake to believe that the right type of mandatory compliance training is simply a legal requirement. It is a critical investment in protecting your people, your customers, and your bottom line.

Understanding “Mandatory” in Compliance Training

“Mandatory” training is required by federal, state, or local laws. These are non-negotiable and designed to protect the interests of employees, customers, and the organization as a whole. TRH also says that, in addition to the law, “Mandatory” Training may be required by organizations such as the Industry Association or an insurance carrier. Evidently, the mandate’s importance varies by source.

Common Mandatory Compliance Training Topics

While many compliance training requirements are industry-specific, several topics are considered mandatory for businesses nationwide. These trainings are designed to protect employees, ensure legal compliance, and reduce organizational risk.

1. Workplace Safety Training

It also ensures that employees know how to perform their jobs safely and can identify potential workplace hazards. Safety training is essential because it is a legal requirement: employers must provide a safe working environment.

2. Anti-Harassment and Anti-Discrimination Training

This provides employees with formal education on how to engage with one another respectfully. It also outlines unacceptable behavior, employees’ rights and responsibilities, and how to report such behavior without fear of retaliation. Many states have laws that require such training, especially for supervisors and managers.

3. Code of Conduct and Ethics Training

It establishes standards of professional and ethical behavior expected within an organization. It addresses conflicts of interest, the use of company resources, ethical decision-making, and the reporting of misconduct. Although not always required by law, it is often required for regulatory and corporate governance purposes.

4. Data Privacy and Information Security Training

ensures employees understand how to protect sensitive and confidential information. This training covers proper data handling, cybersecurity awareness, password protection, and breach reporting procedures. As data protection regulations expand, this training has become a critical compliance requirement.

5. Emergency Preparedness Training

It prepares employees to respond effectively to workplace emergencies, including fires, natural disasters, medical emergencies, and security threats. The system ensures employees are aware of evacuation procedures and emergency communication protocols.

6. Wage, Hour, and Labor Law Training

It helps employees and employers understand workplace rights and employer responsibilities. It covers fair compensation practices, eligibility for overtime pay, employee classification, and legal scheduling practices. This training is critical to avoiding common labor law violations.

7. Industry-Specific Compliance Training

is applicable to organizations operating in the regulated industries of healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and transportation. The training provided is specialized to meet the legal and operational requirements mandated by regulatory bodies.

Mandatory Compliance Courses by Industry

The specific compliance courses required for your business will vary significantly by industry. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common requirements for key sectors:

How to Determine Your Business’s Mandatory Training Needs

To determine your business’s specific mandatory training needs, follow a systematic, step-by-step approach. This will ensure your business is compliant with regulations and also help create a safe work environment.

1. Conduct a Risk Assessment

Identify potential workplace hazards, operational risks, and compliance issues specific to your industry, geographic region, and business operations. Think about physical workplace safety risks, data protection issues, employee behavior, and job-related exposures that may necessitate formal training.

2. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Recognize federal or state as well as local labor laws covering safety and compliance requirements for your employees and operations, like workplace safety standards, anti-harassment statutes, privacy of employee data, and industry-related requirements. Always follow the more stringent rule if more than one applies.

3. Review Applicable Laws and Regulations

Recognize federal or state as well as local labor laws covering safety and compliance requirements for your employees and operations, like workplace safety standards, anti-harassment statutes, privacy of employee data, and industry-related requirements. Always follow the more stringent rule if more than one applies.

4. Align with Industry Standards and Certifications

Keep yourself updated on the latest industry best practices, professional standards, and certification requirements that may require certain training. Although not always required by law, such standards can be critical in audits, client agreements, and risk management.

5. Monitor Regulatory and Policy Changes

Establish an ongoing process to track updates to laws, regulations, and industry requirements. Regular reviews ensure training programs remain current, effective, and compliant as regulations evolve.

6. Document, Implement, and Track Training

Maintain clear records of required training, completion status, and renewal schedules. A centralized tracking system or learning management system (LMS) supports accountability, simplifies audits, and ensures no mandatory training is overlooked.

Conclusion

Ensuring that your staff members complete the required compliance training is not merely a ‘legal nicety’ but a fundamental foundation for running a successful and responsible business! By having a complete insight into the regulations that are relevant to your industry and/or geographical location, you are in a position to develop a complete training strategy that safeguards your staff, your clients, and indeed your entire business as a whole! This brief information resource is an excellent beginning point for your research as you keep your relevant training up to date!

References

[1] OpenSesame. (2026). 2026 Mandatory Compliance Training Guidance. 

[2] Absorb LMS. (2026). Build a smarter compliance program: 10 must-cover topics. 

[3] HIPAA Journal. (2026). HIPAA Training Requirements – Updated for 2026.

[4] BizLibrary. (2026). State-Specific Compliance Training: What You Need to Know. 

[5] Paylocity. (2026). Guide to Employee Compliance Training.