The SEC’s Division of Examinations (Division) uses a risk-based methodology to select firms for examination, prioritizing those with higher potential for non-compliance or risk to investors. This article synthesizes insights offered by representatives from four different programs within the Division on considerations the staff weigh when deciding which registrants to examine, the life cycle of an examination and tips for communicating effectively with exam teams, which they delivered on a panel at Practising Law Institute’s SEC Speaks in 2025 event. See “Six Steps to Address the SEC’s Trump Era Cyber Enforcement Priorities” (Apr. 9, 2025).