Financial Planning Challenge

Building the Next Generation of Planners

For over a decade, the Financial Planning Challenge has prepared undergraduate students for careers in financial planning through realistic client cases and national-level evaluation. Teams analyze realistic client cases, build comprehensive plans, and advance through three phases that evaluate planning skill, communication, and professional knowledge.

Student participants will:

Use professional planning software in realistic client scenarios
Practice teamwork, communication, and professional judgment
Build résumé-ready experience for employer conversations
Strengthen client communication, professionalism, and critical thinking skills
Earn up to 80 hours toward CFP® certification experience requirements
Compete for scholarship and recognition awards

The Financial Planning Association®, CFP Board, and founding partner Ameriprise Financial, are proud to present the Financial Planning Challenge.

Register a Team

Download Competition Materials

Download

Questions

HOW THE CHALLENGE WORKS

Phase 1 – Written Case Study: Teams analyze a realistic client scenario and develop a comprehensive financial plan.

Phase 2 – Presentation: Top teams present their recommendations to industry judges and receive feedback.

Phase 3 – Knowledge Bowl: Top teams demonstrate technical knowledge.

_{Full timelines, scoring details, and eligibility requirements are available in the}_{Financial Planning Challenge Materials}_.

2026 Financial Planning Challenge Timeline

Key dates for students and advisors.

Date	Phase	Event
June 15	Phase 1	Phase 1 Submission and Registration Deadline
August 17	Phase 1	Top 8 Teams Announced
August TBA		Finalist Team Academic Advisor Orientation
November 8		Team Orientation
November 9	Phase 2	Financial Planning Case Study Presentations
November 10	Phase 3	“How Do You Know?” Challenge
November 9–11		Students participate in FPA Annual Conference networking and learning opportunities.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2026

Financial planning software will be incorporated into the Financial Planning Challenge as part of the learning experience, with complimentary access provided through supporting partner MoneyGuidePro.
Case-development and educational resources from supporting partner Dalton Education to strengthen technical learning and preparation.
Updates to Phase 1 judging using a standardized panel and calibrated scoring approach to ensure consistent evaluation across all teams.
Greater emphasis on client communication, interpersonal impact, and professionalism.
Opportunities for career-connection and mentorship experiences.
Increased scholarship awards and prize opportunities.

Eligibility Rules

Team size

Up to three (3) undergraduate students per team

Enrollment

Must be enrolled as of May 1 or the spring semester

Graduate students

Graduate students may not participate

Academic advisor

Academic advisor required

School limit

Limit one (1) team per school

Additional details can be found in the Financial Planning Challenge Materials.

Awards & Recognition

All Finalist Teams Receive

Complimentary FPA Annual Conference registration with travel support (roundtrip airfare, ground transportation, and lodging)
Certificate recognition and cash award
80 hours of financial planning experience hours
Complimentary 1-year FPA membership