NAPFA Student Financial Planning Competition
Build a real financial plan. Present it to practicing advisors. Win a trip to the NAPFA 2027 National Conference in San Diego.
How it works
NAPFA's national Financial Planning Competition lets students in CFP Board Registered Programs do the real work of a financial planner before they graduate. It works in three steps:
- Get the case. In the first week of January, everyone who has signed up receives the same case study. It's a detailed client profile covering family, cash flow, insurance, investments, estate plan, and goals.
- Build and present your plan. Working alone or with one teammate, you create a comprehensive plan. Then you record a 10–20 minute video presenting it as if you were meeting with the client.
- Get coached, then compete. Practicing fee-only advisors judge every submission. Finalists are paired with an experienced mentor for one-on-one coaching before recording their final presentation.
The prize
The winning student or team receives paid travel and registration for the NAPFA 2027 National Conference, May 5–8, 2027, in San Diego, CA. Their program advisor does too.
Winners are expected to attend. They'll be recognized in front of hundreds of fee-only advisors from across the country. It's an unmatched chance to network and maybe meet a future employer.
Who can enter
The competition is open to students nationwide who fit one of these descriptions:
- You're currently enrolled in a CFP Board Registered Program (undergraduate, graduate, or certificate).
- You've graduated from a registered program and are currently studying for the CFP® exam.
To keep the field level, you can't have worked full-time in financial services for more than 12 months. Part-time work (under 25 hours a week) is fine. Past winners may not compete again. Anyone else may enter in multiple years.
Enrolled in a finance program that isn't CFP Board registered? Email us. We review exceptions case by case.
Timeline
- Now through the first week of January 2027: Sign up
Complete the sign-up form to receive updates and the case study. - First week of January 2027: Case study released
Sign-up closes, and everyone who signed up receives the case study and competition details by email. Questions about the case are answered in a shared Q&A document, so every participant has the same information. - Late February: Initial submissions due
Submit your recorded presentation, plus any supporting documents you show in the video. No written plan is required. We want you to focus on presenting your recommendations clearly, the way you would with a real client. - Early March: Finalists announced
Each finalist is paired with a mentor for two coaching sessions of up to three hours each. The first session strengthens the plan. The second is for rehearsing the presentation and getting feedback. - Early April: Final submissions due
Finalists submit refined presentations for a final round of judging. - Mid-April: Winners announced
- May 5–8, 2027: NAPFA 2027 National Conference, San Diego
Winners attend and are recognized.
What judges look for
Your plan should prioritize the client's goals and make clear recommendations. It should show their impact on cash flow and net worth, and lay out a step-by-step implementation plan. Judges score submissions using a rubric modeled on those used in CFP Board Registered Programs. The rubric covers:
- Demonstration of CFP Board's eight principal knowledge domains
- Mastery of advanced planning techniques
- Creativity in identifying unique solutions
- Presentation skills
Get ready
- See a past case study: Review materials from a previous competition. This year's case will be different.
- Watch the FAQs video: Hear the answers to frequently asked questions.
- Share the flyer: Share the competition with classmates.
Review Materials FAQ Video Download Flyer
FAQ
- Can I compete on my own?
Yes. Teams can be one or two students. If you compete as a pair, both of you should present part of the plan in the video. - What if I lose my teammate partway through?
You can finish on your own or bring in a new teammate. If you'd like a partner and can't find one, reach out, and we'll try to match you. - Can more than one team from my school enter?
Yes. The more the merrier! - How long should my video be?
Between 15 and 20 minutes. - Do I need to submit a written plan?
No. Submit your video and the supporting documents you show in it. - How much time will this take?
It varies by team. You'll have about seven weeks between receiving the case in early January and the late-February deadline. The competition is timed to fit the second semester, so you can plan the work around your coursework. - Can I still sign up after the first week of January?
Email us. If the initial submission deadline has not passed, we will do our best to get you the case study. - Who do I contact with questions?
Email membership@napfa.org
Share the competition
Professors and program directors
Several professors build the case study into their second-semester coursework, and the winning team's program advisor may travel with them to the NAPFA 2027 National Conference. Pass this along to your professor or program director.
Financial advisors
Do you know a fee-only advisor, such as an internship supervisor, a mentor, or a family connection? NAPFA members can volunteer as judges and mentors for the competition.
Print or share the flyer
Post it in your department, hand it to classmates, or email it to anyone who might want to compete.
More ways NAPFA supports students
- Scholarships: NAPFA offers scholarships to students nationwide. Learn more
- Student Affiliate Membership: Start building your professional network early with an affordable student membership. Learn more
- Conference Student Ambassadors: Attend NAPFA national events and get an inside look at fee-only planning. Learn more
- NAPFA Genesis: Connect with NAPFA's community of newer advisors. Learn more