Registration Now Open for The 2026 Externship
Amplified Planning has officially opened registration for
The 2026 Externship, marking the seventh iteration of its flagship virtual summer training program designed specifically for aspiring and early-career financial planners. This program has established itself as a vital resource within the financial planning profession, accumulating over
6,500 alumni since its inception in 2020.
The
live eight-week program, running from
June 1 to July 31, 2026, will adapt to the needs of participants by providing a fully virtual learning environment tailored to college students, career changers, new advisors, and those pursuing the
CFP® certification. This comprehensive program emphasizes hands-on training, leveraging real client case studies, expert-led sessions, and cutting-edge planning technology to provide practical exposure to financial planning scenarios.
An Enhanced Learning Experience
This year, The Externship is expected to welcome over
2,000 participants, making it the largest cohort ever. The cost of the program is
$447, with discounted rates for those who join the
Externship Insider List and alumni from previous years. Schools and firms can access special pricing, and scholarships are available for candidates demonstrating financial need.
According to
Hannah Moore, CFP®, the Founder of Amplified Planning, the continuous evolution of The Externship stems from the profession’s pressing need for better pathways to develop competent financial planners. “Each year, we refine the experience to reflect the real-world challenges that planners encounter,” Moore stated.
In 2026, two major changes will be introduced: a new mobile-friendly learning platform for a more flexible and interactive experience and the involvement of new technology partners,
Nitrogen and
Holistiplan. These enhancements are expected to offer a broader range of educational tools.
Hands-On Learning with Real Client Scenarios
Participants will engage in approximately
15–20 hours of work each week, allowing them to fit this educational opportunity around their existing commitments. Key components of this year’s program include:
- - Recorded Client Meetings: Students will observe real client interactions, providing insights into the practical aspects of financial planning.
- - Expert Instruction: Interactions with over 50 industry experts including notable names like Dan Moisand, J.D. Bruce, and Roger Whitney, among others.
- - Client Case Studies: This year features two dynamic client cases that explore complex financial situations, enhancing the learning experience:
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Case Study One: A couple managing various businesses while tackling intricate issues such as cash flow management and tax strategies.
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Case Study Two: A duo of traveling physical therapists dealing with significant student loan debt as they aim to start a family and achieve long-term financial security.
Addressing the Talent Gap in Financial Planning
As the demand for financial advice surges, the need for developing new financial planners has reached critical levels. Research conducted in collaboration with
Schwab Advisor Services in 2025 among over
1,800 alumni highlighted the need for structured training and mentorship to attract and retain talent. The Externship addresses this gap by providing a clear entry point for individuals interested in the financial planning profession.
Leslie Tabor, the Director of Advisor Services at Charles Schwab, emphasized the importance of programs like The Externship in creating structured pathways into the field. “This program places participants in real planning environments, crucial for their professional development,” Tabor noted.
Conclusion
With registration open until
May 22, aspiring financial planners are encouraged to secure their spots for The 2026 Externship. For more information and registration, visit
amplifiedplanning.com/externship. This program not only promotes skill development but also fosters a well-trained future workforce to meet the evolving demands of the financial planning sector.