Registration Open for The 2026 Externship: The Premier Virtual Financial Planning Training Program Returns for Its Seventh Year

Expecting its largest cohort yet, The 2026 Externship introduces a new mobile learning platform, two new major technology partners, and two real client case studies that bring complex planning scenarios to life.

DALLAS, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Amplified Planning today announced that registration is now open for The 2026 Externship, the profession's premier virtual summer training program for aspiring and early-career financial planners. Now in its seventh year, The Externship continues to grow as one of the most impactful talent development initiatives in the financial planning profession, with more than 6,500 Alumni who've taken the program since 2020.

The live eight-week program runs June 1 through July 31, 2026, and provides a fully virtual learning experience designed for college students, career changers, new advisors, and professionals pursuing the CFP® certification. Participants gain real-world exposure to financial planning through client case studies, expert-led training sessions, and hands-on planning assignments using leading industry technology.

The program costs $447, with discounts available for individuals who joined the Externship Insider List and Alumni who participated in previous years. University and firm pricing is also available, and scholarship applications are now open for those with financial need.

The 2026 program is expected to welcome more than 2,000 participants, making it the largest cohort in the program's history.

"The Externship continues to grow because the profession needs better pathways for developing new financial planners," said Hannah Moore, CFP®, Founder of Amplified Planning and owner of Guiding Wealth, a Dallas RIA. "Each year, we refine the experience to better reflect the real-world challenges planners face. In 2026, we're excited to introduce a new mobile learning platform, expanded technology partnerships, and even more dynamic client cases. This will truly be our best year yet."

A Real-World Learning Experience for Future Financial Planners

The Externship is an eight-week, fully virtual (and asynchronous) program that requires approximately 15–20 hours per week, allowing participants to learn alongside school, home life, internships, or early-career roles.

Through the program, The Externs will:

• Watch real, recorded client meetings         
• Learn from 50+ industry experts, including Dan Moisand, CFP®, J.D. Bruce, CPA, PFS™ (returning for his Extern favorite "marathon session"), Roger Whitney, CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, RMA, Meghaan R. Lurtz, Ph.D., and Louis Barajas, MBA, EA, CFP®
• Complete hands-on financial planning assignments
• Explore real-world financial planning scenarios
• Gain exposure to leading financial planning technology (with two NEW platforms in 2026)

Participants who complete the program can earn 500 CFP Board standard pathway experience hours and 180 experience hours from the Association for Financial Counseling & Planning Education (AFCPE).

The 2026 program features two in-depth client cases designed to illustrate the complexity and breadth of modern financial planning:

• Case One: A couple running multiple businesses, navigating complex cash flow management, tax considerations, and investment strategies.
• Case Two: Two traveling physical therapists balancing significant student loan debt with goals to start a family, purchase a home, and build long-term financial security.

These real-life scenarios allow Externs to see how planners approach financial decision-making in practice.

New Technology Partners and an Enhanced Learning Platform

The 2026 Externship also introduces a new mobile-friendly learning platform, giving participants a more flexible and interactive learning experience.

Additionally, Amplified Planning is pleased to welcome two new major technology partners to the program, Nitrogen and Holistiplan.

They join a growing group of industry supporters, including CFP Board, Schwab Advisor Services, eMoney, XYPN, Kaplan, Orion/Redtail, Asset-Map, EncorEstate, DFA, AFCPE, NAPFA, and FPA.

"Programs like The Externship give future advisors a real-world view of financial planning in practice," said CFP Board CEO K. Dane Snowden. "That exposure builds confidence and helps people enter the profession better prepared. Strengthening that path is how we meet growing demand for advice and develop the next generation of CFP^® professionals. That's how we build the profession."

Addressing the Profession's Growing Talent Gap

As demand for financial advice continues to rise, the profession faces an increasing need to develop new planners.

In 2025, Amplified Planning and Schwab Advisor Services conducted research based on surveys and focus groups with more than 1,800 Externs. The findings highlight the importance of structured training and mentorship opportunities in attracting and retaining talent.

Programs like The Externship are helping address this challenge by creating clear pathways into the profession for students, career changers, and new professionals.

"The research Schwab conducted with Amplified Planning last year confirmed what we consistently hear from RIA firms," shared Leslie Tabor, Director, Advisor Services, Charles Schwab. "The profession needs more structured pathways for developing new planners, not just more awareness of the opportunity. The Externship stands out because it puts participants inside real planning situations, seeing how advice is actually delivered and how clients are served. That's the kind of preparation that moves the needle on talent development, and it's why Schwab continues to invest in this program."

Download the free guide: Building the Future of Advice: What Your Firm Needs to Know About Attracting, Hiring & Retaining Talent in 2026 & Beyond.   

A Resource for Firms Developing New Talent

In addition to individual participants, more wealth management firms and universities than ever are partnering with Amplified Planning to incorporate The Externship into their internship and early-career training programs.

Firms are increasingly using the program to supplement their summer internships or onboard new hires with structured training. Amplified Planning also expects to announce placement opportunities for Externs later this summer, helping connect top talent with firms seeking the next generation of advisors.

Registration is open now and will close on May 22nd. To learn more or register, visit amplifiedplanning.com/externship.     

About Amplified Planning

Amplified Planning is dedicated to transforming the financial planning profession by redefining how planners are educated and trained. Founded by Hannah Moore, CFP®, Amplified Planning provides innovative training programs designed to equip financial professionals with the real-world skills needed to succeed.

Its flagship program, The Externship, has helped more than 6,500 aspiring financial planners gain hands-on experience and exposure to the profession.

Learn more at amplifiedplanning.com.

SOURCE Amplified Planning