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The FPA Competency Model™:
Your Guide to Professional Growth and Mastery

Define excellence. Discover your strengths. Grow with purpose.

A Framework for Real-World Excellence

The FPA Competency Model™ is a practical, research-informed guide that defines the behavioral skills essential to success in financial planning. It complements technical knowledge by focusing on how professionals communicate, lead, build trust, and advance the profession.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to mentor others, this model gives you the tools to grow intentionally and make a greater impact.

Explore the Competencies

Start by familiarizing yourself with the key elements of the model:

  • Competencies – The skills, behaviors, and knowledge that define effective financial planning.
  • Proficiency Levels – A clear progression from entry-level to advanced practice.
  • Behavioral Indicators – Real-world examples that demonstrate what each competency looks like in action. 

Interpersonal Impact

Build trust and connect through empathy and collaboration.

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Professionalism

Act with integrity, adapt, and commit to growth.

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Leadership

Inspire, influence, and lead with purpose.

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Critical
Thinking

Think reflectively to support sound judgment and decisions.

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Client Communication & Care

Communicate clearly and care deeply for client needs.

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Advance the Financial Planning Profession

Elevate and advocate for the profession’s future.

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Take a Self-Assessment

Assess your current strengths across all six competencies. Your results will guide you to learning experiences that match your goals and experience level.

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Finding Your Learning Path

The FPA Competency Model™ isn’t just a framework—it’s a launchpad for your growth. Each competency includes a self-assessment to help you reflect on your current strengths and development areas.

Once you complete the assessment, you’ll receive a personalized list of recommended courses, resources, and learning experiences tailored to your needs. It’s a guided journey designed to meet you where you are—and help you take the next step forward with purpose.

Start by exploring the competencies or jump straight into a self-assessment to see what’s next.


More Than a Model—A Shared Standard for Growth

Empowers Professionals
Clarify your goals, identify growth areas, and advance with confidence.
Strengthens the Profession
Elevates behavioral excellence alongside technical expertise.
Supports the FPA Community
Creates consistency in defining professional excellence within financial planning.
The FPA® Competency Model™ | The FPA® Competency Model™ at a Glance | Frequently Asked Questions | Need Help? Contact Our Team
The FPA® Competency Model™ | ©2025 Financial Planning Association. All rights reserved.

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Get Started

1. Take a Self-Assessment
Choose a competency and take the self-assessment to evaluate your current strengths and growth areas.
2. Explore Your Learning Path
Receive personalized course recommendations.
3. Advance with Confidence
Focus your time and energy where it matters most.
4. Reassess Regularly
Return to this model at least twice a year to see how your priorities shift.
Hear from FPA Competency Model™ Task Force Chairwoman, Hannah Moore, CFP®

Helpful Tools and Resources

The FPA Competency Model™

Gain a comprehensive view of the model, including all competencies, detailed sub-competencies, and associated behavioral indicators.

The FPA Competency Model™: At a Glance

View the highlights of the six competencies and their key focus areas, providing a high-level snapshot ideal for orientation, planning discussions, or quick reference.

The FPA Competency Model™: A Quick Start Guide

New to The FPA Competency Model™? This guide is the perfect place begin.

Browse by Competency and Level