Overview
CFA Institute x AmplifyME Investing Simulator Challenge gives you the chance to experience what it’s like to work in a real investment role, no prior experience required.
Compete against students around the world in this exciting challenge, rise to the top of the leaderboard, and earn your place in the global final, with the opportunity to win* a CFA® Program scholarship.
What you’ll receive:
- Build your resume with a certificate from CFA Institute X AmplifyME if you qualify in the final
- Gain hands-on, practical experience and discover your potential
- If you finish in the top 300 students across all of the sessions you'll be invited to the final round on Tuesday 17th November 2026
FAQs
Do I need to attend multiple sessions?
No, you're only signing up for one 2-hour live session. If you finish in the top 10, you’ll be invited to the final round on on Tuesday, 17th November 8–10 AM EST / 1-3 PM GMT / 9–11 PM SGT / 6:30–8:30 PM IST.
Are there any prerequisites or recommendations to help me prepare for the challenge?
No formal prerequisites are required! You can check out these short videos to help you make the most of your experience. Watch the prereading videos here.
What happens after I register?
You’ll receive a confirmation email with your session details.
What if I can't attend live?
Live attendance is required to take part in the simulation.
Will the results be made publicly available?
The top five winners will be publicly announced following the Global Final. Individual participants will receive their own results privately, but full rankings and detailed test scores will not be made public.
Will I receive a certificate of participation?
Certificates of recognition will be awarded only to winners and participants who advance to the final round.
Do I need prior finance or investment experience?
No. The challenge is designed for students with a range of backgrounds and experience levels. Whether you're exploring a career in finance or already studying investment-related topics, you'll gain valuable insights from the experience.
How will I know if I’m in the final?
Participants who qualify for the final will be notified by email and provided with instructions for joining the final.
Can I change my session after registering if the time no longer suits me?
Yes. To modify your registration, click the Already Registered link on the event website. Enter the email address you used to register and your confirmation number. Once you've accessed your registration, you'll be able to update your session selection (subject to session availability).
What will I receive if I am in the top 5?
You will receive a CFA Program Accelerate Scholarship.
Recipients pay a reduced CFA Program exam registration fee of USD 600, which also includes the Practice Pack, a premium study resource valued at USD 299. The scholarship may be used one time for any level of the CFA Program and can provide savings of more than USD 1,000, depending on the exam level and registration window selected
Can I take part if I took part last year?
No, this challenge is only open for first timers.
Do I need an economics or finance background to take part?
No. The Investing Simulator Challenge is designed for students from all academic backgrounds, and no prior knowledge of economics, finance, or investing is required.
To help you get started and make the most of the experience, we recommend watching these short introductory videos.
Eligibility: This challenge is open to full-time students* only.
*Full-time status is defined by the institution’s specific requirements, such as a minimum number of credit hours or classes. Both undergraduate and postgraduate (master’s, doctoral) students qualify if they meet the full-time enrollment criteria.
Date and Time
- Slot 1: 15 September, 7:30–9:30 AM ET | 7:30–9:30 PM SGT | 5–7 PM IST
- Slot 2: 17 September, 1:00–3:00 PM ET | 6:00–8:00 PM BST Capacity Full
- Slot 3: 22 September, 6:00–8:00 PM ET
- Slot 4: 24 September, 7:00–9:00 AM ET | 7:00–9:00 PM SGT | 4:30–6:30 PM IST
- Slot 5: 26 September, 8:00–10:00 AM ET | 1:00–3:00 PM BST
- Slot 6: 29 September, 7:00–9:00 PM ET
- Slot 7: 8 October, 7:30–9:30 AM ET | 7:30–9:30 PM SGT | 5:00–7:00 PM IST
- Slot 8: 12 October, 1:00–3:00 PM ET | 6:00–8:00 PM BST
- Slot 9: 13 October, 6:00–8:00 PM ET
- Slot 10: 15 October, 7:00–9:00 AM ET | 7:00–9:00 PM SGT | 4:30–6:30 PM IST
- Slot 11: 17 October, 8:00–10:00 AM ET | 1:00–3:00 PM BST
- Slot 12: 26 October, 6:00–8:00 PM ET
- Slot 13: 29 October, 7:00–9:00 AM ET | 7:00–9:00 PM SGT | 4:30–6:30 PM IST
- Slot 14: 2 November, 1:00–3:00 PM ET | 6:00–8:00 PM GMT
Choose the session that best fits you, convert your time here.