How to become a UK Mortgage Adviser

The UK house market continues to be a strong arena for investors and those looking to get onto the property ladder for the first time. Thanks to the ‘Share to Buy’ scheme and more affordable options for first-time buyers, there is continued interest in the UK housing marketing.

Thanks to this increase in interest in the housing market, there’s a need for qualified Mortgage Advisers, able to assist with the growing demand. If you’re considering a career as a Mortgage Adviser, now is a great time to gain a CeMAP qualification.

Before we get started, if you're looking to become a Mortgage Advicer as part of a career change, we have developed a series of helpful articles for career changers:

• How to write a CV
• How to write a cover letter
• What should be included in your first CV?
• How to prepare for an interview
• How to follow up after an interview

So, let’s explore why you’d want to become a Mortgage Adviser.    

Why become a Mortgage Adviser?

As far as careers go, Mortgage Advisers have a very varied, interesting job, especially if you’re a social and driven individual. Benefits of a career as a Mortgage Adviser, include:  

The financial benefit - Great earning potential

Your salary will always be a consideration when thinking about a career, whether you’re just getting started, or you’re in the process of a career change. This industry is known to offer an average basic salary, but with excellent commission structures in place, so the more you sell, the higher you can earn, making it very lucrative. You may also benefit from other perks, such as a company car, phone and laptops as well as a good pension.

The social benefit - Meet lots of new people

No two days are the same. While you’ll be doing the same job, you’ll get to meet lots and lots of new people along the way. If you like meeting new people and are a social individual, this could be the ideal job for you.

The spotlight benefit - Hit and exceed company targets

If you’re driven and goal oriented, a job as a Mortgage Adviser could be perfect for you. With daily, weekly and monthly targets to achieve, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to showcase your sales skills and get the satisfaction or hitting, and exceeding, your targets.

Discover opportunities in Mortgage Advice. 

How can I become a qualified Mortgage Adviser?

While having a degree is not essential for a career as a Mortgage Adviser, completing the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) and CeMAP exams is a legal requirement, if you plan on giving mortgage advice. The full CeMAP course covers Modules 1, 2 & 3, is approved by the FCA and is considered an industry standard by employees.

Need help with your CeMAP exams? Read our CeMAP exam tips: How to revise article. 

How long would it take to complete the full CeMAP course?

As mentioned, there are three modules in the CeMAP course and e-Careers offers both classroom-based courses and online/ eLearning courses, to suit your learning style and requirements. The recommended study time for Module 1 is approximately 70 hours and Modules 2 and 3 combined is approximately 120 hours. This means you should be able to complete the full course in just over 200 hours. Don’t worry if you need longer than that to complete the course – we offer 24/7 access to the course materials, for a full 6 months.   

•    CeMAP Module 1,2 & 3 – Online
•    CeMAP Module 1 – Online
•    CeMAP Module 1 – Classroom
•    CeMAP Module 2 & 3 – Online
•    CeMAP Module 2 & 3 – Classroom

What does the CeMAP online course include?

The full course offers you all the information and knowledge you require to become established as a Mortgage Adviser. Throughout the course you will:

•    Explore the structure and purpose of the UK financial industry and the products that can be offered
•    Understand legal concepts that Mortgage Advisers, and property buyers may face during the purchasing process and learn how to offer advice and solutions
•    Understand the concepts of inflation, interest rates, FCA regulation, anti-money laundering rules and adhering to the Data Protection Act 1998
•    Learn how to deal with breaches of the Mortgage deed, including non-payments of the mortgage and building insurance, and the legal rights of the lender should non-payment occur. Learn how consumers can be assisted if they struggle to meet a payment, and more!

What are the topics covered in the Online CeMAP course?

In Module 1 you will undertake four main topics and in Module 2 & 3 you will cover another four topics, outlined below:

CeMAP Module 1 covers:

•    Mortgage Law
•    Investment
•    Products
•    Market behaviour

CeMAP Modules 2 & 3 covers:

•    Process
•    Products
•    Payments
•    CeMAP Exams

Why choose to study CeMAP?

The most important step you can take towards becoming a Mortgage Adviser and to gain a job in the industry, is to have the right qualification. In this case, the best qualification you can undertake is the CeMAP course, which stands heads and shoulders above the competition, with over 80% of UK Mortgage Advisers holding this qualification.

The exams for CeMAP are FCA regulated, so you’ll be able to apply for a licence to practice, enabling you to legally offer mortgage advice.

Why choose to study with e-Careers?

e-Careers is an established, award-winning provider of online and classroom-based courses, for businesses and individuals. We’re professional and provide you with everything we can to help you succeed on your course, including full tutor support throughout the duration of your course, as well as:

•    All the learning resources that you need to complete this course, in one package
•    Access to several learning aids to ensure you remain engaged with the syllabus. These include; interactive simulations, tutorials, exercises and self-assessments
•    You’ll have everything you need to pass the three papers that make up the full CeMAP Mortgage Advice and Practice course (exams are not included and must be booked directly with the London Institute of Banking and Finance)

What to do next

If a career as a Mortgage Adviser sounds like something you’re interested in, e-Careers offers a range of CeMAP papers for you to take to become a qualified Mortgage Adviser. Have a look through our CeMAP courses and if you are new to the industry, we would suggest taking CeMAP Papers 1,2 &3 to get you up to the level required to become a Mortgage Adviser. Alternatively, speak with one of our dedicated course agents by calling 0203 198 7700.