How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- training with a professional body
College
You could do a college course which will give you some of the skills and knowledge you need to get into a trainee mortgage adviser role.
Courses include:
- business
- business and administration
- T Level in Finance
Once working, your employer may put you through mortgage advice training.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Mortgage Adviser Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Financial Adviser Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
These take between 1 and 2 years to complete. They combine training on the job and study with a learning provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could join a bank or building society as a customer service adviser, or a mortgage administrator in a firm of brokers.
You could then move into mortgage advice, as you gain more experience and complete relevant qualifications while working.
Other Routes
You could apply to take a qualification in mortgage advice that is recognised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). There are several qualifications available, such as the:
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP)
- Certificate in Mortgage Advice awarded by the Chartered Insurance Institute
CeMAP is awarded by the London Institute of Banking and Finance (LIBF). LIBF have a list of approved training providers, offering the CeMAP qualification.
Once you've completed your training, you will need to be employed by a company that offers mortgage advice services. You'll work under supervision and be assessed in order to achieve competent adviser status. This is needed to register with the FCA as an 'approved person'.
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Registration
- you'll need to register as an 'approved person' by the Financial Conduct Authority
Career tips
The salary on some job adverts may include a figure for on-target earnings (OTE). This relies on meeting individual or company sales targets. In cases like this, you should check what proportion of the salary is made up of OTE.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in the financial industry through the London Institute of Banking and Finance.