CeRER requirements

May 28, 2025 by Brendan O'Neill

General

Becoming a mortgage advisor is a skilled profession, and that means there are qualifications that you need to secure.

Which ones you choose to pursue will depend on how broad a range of guidance you wish to be able to offer your clients. For example, the CeRER qualification is not needed for mainstream mortgage advice, but is if you want to provide guidance on equity release products.

This blog will explain what CeRER is and what the requirements for studying it are.

What is meant by equity release?

The term ‘equity release’ refers to products that allow borrowers to access money against the valuation of their homes. It lets them free up funds without needing to sell their homes and is popular with older borrowers who own a property. The growing demand for equity release products is why more advisors are choosing to take CeRER courses. CeRER stands for the Certificate in Regulated Equity Release, and it is recognised by industry bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

What are the requirements for studying it?

Before you can begin to study the CeRER course, you need to train as a mortgage advisor. That means completing and passing the CeMAP qualification or an equivalent that is recognised by the official industry bodies. CeMAP is by far the most popular course of study for trainee mortgage advisors. CeMAP is short for Certificate of Mortgage Advice and Practice.

It is made up of three modules that each cover a different aspect of the industry. After you have completed all three of them, you will have to sit an examination. The CeMAP course can be completed over the internet or at a physical training centre.

What is involved in the CeRER course?

The CeRER course consists of two modules. The first of them is called Fundamentals of Equity Release and it covers the various available schemes, as well as what situations each one will be suitable for. The second is known as Equity Release Solutions. It teaches advisors how they can apply the correct product to help a client.

As with the CeMAP course, there is also a final exam.

This covers all of the main requirements related to CeRER.