If you want to qualify as a mortgage advisor and practice legally in the UK, you need a Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). This qualification is administered by the Institute of Financial Services, and is designed to make sure that future homeowners are given sound advice and sold a mortgage that is suitable for them.
There are two ways to study for this qualification. On this page, we are going to look specifically at CeMAP home study. Our aim is to help you to work out whether this way of studying is right for you or not.
What is involved in the CeMAP Course?
To secure this qualification, you need to study seven units that are split into two modules. Once you have done that, you are able to take the third module.
During this module, your knowledge of the different types of UK mortgages and laws is tested. Provided you pass the assessment, you will have secured the qualification you need to start working as a mortgage advisor.
How CeMAP home study works
If you do opt to study for your CeMAP qualification at home, all of the study materials you need are made available online or for download. You can decide whether to study on your own or pay a little extra and get access to a tutor. The tutor provides support via email and telephone.
Usually with a home study course, there is no limit on how long you have to complete it. The date you book your exam for is what determines how fast you have to complete the course. You are the one that books the exam with the Institute for Financial Studies (IFS), so you are in control of how quickly you need to complete the study material.
The advantages of home study
There are several perks to studying for this qualification at home. One of the most obvious and decisive ones is that it’s cheaper to do so.
Opting for home study also means that you can study at your own pace. This can be important if you are a slow learner of find a classroom environment too stressful.
Lastly, it makes it possible for you to continue to hold down your day job and pay the bills while studying for your new career.
Be aware though that this way of studying is not for everyone. If you are not a self-disciplined or motivated person, studying at home under your own supervision is rarely a good idea.
Sign up with a good provider
If you do decide that CeMAP home study is for you, it’s extremely important to sign up for a course with a good provider. Some of what you are learning is complex, so you need the information to be clearly presented to stand a chance of passing the assessment. If you opt for tutor support, you want to be sure that the person answering your questions knows what he or she is talking about.
