The new qualification goes beyond the FCA's minimum exam standards and puts mortgage and protection specialists on par with their investment counterparts.
At the same time, it brings advisers and those working in support roles up-to-speed with recent changes to the mortgage process arising from the Mortgage Market Review.
It also includes a new module in advanced mortgage advice (R07), covering the key elements of the mortgage process and specialist types of lending - enabling candidates to give appropriate mortgage advice to clients with more complex needs and circumstances.
To complete the certificate in advanced mortgage advice, candidates need to pass three modules: financial services (R01), regulation and ethics, mortgage advice (CF6) and advanced mortgage advice (RO7). Those who already hold units R01 and CF6, having completed the CII Level 3 certificate in mortgage advice, only need to complete one further unit.
Online exam sittings enable candidates to enter for the exam precisely when they are ready, with provisional results provided instantaneously.
Gary Little, head of operations and membership at the Society of Mortgage Professionals, said: “It is an ideal career enhancement for mortgage advisers wanting to build upon their existing advice skills and progress to the highest level of mortgage qualification.
“Additionally, it will benefit those who need to comply with the FCA's appropriate qualification requirements, including people working in the mortgage market in non-advisory roles, such as administration or support functions.”
Study material for new unit R07 is available to order now and the exam can be sat from September.
