CeMAP Qualification: Equivalents and Comparisons
The Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) is a well-recognised qualification in the UK financial services sector, particularly for those aspiring to become mortgage advisers. Here’s a detailed look at what the CeMAP qualification is equivalent to in terms of education and professional recognition.
Educational Equivalence
Equivalent to a Degree?
No, the CeMAP qualification is not equivalent to a university degree. A degree is typically a Level 6 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), while CeMAP is at Level 3. This means that while CeMAP is a substantial qualification, it does not equate to the academic rigor and depth of a bachelor’s degree.
Equivalent to A Levels?
Yes, the CeMAP qualification is considered equivalent to A Levels in terms of its level on the RQF. Both CeMAP and A Levels are Level 3 qualifications. This means that CeMAP is recognized as having the same level of complexity and learning as A Levels, although the subject matter is different, focusing specifically on mortgage advice and practice.
Equivalent to College-Level Qualifications?
CeMAP is also equivalent to other Level 3 qualifications such as:
- National Diplomas
- Extended Diplomas
- BTEC Nationals
These qualifications are all at the same level of the RQF and indicate a similar level of academic achievement and complexity, albeit in different fields of study.
Comparison with Other Qualifications
CF1 and CF6
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) offers CF1 and CF6 as part of their Certificate in Financial Services. CF1 covers UK financial services, regulation, and ethics, while CF6 covers mortgage advice. While these modules provide foundational knowledge relevant to mortgage advice, they are not directly equivalent to the comprehensive coverage provided by CeMAP. CF6 is similar to CeMAP module 3, but the full CeMAP qualification covers broader financial services knowledge, making it more comprehensive.
CeFA (Certificate for Financial Advisers)
This is another Level 3 qualification offered by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). CeFA covers broader financial advice topics beyond just mortgages, including savings, investments, and pensions. While it is at the same level as CeMAP, the focus areas differ.
CeRER (Certificate in Regulated Equity Release)
CeRER is a specialized qualification for those advising on equity release products. It’s often pursued after obtaining CeMAP and is not equivalent but complementary for mortgage advisers expanding their services.
Diploma in Financial Planning (DipPFS)
This is a higher-level qualification offered by the CII, typically a Level 4 qualification, covering comprehensive financial planning. CeMAP is not equivalent to this diploma, which is more advanced and broad in scope.
RO1 (Financial Services, Regulation, and Ethics) and RO5 (Financial Protection)
These modules are part of the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning by the CII. While they cover areas relevant to financial and mortgage advice, they are not equivalent to the full CeMAP qualification.
LIBF’s Diploma for Financial Advisers (DipFA)
Another Level 4 qualification that provides a broader foundation for financial advisers compared to CeMAP. CeMAP focuses more on mortgage advice, while DipFA covers a wider range of financial advice topics.
Qualification Level
CeMAP is a Level 3 qualification on the RQF. This places it at the same level as A Levels, National Diplomas, and other Level 3 qualifications, making it a substantial qualification for those entering the mortgage advice industry.
CeMAP Diploma Equivalence
While the CeMAP qualification itself is a Level 3 qualification, the CeMAP Diploma is a higher qualification that covers more advanced topics in mortgage advice. The CeMAP Diploma is not equivalent to a full degree but is considered a higher qualification than the standard CeMAP and could be seen as comparable to higher-level vocational qualifications or even some higher education certificates.
Summary of Equivalents
- CeMAP: A Level 3 qualification on the RQF, equivalent to A Levels, National Diplomas, Extended Diplomas, and BTEC Nationals.
- CeMAP Diploma: A higher qualification than CeMAP, covering more advanced topics. While not equivalent to a degree, it is more advanced than the standard CeMAP qualification.
- Degree: CeMAP is not equivalent to a university degree (Level 6).
- CF1 and CF6: These cover parts of what CeMAP does but are not a full replacement.
- CeFA: A Level 3 qualification similar to CeMAP but with a broader financial focus.
- CeRER: A complementary qualification for equity release advice, pursued after CeMAP.
- DipPFS: A higher-level (Level 4) qualification in financial planning.
- RO1 and RO5: Relevant modules for financial advice but not equivalent to the full CeMAP qualification.
- DipFA: A Level 4 qualification covering a broader range of financial advice topics.
