The number of advisers taking a professional qualification designed to help them diversify their skills has passed the 1,000 mark, according to the Society of Mortgage Professionals (SMP).
Launched in Autumn 2014, the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) level four certificate in advanced mortgage advice was set up to enable intermediaries to broaden their skills into areas such as bridging finance, auctions, financing foreign properties and other specialist types of mortgage lending.
It was aimed at putting mortgage and protection professionals on a par with their investment counterparts.
The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) qualification provides the next step for holders of the level three certificate in mortgage advice, requiring completion of the R07 advanced mortgage advice unit where R01 and CF6 are held.
Vishal Pandya, head of operations at the Society of Mortgage Professionals, said: “Reaching the 1,000-mark in such a relatively short space of time is testament to the value of the qualification and the adviser community’s desire to voluntarily further their professional expertise.”
Hazel Bowen, chartered financial planner with Norwich-based Smith & Pinching, said: “I passed [the qualification] shortly after it was launched, to enhance my knowledge and help demonstrate my commitment to being an expert in my field.
“It has already proven to be a valuable differentiator to both clients and professional contacts. Not only has obtaining it helped me to attain chartered status, it has also given me a broader knowledge of the housing market and enabled me to provide true holistic advice.”
Richard Cohen, director of Worthing-based Nsure, said: “Even though mortgages are a small part of what I do, I believe in being as qualified as possible.
"It is 15 years since I gained my last mortgage qualification, and the L4 certificate was more in-depth than I envisaged, but well worth the effort.”
simon.allin@ft.com
