Become a mortgage adviser
Want to become a mortgage adviser?
What the job involves, the qualification you need, and how to get started in New Zealand.
The job
What a mortgage adviser does
A mortgage adviser helps people buy a home, refinance, build or invest. They understand the client's situation and goals, compare lenders and loan options, recommend a suitable approach and manage the application through to settlement - and they stay in touch as the client's needs change.
The qualification: Level 5
The New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) is a New Zealand qualification at level 5. Mortgage advisers take the residential property lending strand.
Course length, cost and how it is taught vary by provider - check with each provider before you enrol.
What you need
Five steps to becoming a mortgage adviser
- 1
Get the qualification
Complete the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), including the residential property lending strand. This is how most mortgage advisers meet the competence standard in the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services.
- 2
Work under a licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP)
Financial advisers give advice on behalf of a licensed FAP. You can join an existing FAP, or a FAP can be set up for your own business.
- 3
Be registered
Financial advisers are registered on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR). Your FAP usually helps with this.
- 4
Dispute resolution
Your FAP must belong to an approved dispute resolution scheme, so clients have somewhere to go if something goes wrong.
- 5
Keep learning
Keep your knowledge and skills up to date with ongoing professional development, and keep a record of it. Your PDP register and CPD register in CourseCademy are free.
The rules are set by law and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), and they can change. Check the current requirements on the FMA website (opens in a new tab).
Where to study
Providers of the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5)
These providers offer the qualification. Contact them directly about course dates, costs and how each course is taught.
Massey University
Strategi
Professional IQ
Open Polytechnic
Listed in no particular order. NZMAI does not provide the qualification.
How NZMAI can help
Support from your first course
Free PDP and CPD registers
Plan your development and record your CPD in CourseCademy, free.
Go to CourseCademy (opens CourseCademy in a new tab)Setting up your business
Experienced advisers who can help you set up and grow your advice business.
NZMAI Business SupportGeneral information only. Requirements can change: check them with the FMA and your Financial Advice Provider. NZMAI does not guarantee employment, lender accreditation or regulatory authorisation.