What Certification Do You Need to Become a Mortgage Adviser?
To become a mortgage adviser in New Zealand, you must obtain the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5). This certification is mandatory for anyone wishing to provide regulated financial advice. The qualification is divided into two strands: the Core Strand, which covers fundamental financial principles and obligations, and a Specialist Strand, which determines the specific area of advice you can offer. If you’re looking to become a mortgage adviser, the Residential Property Lending Strand is essential, equipping you with the knowledge of residential property lending concepts, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks critical to this field.
Benefits of Getting the Qualification
Obtaining the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services Level 5 not only allows you to legally provide financial advice but also ensures you are fully prepared to operate at a professional level. With this certification, you will:
- Apply good conduct obligations, including ethical, legal, and professional responsibilities.
- Understand the economic factors impacting the financial services sector.
- Analyze and develop tailored solutions for clients’ residential property lending needs.
- Master the Six-Step advice process for delivering residential property lending services.
By completing this qualification, you demonstrate that you have the necessary expertise to excel in the mortgage advisory industry, meet compliance standards, and provide sound advice to clients.
Options for Certification Providers
When pursuing your New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), there are four primary certification providers:
- Strategi Group: The only one of the four that is NZQA category 1 rated- which means it has the highest qualitative rating possible. Strategi Institute is renowned for the quality of content, the range of delivery methods and its close industry contacts. It is absolutely focussed on financial services and offers government funding and frees free study (conditions apply) Strategi’s services include CPD, FAP licensing and compliance reviews.
- Open Polytech: Open Polytechnic only offers online courses with the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) being just one of a multitude of qualifications available.
- Professional IQ: This is a education provider which only offers online learning. As with Strategi Institute, it has a particular focus on financial services courses.
- Massey University: Massey is a respected university which offers the qualification (delivered in conjunction with Kaplan Professional) along with 160 other qualifications and over 2,800 courses. The course is offered distance and online.
Choosing the right provider depends on your learning preferences and career goals. Velis can guide you through the decision-making process and even offer discounts on your course.
Why Choose Velis to Help with Getting Certification?
Velis provides impartial, expert advice to help you navigate the certification process. Unlike other organizations, we are not affiliated with any Financial Advice Provider (FAP), ensuring that you receive unbiased guidance.
However, we do have relationships with training providers and as such can often get you discounts on certification programs if you also join our mentoring program after receiving your certificate.
Our mentoring service bridges the gap between obtaining your qualification and applying your skills in real-world situations, ensuring you gain the practical experience needed to succeed as a mortgage adviser.
Next Steps After Getting Your Certificate
Once you’ve earned your New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5), your journey as a mortgage adviser continues with a few crucial steps:
- Obtain Your FSP Number: Register with the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR) to legally offer financial advice.
- Join our Launchpad Program: All new mortgage advisers are required to undertake a mentoring program for 6 to 12 months through the FAP you join. Velis offers a robust launchpad program that supports you throughout this period, providing invaluable guidance and support.
- Secure Your First Leads: As part of our Velis services we can provide a assistance in lead generation and customer support to ensure you start building your client base from day one.
By joining the Velis program, you’ll also benefit from ongoing support, additional discounts, and tutorial services, ensuring you’re fully prepared to grow and succeed in your new role.
