Level 4 Diploma in Mortgage Advice and
Practice (DipMAP®)
Enhance your credentials,
deliver the best outcomes for your
clients and demonstrate your
commitment to professional development
www.iofs.org.uk/DipMAP
The Institute of Financial Services is the professional body of ifs University College, a registered charity, incorporated by Royal Charter.
What will I learn?
Level 4 Diploma in Mortgage Advice and Practice (DipMAP®)
The Diploma in Mortgage Advice and Practice
(DipMAP®) is a qualification for existing mortgage
advisers who wish to demonstrate their commitment
to continual learning and enhance their skills and
knowledge.
DipMAP® enables mortgage professionals who wish
to set themselves apart from the crowd to go beyond
the Level 3 qualification requirement. It demonstrates
to clients and employers that holders have an enriched
understanding of the financial services environment,
the range of mortgage products available and the
techniques for identifying solutions that fully meet
customers’ needs and circumstances.
Why study DipMAP®?
Standards for professionalism across the regulated advice sector
are undergoing significant change.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has proposed that
mortgage advisers should register as Approved Persons and has
adopted a more intrusive approach to regulation with a clear
focus on enhancing customer outcomes and preventing
consumer detriment. As a result the pressure has intensified on
financial professionals from all sectors to demonstrate that they
are performing to the highest standards at all times.
Completing DipMAP® will assist you in evidencing your high
levels of competence and understanding of both the principles
of mortgage advice and best practice in delivering effective
client solutions. It also allows you to differentiate yourself to
help you thrive in a challenging and increasingly competitive
commercial environment.
What will I learn?
Unit 1 – Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics
(FSRE)
FSRE explores the commercial and regulatory financial services
environment, the role and legal obligations of regulated
advisers and the key concepts of risk and ethics.
Successful completion will give you a thorough
understanding of:
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the structure of the UK financial services industry and its
role in serving the consumer
financial services regulation, the FCA’s approach and the
legal responsibilities of regulated advisers
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the essential concepts and importance of risk
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ethical behaviour and the FCA’s principles-based approach
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the Code of Ethics and professional standards
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the essential skills required when advising clients
Unit 2 - Advanced Mortgage Advice (AMA)
The AMA unit concentrates on the commercial and regulatory
environment, products, services and legislation that inform the
mortgage advice process. AMA develops your understanding of
the importance of consumer oriented communication and
ethical behaviours through the practical application of
accumulated knowledge and skills through the advice process.
On successful completion of AMA you will be able to
understand:
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the principal types of survey, property defects and other
factors that can affect the value of the property
the nature and impact of relevant legislation and regulatory
requirement on the mortgage market
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the purpose of additional security
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how finance and planning for self-build projects is arranged
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the lending practices and products for niche mortgages
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the need for insurances associated with arranging a
mortgage and available state benefits
the implications for the borrower and lender of the
non-payment of mortgages
the implications of the different options for raising
additional money
How do I study?
How will I be assessed?
DipMAP® is a distance-learning qualification where you work
through the learning materials in accordance to the session
that you choose to register for, and benefit from dedicated
online support.
DipMAP® comprises two assessment elements, one assessment
per unit:
All students will receive printed study texts and have access to
online versions.
You will be provided with comprehensive core learning
resources in addition to support through a variety of resources,
including:
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a learner handbook, covering key qualification features
and study technique
Unit 1, FSRE comprises one objective test of 100 questions.
20 of the questions focus on the ethics topic, with 10 of the
questions oriented towards application of ethical knowledge
through scenarios.
Unit 2, AMA comprises a three-hour written examination.
The examination comprises three elements: a recommendation
in response to a pre-released customer factfind, a report
requiring explanation of a mortgage concept or technical issue
and a short answer section.
an analysis tool to confirm your existing knowledge and
identify potential gaps
formative learning exercises at topic level within the core
manual
further reading references
specimen assessments and guide to assessment
technique
an eBook for you to download and use on devices such
as eReaders and smart phones
audio content based on some of the topics within FSRE
an online learner forum, providing access to tutor
support/facilitation and discussion with other learners
How long will it take me to complete DipMAP®?
The complete course of study for the Diploma in Mortgage
Advice and Practice (DipMAP®) runs over a 9 month period and
has a recommended 370 guided learning hours.
www.iofs.org.uk/DipMAP
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants are required to hold the Institute QCF Level 3
Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, (CeMAP®), or
an equivalent benchmark qualification.
The first unit of DipMAP®, Financial Services, Regulation and
Ethics, is shared with the Institute QCF Level 4 Diploma for
Financial Advisers. DipMAP® students who have already
completed FSRE through study of the DipFA® do not need to
retake it and can progress straight to the AMA unit.
Direct entry to the AMA unit, recognising appropriate prior
learning, may be available to those holding a recognised QCF
Level 4 financial advice qualification.
For more information on direct entry to the AMA unit please
contact Customer and Student Enquiries on +44 (0)1227
818609 (option 1).
The PCertB® is a widely recognised and valued industry
benchmark qualification for those starting out in, or aspiring to,
a management career in financial services.
For more information about the PCertB® please visit our
website www.ifslearning.ac.uk/PCertB. Alternatively you can
speak directly to a student adviser on 01227 829499 or
email [email protected]
Membership
Membership of the Institute of Financial Services provides
access to cost-effective and appropriate services that meet the
very specific needs of the financial and mortgage adviser
community and costs just £72 per annum. Further information
can be found at www.iofs.org.uk/Membership
How do I find out more and register?
How much does DipMAP cost to study?
®
For further information or to download a registration
form please visit www.iofs.org.uk/DipMAP
The registration fee for the Diploma in Mortgage Advice and
Practice (DipMAP®) is £568. This fee includes all learning
materials and assessment costs.
The registration fee for just the AMA unit is £408. For further
details please contact Customer and Student Enquiries on +44
(0)1227 818609 (option 1).
Progression
DipMAP® holders are also eligible to progress to the
Professional Certificate in Banking (PCertB®) and can claim 30
credits towards its completion.
About the Institute of Financial Services
The Institute of Financial Services is the professional body of
ifs University College, a London-based registered charity,
incorporated by Royal Charter. It supports and promotes
professionalism in the financial services industry through the
provision of benchmark regulated adviser qualifications and
through its membership, alumni and continuing professional
development services.
As outlined above, the Financial Services Regulation and Ethics
(FSRE) unit is shared with the Level 4 Diploma for Financial
Advisers (DipFA®). Successful completion of DipMAP® will allow
you to claim credit for the FSRE unit in DipFA® should you be
interested in further developing your competence for financial
advice.
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Institute of Financial Services, ifs House, 4–9 Burgate Lane, Canterbury, Kent CT1 2XJ
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T +44 (0)1227 818609 E [email protected] W www.iofs.org.uk
Every effort was taken to ensure this information sheet was accurate at the time of going to press; the Institute of Financial Services is not liable for any errors or omissions in this publication. The Institute
reserves the right at any time and without notice to vary the content of its courses and syllabuses previously announced and to modify as appropriate the facilities and arrangements for students.
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