How to become a mortgage broker

A mortgage broker helps to guide home buyers through the mortgage application process. It’s a rewarding job (how many people get to say they help customers secure their dream home?) but it requires a real passion for building relationships with people combined with an in-depth knowledge of the mortgage market. 

If you’re looking at our team of Mortgage Experts and wondering how you could kick-start a similar career, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll run through what mortgage brokers do, what steps you need to take to become qualified and how to find a mortgage broker job you’ll love.

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Author - Luke Hollingdale Editor - Stuart Bowman

Last reviewed on 27th February 2025

In this article...

What will I do as a mortgage broker? 

Brokers help customers find the right mortgage deal for them, a bit like a mortgage matchmaker, before guiding them through the mortgage application process. You’ll usually deal with a range of customers, from first-time buyers and home movers to those looking to remortgage or invest in property. Some brokers choose to specialise in specific mortgage products. 

Depending on the type of firm you work for, you might be advising customers about the deals available from just one lender or a whole panel of lenders if you work for a whole-of-market broker (but more on that later).

On a day-to-day basis, mortgage brokers:

  • Use their in-depth mortgage knowledge to clearly explain the features of different types of mortgage products, from fixed-rate to variable-rate mortgages and everything in between

  • Assess customers’ financial and personal circumstances to help find a mortgage deal tailored to their needs 

  • Stay up-to-date with lender criteria, policies, risk appetite, regulatory changes and current market conditions

  • Fill out mortgage applications on behalf of customers

  • Advise homeowners on ways to boost their chances of approval, such as improving credit score or affordability

  • Comply with FCA regulatory requirements 

  • Liaise with third-parties such as solicitors, estate agents and lenders to ensure everyone is kept fully informed throughout the process

  • Build relationships, getting to know customers, lenders and other third-parties involved in the process 

How to get started 

There are a number of ways you can become a mortgage advisor: 

  • Enroll in mortgage advisor apprenticeship or training scheme 

Applying for a mortgage advisor apprenticeship is a great option for those starting out in their careers or even people fancying a career change. It allows you to ‘earn while you learn’ - achieving the relevant qualifications while also picking up real-world experience.

Some banks or building societies also offer training schemes to help you get your foot on your mortgage broker career ladder. 

  • Gain experience in the sector and work your way up 

You might be able to transition into a mortgage broker role from a related job, transferring some of the skills you’ve learnt along the way. One of the benefits of getting into mortgage advising this way is that you’ll likely have extra support from your employer, which can be invaluable when it comes to funding your qualifications or requesting extra time off to study. 

  • Go it alone

It’s possible to study for your qualifications independently and start looking for a job as a mortgage broker once you’re fully qualified. We go into more detail about the qualifications you’ll need below.

What qualifications do I need to be a mortgage advisor?

To become a mortgage broker, you’ll need a recognised qualification that is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Industry-standard qualifications include:

Holding a relevant degree can help you to stand out from your competitors, but it isn’t necessary to become a broker. You’ll just need your CeMAP or Certificate in Mortgage Advice to get started. While these courses are equivalent to an A-Level, there are no formal entry requirements, so you don’t necessarily have to have GCSEs to enrol (though having GCSEs in English and Maths can be advantageous). 

It’ll currently cost you £669 for a full CeMAP qualification and between £566-£706 for non-CII members to complete their Certificate in Mortgage Advice. Some or all of these costs may be covered by your employer, though. 

Achieving Competent Advisor Status (CAS)

Once you’ve achieved your mortgage broker qualification, you’ll also need to obtain Competent Advisor Status (CAS) before you’ll be able to offer mortgage advice to customers without supervision. This involves gaining real-world experience in the field as a trainee advisor, building your knowledge of the role and undertaking various tasks while under the supervision of an experienced broker. You will obtain CAS once you’ve proven that you can successfully complete cases independently. 

It’s worth noting that there’s no official assessment process to confirm your Competent Advisor Status as each firm or mortgage network will follow their own guidelines. 

You’ll need these extra skills, too… 

  • Up-to-date knowledge of the property market

  • Strong financial expertise

  • Good listening and communication skills

  • Ability to build relationships and rapport quickly

  • Strong level of organisational skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail

  • Top time management

  • Negotiation skills

  • Motivated to hit targets 

  • Ability to explain complex information in a straightforward way 

How long does it take to become a mortgage broker?

It typically takes between six and twelve months to become a qualified mortgage broker. 

It should take you around 230 hours to complete your CeMAP training, which includes three course modules and exams for each. Everyone learns at their own pace and, if you’re fitting in studying around another job, it’ll likely take you longer to complete than someone studying for their qualifications full-time. 

If you’re already working within the industry, your employer may give you additional support such as paying for your CeMAP qualification or allowing you to train for your qualifications during working hours. This can help you to achieve your qualifications swiftly so you can get on to the good stuff sooner: helping customers find their next mortgage.

What is the average salary for a mortgage broker?

The average annual salary for a mortgage broker in the UK is £40,289. 

This figure varies depending on your level of experience. For example, the starting salary for a broker is around £22,000-£25,000 whereas more experienced brokers could expect to earn upwards of £50,000. And you could command an even higher salary by working your way up and taking on a managerial position. 

A broker’s earnings are also impacted by the amount of commission they get. While some advisors will only receive annual salaries, others may receive a basic salary and commission on top. 

Your income will look a little different if you’re a self-employed broker. You won’t receive a salary as you would if you were employed by a firm, and will be reliant on fees and commission. This can mean your salary is uncertain, though you’ll have more control over managing your workload. 

It’s also worth considering the full benefits package when looking for mortgage broker jobs. Often, firms provide a range of perks to complement your salary. For example, Mojo Mortgages’ advisors enjoy a generous holiday package, subsidised private medical insurance, critical illness cover, enhanced parental & adoption pay and plenty more, all of which adds to the overall remuneration. 

Helen Lovell Headshot

“The thing I love most about my job is genuinely helping people. Buying a house is such a big life event, and navigating the mortgage application process can feel really overwhelming to some customers. I enjoy getting to know my clients so I can provide tailored, straightforward advice and guide them through the process. There’s nothing better than hearing from a customer who’s just picked up the keys to their new home, knowing you’ve played a part in helping them get there.”

Helen Lovell, Mortgage Expert

What is it like being a mortgage broker?

Being a mortgage broker is a fast-paced, rewarding job. You’ll be helping people find the mortgage they need to secure their dream home, providing support and reassurance along the way. 

That means you’ll need to be a people person as the role requires constant communication, not just with clients but with lenders, other third-parties and internal teams too. 

The working environment will largely depend on where you choose to work. Some advisors will be required to go into a physical office, whereas others (like our Mortgage Experts) work remotely. 

Mortgage brokers are typically expected to work a standard number of hours, between 35 and 40 hours per week. You’ll probably need to work at least some evenings and weekends to make sure you can take appointments at the most convenient times for your customers. 

Types of mortgage advisor jobs

  • Bank mortgage advisor

If you work as an internal mortgage advisor for a bank or building society, you’ll only be able to provide advice on your employer’s products. This is often referred to as being a tied mortgage broker. 

  • Whole-of-market mortgage broker

A whole-of-market broker has access to a much wider range of lenders as you’re not tied to any specific lender. You’ll be able to compare a larger number of mortgage products and deals when making recommendations to customers. 

  • Self-employed broker 

You may wish to become a self-employed, independent broker. This means you don’t work for a specific company or brokerage and you’re not tied to a select range of lenders, either. While self-employed brokers can enjoy flexibility, it can be challenging to work for yourself as you won’t have the support of a wider business. Working for yourself also comes with extra responsibilities. You’ll need to ensure you have all the correct insurances in place, and you must make sure you’re registered with HMRC, the ICO and the FCA. 

Join the Mojo Mortgages team

We’re on a mission to become the largest and most disruptive mortgage broker in the UK… want to join us? 

Check out our careers page if you want to be part of a vibrant, friendly team who genuinely loves what they do. 

What we need from our mortgage brokers

  • CeMAP qualifications

  • At least two years’ of whole-of-market experience 

  • Outstanding organisational skills

  • Ability to provide best-in-class customer experience 

  • Performance-driven individuals who are accountable for targets

  • Flexibility - you may need to work a mix of early, late and weekend shifts

In return, we offer 100% remote working, a competitive base salary and a great commission scheme, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (plus 2 extra company close-down days per year and an extra half day off for your birthday!) and loads of other benefits.