What is CeMAP 1, 2 and 3?
CeMAP is a single Level 3 qualification, not three levels.
It is formally called the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice and is awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF). LIBF is part of the Walbrook Group, which is why learners may see Walbrook branding when visiting the LIBF website or accessing learning platforms.
Completing CeMAP meets the education requirements set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) for giving mortgage advice in the UK.
When people talk about CeMAP 1, CeMAP 2 and CeMAP 3, they are referring to modules within the same qualification, not stages or levels of qualification.
This distinction matters. A lot of confusion around CeMAP comes from the assumption that:
- CeMAP 1 is a “lower level”
- CeMAP 2 is a “higher level”
- CeMAP 3 is the “final level”
That is not correct.
CeMAP has always been one qualification, made up of multiple modules. The module names and structure have been updated for 2025/26, but the underlying principle is the same.
Why do the old CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 names still exist?
The older naming still appears mainly because it is familiar shorthand.
For many years, the qualification was commonly described as:
- CeMAP 1
- CeMAP 2
- CeMAP 3
LIBF has since updated the structure and module titles to better reflect what is being studied. However, the older terms still appear in:
- online discussions
- older learning materials
- informal conversations in the industry
This does not mean the qualification has different versions or levels.
The important point for new learners is this:
- You will study the current modules
- You will sit the current exams
- Older labels are informal references, not separate qualifications
A critical clarification: CeMAP modules are not levels
This is the misconception that causes the most confusion.
- CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 are not levels
- They do not represent progression through qualification levels
- They do not grant partial adviser status
All modules combine to form one Level 3 qualification.
Completing one or two modules does not change the level of the qualification. It only means you have partially completed CeMAP.
You are only considered CeMAP qualified once all required modules are completed.
What is CeMAP 1 now?
CeMAP 1 refers to the FSRE module
Under the 2025/26 structure, what people call CeMAP 1 is now the Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (FSRE) module.
FSRE covers the regulatory and ethical foundations of financial advice. It is not mortgage-specific.
In plain terms, FSRE explains:
- how UK financial services are regulated
- who the regulators are and what they do
- the role and responsibilities of advisers
- ethical behaviour and treating customers fairly
- how the advice process is meant to work
A note on level classification
Although the overall CeMAP qualification is Level 3, FSRE itself is classified as a Level 4 module and exam under the current structure.
This does not mean FSRE is a higher qualification. It reflects the depth and complexity of regulatory and ethical knowledge being assessed, and the fact that this content underpins multiple financial advice pathways, not just mortgages.
What FSRE does and does not allow
FSRE does not qualify someone to give mortgage advice.
However, because it focuses on regulation and ethics, some employers accept FSRE alone for:
- administration roles
- trainee or support positions
- compliance or case-checking support
This is role-dependent, not adviser status.
How FSRE is assessed
FSRE is assessed by multiple-choice exams set by LIBF. There is no coursework and no practical assessment at this stage.
What is CeMAP 2 now?
CeMAP 2 refers to the mortgage modules: MRT1 and MRT2
What people traditionally call CeMAP 2 is now split into two mortgage-focused modules:
- MRT1
- MRT2
Together, these cover the technical knowledge required to advise on mortgages.
What MRT1 covers
MRT1 focuses on how mortgages work in practice, including:
- mortgage structures and repayment methods
- interest rates and lender products
- how lenders assess applications
- the property purchase and remortgage process
- the adviser’s role within that process
What MRT2 covers
MRT2 builds on this knowledge and looks at:
- more complex borrower circumstances
- affordability and risk considerations
- suitability and ongoing responsibilities
- issues that can arise after completion
How MRT1 and MRT2 are assessed
Both MRT1 and MRT2 are assessed by multiple-choice exams set by LIBF.
Passing these modules means you have completed the mortgage knowledge component of CeMAP, but you are still not fully CeMAP qualified at this stage.
What is CeMAP 3 now?
CeMAP 3 refers to the ASSC module
CeMAP 3 is now called Assessment of Suitability Standards in a Customer Scenario (ASSC).
This module assesses whether you can:
- understand a client’s circumstances
- identify needs and objectives
- recommend suitable mortgage solutions
- apply regulation and ethics correctly
It focuses on application, not memorisation.
How ASSC is assessed
ASSC is assessed through a case-study-based exam using realistic customer scenarios. The assessment tests judgement and suitability rather than technical recall alone.
Is there a required order to study the modules?
There is no mandatory study order set by LIBF for FSRE, MRT1 and MRT2.
LIBF acknowledges that learners may study in different patterns, for example:
- FRE1, then MRT1
- returning to FRE2
- then completing MRT2
That said, many learners find it easier to study module by module, rather than switching between regulation and mortgage content.
A common and structured approach is:
- Complete FSRE (FRE1 & FRE2) first
- Move on to MRT1 and MRT2 in order
- Finish with ASSC
This keeps learning styles consistent and helps learners stay focused, rather than constantly switching between regulatory and technical thinking.
The only strong recommendation is that ASSC is taken last, as it is based on knowledge from the other modules.
How all CeMAP modules fit together
CeMAP is designed to build:
- foundations (FSRE)
- technical knowledge (MRT1 and MRT2)
- real-world application (ASSC)
All modules together form one qualification.
None of them represent separate qualification levels on their own.
Conclusion
- CeMAP is one Level 3 qualification
- CeMAP 1, 2 and 3 are module labels, not levels
- FSRE is a Level 4 module within a Level 3 qualification
- MRT and ASSC complete the qualification
- You are only CeMAP qualified once all modules are completed
This clarity removes most of the confusion learners face when starting CeMAP.
Looking for training support?
We offer CeMAP training for learners working towards a career in mortgage advice. Our courses follow the London Institute of Banking & Finance syllabus and are designed to support understanding of mortgage regulation and advice requirements.
Explore our accredited CeMAP training courses
> Futuretrend Financial Training