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Financial services Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER)

Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER)

Have you considered providing equity release advice to your customers?


The market for later life lending, including equity release schemes is growing – and that’s especially true during turbulent and economically challenging times. Many more customers look to how they can access additional funds to help them through.


By releasing equity in their homes, you can help your customers with goals such as:

  • supporting family members

  • paying off mortgages or debts

  • making home improvements

  • paying for ‘once in a lifetime’ holidays, or

  • paying for long-term care.

Any adviser who wants to consider and advise on all the options available, needs to fully understand those options – including the potential risks as well as benefits.


You’ll develop specialist knowledge to understand different customer needs. You’ll be able to advise on the different types of equity release products and the risks and benefits associated with taking out a scheme.


If you currently hold CeMAP or an equivalent Level 3 mortgage qualification, being qualified to advise on equity release will add to your skill set – and it's only two units to complete to get qualified.


During your studies, you’ll become a Member of LIBF (MLIBF), receiving benefits including careers support and access to professional networking events.

Key information

Fees

  • £250 – includes your study materials and exam entry


Study duration

  • Six months – but you have up to 12 months from registration to complete


Units

  • Two


Your studies will cover:

  • The impact of equity release schemes on customers’ future options

  • The FCA regulatory explanation of a lifetime mortgage and a home reversion plan

  • How to match different types of equity release schemes to your customers’ needs

  • The suitability and affordability of the different types of equity release schemes

  • The relative advantages and disadvantages of the different types of equity release arrangements and alternatives

  • How to assess the risks to customers who take out equity release schemes and when these might arise

  • The rules relating to state benefits as well as taxation


How will I study?

  • Everything is online, you can study at a pace that suits you.


Your qualification at a glance

Assessments

You can take the exam at a test centre or at home with remote invigilation.


Your first exam is included in the registration fee.


You'll receive a digital certificate once you have passed.

Regulation

Registered with Ofqual in the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

Units

If you have already completed CeMAP or an equivalent Level 3 mortgage qualification you just need to complete two units to achieve CeRER.


If you have not completed CeMAP or an equivalent qualification, view our CeMAP qualification page.


This qualification can be studied on its own, but you must hold CeMAP or an equivalent Level 3 mortgage advice qualification to advise on equity release.


Are you eligible for an exemption?

If you have qualifications from us or another awarding body, we may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning.

What study materials do I get?

As part of your fee, you’ll get:

  • a printed study textbook and an online version with interactive activities

  • new digital learning resources such as videos, quizzes and animations

  • exclusive video interview discussing the role of the Equity Release Council

  • online access to our virtual library KnowledgeBank

  • online access to our student portal MyLIBF

  • weekly study planner

  • syllabus updates

  • tax table

Assessments

You are assessed at the end of each unit:

  • Unit 1 – 50 questions multiple choice exam

  • Unit 2 – three case studies each with 10 linked multiple-choice questions

You can choose when to take your exam and pick from test centres nationwide or through remote invigilation.

You will have 12 months from when you register, to complete each unit and sit the exam. Your first exam is included in the registration fee for each unit.

Exam and assessment information

Fees

You can register to study CeRER throughout the year.

Registration fee

US$316

includes learning materials and exam entry
Additional costs

Corporate bookings

If you are a company and want to register a cohort of students onto CeRER please email corporate@libf.ac.uk for further information.

Request further information

Additional study materials

If you’d like additional study support, you can buy digital specimen exam papers which reflect the live assessment. You can purchase these when you apply or later through your MyLIBF account.

  • £32 a paper (including VAT)

Accredited learning support providers

There are a number of organisations offering courses for LIBF qualifications, especially in financial and mortgage advice. We have recognised a select number of course providers offering CeRER learning support.


Using a learning support provider is entirely up to you – it is NOT a requirement of your studies – but this extra support might help your learning. These organisations have joined our ALSP scheme and to keep this status their provision is subjected to regular quality checks by LIBF.


Please note that you will still need to register and complete CeRER via us as we are the qualification awarding body.

Find out more

CeMAP Diploma

If you want to develop your skills further, our CeMAP Diploma qualification is the next step for you.


Gain recognition for your ability to go above and beyond for your customers with CeMAP Professional – our recognised status for CeMAP holders.

Mora about our CeMAP Diploma

Certified Mortgage Adviser (CMA)

Certified Mortgage Adviser (CMA) is a new status available – free of charge – to our members in the mortgage advice industry.


If you're a Member of LIBF (MLIBF) – and actively advising on mortgages or equity release – you’re eligible for Certified Mortgage Adviser status.

More about CMA

Contact us about our professional qualifications

If you have any questions about our professional qualifications in finance and banking, please contact our customer services team.


Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 6.00pm GMT.