The ifs School of Finance has unveiled a new, higher level qualification for mortgage advisers: the ifs Diploma in Mortgage Advice and Practice (DipMAP).

The educational charity says DipMAP offers an advanced level of learning to that of CeMAP.

DipMAP is studied via distance-learning where students work through the learning materials in their own time with the dedicated online support. The completed course of study runs over a nine-month period and is divided into two units. The first unit, Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics (FSRE) is shared with the ifs’ approved Level 4 benchmark qualification for financial advisers (DipFA), and is examined by an objective test. This means students who have already taken FSRE through DipFA do not need to re-take this unit. The second unit, Advanced Mortgage Advice (AMA), is examined by a three hour exam.

The registration fee for DipMAP is £520 and includes all learning materials and assessment costs. The registration fee for just AMA is £375.

Anne Kiem, vice principal at the ifs School of Finance, said: “We are proud to be at the forefront in providing advisers with a qualification that allows them to differentiate themselves in a challenging and increasingly competitive commercial environment.