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How Long Does It Take to Become a Mortgage Broker After CeMAP?

Ash Borland blog
August 16, 2025•7 min read

If you have recently passed your CeMAP qualification or you are planning to, one of the first questions you will probably ask is:

“How long does it actually take to become a mortgage broker once I have got CeMAP?”

It is a huge milestone when you pass CeMAP, but it is only the beginning. For many people, the next stage feels uncertain and overwhelming. Some brokers start working almost immediately, while others take months or even years to get established. Unfortunately, some never make it at all.

In this blog, I will explain what really happens after CeMAP, the realistic timelines you can expect, and why so many aspiring brokers get stuck in what I call the “death beach.” I will also share some resources to help you speed up the process and build a long-term career as a mortgage advisor.

What happens after you pass CeMAP?

Passing CeMAP is a big achievement. It proves you have the technical knowledge to start your career. But here is the part no one talks about:

Having CeMAP does not make you a mortgage broker. It just makes you qualified to try and become one.

To actually give advice, you need to be signed off with CAS (Competent Advisor Status) and be working under either an employer or a network. That is where things get complicated.

If you are still preparing for CeMAP, I recommend Future in Finance. They have excellent courses, and you can even get £50 off with my code ASH50.

How quickly can you get a job as an employed mortgage broker?

If you land a role with a corporate firm such as Connells, Countrywide, or Sequence, you might be working almost instantly. Some of these companies will even sponsor your CeMAP and let you shadow advisors before you are officially qualified. That is exactly how I started out. I was in the job before my exam results even came back.

But for most new mortgage brokers, it is not that easy.

  • There are limited roles. In the branch where I started, there were eight estate agents but just one mortgage advisor. Sometimes one broker covers two branches, which makes trainee positions scarce.

  • You will need CAS. Until you achieve Competent Advisor Status, you must be supervised. Many firms do not have the capacity to support new brokers through this.

  • Competition is fierce. Dozens of applicants fight for every trainee position.

If you are struggling to get hired, one option is to start as an estate agent. Many firms promote brokers internally, and it shows you are serious about the career.

For more practical tips, watch my video on Mortgage Marketing That ACTUALLY WORKS.

What does CAS mean for new mortgage advisors?

If you have looked at job descriptions, you will have seen “CAS required” everywhere. But what exactly is CAS?

CAS stands for Competent Advisor Status. It is the FCA’s way of recognising you as competent to give mortgage advice without direct supervision.

Until you have CAS, you will need to be supervised by a senior broker, compliance manager, or your network. Typically, achieving CAS involves:

  • Writing a set number of mortgage cases

  • Having each case reviewed and approved

  • Demonstrating competence across different client scenarios

This process usually takes a few months, but the challenge is finding someone to give you that first opportunity.

Can you go self-employed as a mortgage broker after CeMAP?

A lot of people ask:

“Can I skip the employed route and go straight into self-employed mortgage advice after CeMAP?”

Yes, you can. Networks such as Connect for Intermediaries will often take on new brokers without CAS. They will supervise you until you are signed off, which means you can get started quickly.

But here is the warning:

  • You will have to generate your own leads. Without an estate agency feeding you clients, your success depends on how well you can market yourself.

  • Cashflow is tough. Lenders do not pay commissions instantly, so your first year could feel very lean.

  • Your network matters. If you have a big personal or professional circle, you will grow faster. If not, you will need to build your visibility through content and branding.

If you are serious about the self-employed route, you must learn how to generate leads consistently.

Start with my free YouTube training: Mortgage SALES Tips That SKYROCKET Income and MORE Mortgage REFERRALS Than You Can Deal With.

What is the “death beach” for new mortgage brokers?

To explain the toughest part of becoming a mortgage advisor, I use the “death beach” analogy.

Think of baby turtles hatching from their eggs. Passing CeMAP is like breaking out of the shell. Experienced brokers are the ocean, helping you swim once you have made it through.

But between the shell and the sea is the death beach, the stage where predators pick off the turtles.

For mortgage brokers, the death beach is:

  • Struggling to get that first job without CAS

  • Learning the ropes under supervision

  • Generating leads if you go self-employed

  • Dealing with financial pressure and rejection

Sadly, lots of people never make it across this beach. They pass CeMAP but never become working mortgage brokers.

How much can a new mortgage broker realistically earn?

This is probably the second most common question:

“How much money can I expect to make as a new mortgage advisor?”

Here is the reality:

  • Employed brokers often start on £20k to £25k basic salary, with commission on top. £40k to £50k in your first year is possible, but not common.

  • Self-employed brokers have no ceiling, but also no safety net. Many new brokers struggle to make a consistent income until year two or three.

If you want to see what is possible with the right systems, I recommend watching my Mortgage Business Growth Plan.

How long does it really take to become a mortgage broker after CeMAP?

Now let us answer the original question:

“From passing CeMAP to becoming a fully fledged mortgage broker, how long does it take?”

  • Instant (weeks): If you are sponsored by a corporate firm

  • Several months: If you are looking for an employed role and working towards CAS

  • Variable (weeks to years): If you are self-employed, it depends entirely on your ability to find clients

For some, it sadly never happens. That is not because they are not capable, but because they could not survive the death beach stage.

How can you speed up your journey to becoming a mortgage advisor?

If you are determined to succeed, here are some ways to move faster:

  1. Work in an estate agency first. It gives you valuable exposure and increases your chances of promotion.

  2. Be upfront about your goals. If you are employed in property, let your manager know you want to move into mortgage advice.

  3. Join a supportive network. If you are going self-employed, choose a network that offers strong training and compliance.

  4. Start building your brand now. Create content, grow your visibility, and learn digital lead generation. My 30-Day Mortgage Broker Boost gives you 30 quick-win email strategies you can use straight away.

  5. Get coaching. If you want personalised help scaling faster, you can work with me 1:1 to streamline your processes and increase your income.

Final thoughts: Can you survive the death beach?

So, how long does it take to become a mortgage broker after CeMAP?

The truth is, there is no fixed answer. It could take weeks. It could take years. Or it might not happen at all.

It depends on whether you go employed or self-employed, how quickly you achieve CAS, and most importantly, how resilient you are during the messy middle.

If you can survive the “death beach,” the rewards are worth it. You will unlock the career freedom, income, and lifestyle you originally got into the industry for.

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