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CeMAP New Format Explained: What Changed in November 2025

GoCeMAP Team6 min read
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What Changed in November 2025?

In November 2025, the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) introduced a restructured format for the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP). The qualification retains its three-module framework and remains entirely MCQ-based, but the internal organisation of topics has been updated to reflect modern industry requirements.

If you're starting your CeMAP studies now, this guide explains exactly what changed, what stayed the same, and how to prepare effectively for the new format.

The Legacy Format: What Came Before

Under the previous CeMAP structure, the three modules were organised as follows:

  • Module 1: Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics — broadly covering UK financial markets, regulation, and professional standards
  • Module 2: Mortgages — covering mortgage products, the application process, property law, and mortgage regulation
  • Module 3: Assessment of Mortgage Advice Knowledge — a synoptic, case-study-based assessment

This legacy format was available until January 2026 for candidates who had already begun their studies. From that point onwards, all candidates sit the new format exams.

The New Format: Module by Module

The new CeMAP format maintains the same three modules and the same overall structure, but introduces clearer unit divisions with updated topic boundaries. Here's the detailed breakdown.

Module 1 — Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics

Module 1 is now split into two distinct units:

FRE1: Industry, Regulation and Key Parties (8 Topics)

This unit covers the structural foundations of the UK financial services industry:

  • The UK financial services landscape and key institutions
  • The regulatory framework and the role of the FCA and PRA
  • The Financial Ombudsman Service and complaints procedures
  • The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
  • Anti-money laundering regulations and responsibilities
  • Data protection and confidentiality requirements
  • Consumer protection legislation
  • The role of professional bodies and industry standards

FRE2: Skills, Principles and Ethical Behaviours (5 Topics)

This unit focuses on the professional and ethical dimensions of financial services:

  • Ethical principles and professional conduct standards
  • The FCA's Treating Customers Fairly outcomes
  • Consumer Duty requirements and fair value
  • Communication standards and disclosure obligations
  • Continuing professional development responsibilities

The Module 1 exam remains 100 multiple-choice questions with a 70% pass mark.

Module 2 — Mortgages

Module 2 is now split into two units with a clear distinction between law and practice versus products and post-completion:

MRT1: Mortgage Law, Practice and Application (15 Topics)

This is the larger unit, covering the legal and practical foundations of mortgage advice:

  • Property law fundamentals (freehold, leasehold, commonhold)
  • Land registration and title
  • The conveyancing process
  • Property valuation methods and surveys
  • Types of mortgage (repayment, interest-only, part-and-part)
  • Lending criteria and affordability assessments
  • The mortgage application process
  • MCOB rules and regulatory requirements
  • Income verification and evidence requirements
  • Adverse credit and specialist lending
  • Buy-to-let and consumer buy-to-let regulations
  • Shared ownership and government-backed schemes
  • Equity release and lifetime mortgages
  • Buildings and contents insurance
  • Payment protection and mortgage protection

MRT2: Mortgage Products and Post-Completion (9 Topics)

This unit covers what happens after the initial application and the broader product landscape:

  • Fixed, variable, tracker, and discount rate products
  • Product features (portability, overpayments, early repayment charges)
  • Product transfers and further advances
  • Remortgaging — when and why
  • Second charge mortgages
  • Mortgage completion procedures
  • Post-completion obligations and arrears management
  • Possession proceedings and forbearance
  • Changes of circumstance and ongoing suitability

The Module 2 exam remains 100 multiple-choice questions with a 70% pass mark.

Module 3 — Assessment of Mortgage Advice Knowledge

ASEW: Assessment of Mortgage Advice Knowledge (6 Topics)

Module 3 retains its synoptic, case-study-based format but is now structured around six clear assessment areas:

  • Assessing client circumstances and fact-finding
  • Identifying and evaluating suitable mortgage products
  • Affordability calculations and stress testing
  • Recommending appropriate protection products
  • Producing compliant suitability reports
  • Ongoing review and changes of circumstance

The Module 3 exam remains 60 case-study-based multiple-choice questions with a 70% pass mark.

What Stayed the Same

Despite the restructuring, several key features remain unchanged:

  • Three-module framework — you still complete Modules 1, 2, and 3
  • All MCQ format — every question is multiple choice across all modules
  • 70% pass mark — the threshold is identical for all three exams
  • Question counts — 100 questions for Modules 1 and 2, 60 for Module 3
  • LIBF as awarding body — the qualification is still awarded by the London Institute of Banking & Finance
  • FCA recognition — CeMAP remains a recognised qualification for mortgage advice

Updated Content: Consumer Duty

One of the most significant content updates in the new format is the integration of the FCA's Consumer Duty requirements throughout the syllabus. Consumer Duty, which came into force in July 2023, fundamentally changed how firms must treat retail customers.

Under the new format, Consumer Duty is not treated as an isolated topic but is woven throughout the modules. You'll encounter it in:

  • Module 1 (FRE2) — as a core ethical and regulatory principle
  • Module 2 (MRT1 and MRT2) — in the context of product recommendations and suitability
  • Module 3 (ASEW) — as a factor in case-study assessments

This means you need to understand Consumer Duty's four outcomes (products and services, price and value, consumer understanding, and consumer support) and be able to apply them in practical scenarios.

What Candidates Starting Now Need to Know

If you're beginning your CeMAP studies now, here are the key things to keep in mind:

1. Study the New Format From Day One

The legacy format is no longer available. All study materials and practice questions you use should be aligned to the new unit structure. Check that any resources you're using have been updated for the November 2025 changes.

2. The Optimal Study Order Hasn't Changed

The recommended approach remains: Module 1 first, then Module 2, then Module 3. The synoptic nature of Module 3 means you'll benefit from having solid foundations in regulation and mortgage knowledge before attempting it.

3. Topic Coverage Is Broadly Similar

The restructuring is primarily organisational. The underlying knowledge you need hasn't changed dramatically — mortgages, regulation, and advice processes are fundamentally the same. What's changed is how topics are grouped and some updated content reflecting recent regulatory developments.

4. Practice With New-Format Questions

Make sure your practice questions reflect the new unit structure and topic distribution. Practising with outdated question banks could leave gaps in your preparation, particularly around Consumer Duty and updated regulatory content.

Prepare for the New Format

The best way to build confidence with the new CeMAP format is to practise with questions that match the current syllabus structure. Start practising with free CeMAP questions aligned to the new unit framework and see exactly what to expect on exam day.

Whether you're studying for Module 1 or preparing for the synoptic Module 3 assessment, consistent practice with realistic questions remains the most effective preparation strategy.