CeMAP Pass Rates: What to Expect in 2026

CeMAP Pass Rates: The Numbers You Need to Know

One of the most common questions from prospective CeMAP candidates is: "What are the pass rates?" It's a fair question — knowing what you're up against helps you prepare properly and set realistic expectations.

The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), which awards the CeMAP qualification, does not publish official pass rate statistics. However, industry estimates based on training provider data and candidate surveys give us a reliable picture of what to expect.

Estimated Pass Rates by Module

Modules 1 and 2: 70–80% Pass Rate

Modules 1 and 2 — Financial Services, Regulation and Ethics and Mortgages respectively — have estimated first-time pass rates of around 70–80%. These modules are challenging but achievable with thorough preparation.

Both exams consist of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 70% pass mark. The questions test factual knowledge and understanding of regulations, products, and processes. Candidates who study systematically and complete a good volume of practice questions typically pass comfortably.

Module 3: 60–70% Pass Rate

Module 3 — Assessment of Mortgage Advice Knowledge — has a notably lower estimated pass rate of 60–70%. This module is widely regarded as the most difficult part of CeMAP, and there are good reasons for that.

The exam contains 60 questions based on detailed case study scenarios. Rather than testing isolated facts, it requires you to apply knowledge from Modules 1 and 2 to realistic client situations. You need to assess circumstances, identify suitable products, and spot potential regulatory issues — all under exam conditions.

Why Module 3 Is Trickier

Several factors contribute to Module 3's lower pass rate:

Synoptic Assessment

Module 3 is synoptic, meaning it draws on knowledge from the entire CeMAP syllabus. You can't just revise Module 3 content in isolation — you need a solid grasp of regulation from Module 1 and mortgage products from Module 2. Candidates who rushed through earlier modules often find their gaps exposed here.

Case Study Format

The case-study format is inherently more demanding than straightforward knowledge-based questions. Each scenario describes a client's circumstances, and multiple questions follow. You need to read carefully, extract relevant details, and apply the correct rules and recommendations.

Common pitfalls include:

• Misreading client details (income, employment status, property type)
• Confusing which regulatory rules apply to a given scenario
• Failing to consider all relevant factors before selecting an answer

Applied Knowledge vs. Recall

Modules 1 and 2 rely more heavily on recall — do you know the rule, the definition, the process? Module 3 requires application. Knowing the rule isn't enough; you need to apply it correctly to a specific scenario. This is a different cognitive skill that requires targeted practice.

What These Pass Rates Mean for Your Preparation

The pass rates tell us something important: most people who prepare properly do pass. A 70–80% pass rate for Modules 1 and 2 means the majority of candidates succeed. Even Module 3's 60–70% rate means more candidates pass than fail.

However, these are first-time pass rates. Many of those who fail on the first attempt go on to pass on their second. The candidates who fail tend to share common characteristics:

• Insufficient practice questions — they studied the material but didn't test themselves enough
• Poor time management — they spent too long on difficult questions and ran out of time
• Underestimating Module 1 — they treated regulatory content as an afterthought
• Skipping to Module 3 too early — they hadn't consolidated Modules 1 and 2 knowledge

How Practice Improves Your Chances

The data from training providers consistently shows a strong correlation between practice question volume and pass rates. Candidates who complete a large number of realistic practice questions before their exam have significantly higher pass rates than those who rely on study materials alone.

Practice questions help in several specific ways:

• Identifying weak areas early — your scores reveal exactly which topics need more attention
• Building exam technique — you learn to read questions carefully, eliminate distractors, and manage your time
• Strengthening recall — active testing is proven to be far more effective than passive reading for long-term retention
• Reducing anxiety — familiarity with the question format and difficulty level reduces exam-day nerves

Aim for at least 500 practice questions per module. Track your scores by topic and dedicate extra revision time to areas where you're scoring below 70%.

Is CeMAP Hard?

"Is CeMAP hard?" is perhaps the most frequently searched question about the qualification. The honest answer is: it depends on your preparation.

CeMAP is a professional qualification that leads to a regulated role. It should be challenging — you're qualifying to give mortgage advice that affects people's biggest financial decisions. The 70% pass mark and comprehensive syllabus reflect the seriousness of the role.

That said, CeMAP is not an academic qualification that requires years of study. Most candidates complete all three modules within 3 to 6 months. The content is practical and relevant, and if you study consistently and practise regularly, the exams are very manageable.

The candidates who find CeMAP hardest are typically those who:

• Try to rush through all three modules in a few weeks
• Study passively without testing themselves
• Attempt Module 3 before fully understanding Modules 1 and 2
• Don't complete enough practice questions

Maximise Your Chances

The most effective thing you can do to beat the averages is to practise with realistic, exam-format questions. Start early, track your progress, and focus your revision on weak areas.

Start practising with free CeMAP questions and give yourself the best possible chance of passing all three modules first time.