List of mortgage broker courses in New Zealand

Check out the training to improve your services

By Kath Villamayor

11 Feb 2025

Contents

Mortgage broker course providers
Optional mortgage broker courses
How to start working as a mortgage broker in NZ
Why choose a career as a mortgage broker in NZ?
Enrolling in a mortgage broker course is important

Do you have a passion for helping people buy their dream houses? What about assisting real estate investors in expanding their property portfolio? You might want to become a mortgage broker in New Zealand.

Your main objective will be to guide eligible borrowers with their mortgage needs. This can be done through recommending the most suitable mortgage products or connecting them with lending institutions. However, you need to get a licence before you can legally work as a mortgage broker.

Your licensing requirements won’t be complete unless you enrol and finish the mandatory mortgage broker course mandated by the Financial Markets Authority (FMA).

In this article, NZ Adviser will talk about the mandatory mortgage broker course which is designed to help you become a mortgage broker. We will give you a list of optional courses that you can take to enhance your knowledge as well. We will also provide answers to these two questions:

How do you start working as a mortgage broker in NZ?
Why should you choose a career as a mortgage broker in NZ?

Mandatory mortgage broker course in NZ

Taking the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) - Residential Property Lending is a requirement in getting a mortgage broker licence. It is a legal criterion for giving financial advice in the country.

Aspiring mortgage brokers must first be licensed as a financial adviser. You need to comply with this requirement before transitioning as a mortgage professional. Your enrolment and completion of this mortgage broker course will give you 65 credits.

The New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) - Residential Property Lending’s duration is 16 teaching weeks.

You will need to pay $2,072 to take this course. This doesn’t cover the necessary course materials and external exam fees. After completing this course, you can keep studying to polish your craft and take other mortgage broker courses.

Entry requirements

Here are other qualifications that you must follow to enrol in this mortgage broker course:

you must be over 16 years old
you must have a minimum of eight NCEA Level 2 credits in English, including four in writing and four in reading

If you are 20 years old or above, you will still be allowed to enrol even if you don’t have the minimum entry requirements mentioned. You can enrol if your past education, work, or life experience shows that you have a good chance of succeeding.

The maximum program completion time is no more than three years during your first enrolment. In the event of exceptional circumstances, an extension may be allowed.

You will receive the mortgage broker course certificate after all these requirements are met.

Looking for inspiration? Read the testimonies and experiences of the 25 best mortgage brokers in NZ via our special report.

Mortgage broker course providers

Here are some institutions in NZ that offer the New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) - Residential Property Lending and optional courses:

Strategi Institute
Otago Polytechnic
Future Skills Academy
Professional IQ College
New Zealand College of Business
Open Polytechnic of New Zealand
New Zealand Management Academies

Completing the mandatory mortgage broker course (whether at these institutions or elsewhere) is an important step in becoming a mortgage broker in New Zealand.

Cost of mortgage broker courses in NZ

The cost of mortgage broker courses varies depending on the provider, course level, and whether the training is online or in person.

The New Zealand Certificate in Financial Services (Level 5) - Residential Property Lending, the mandatory mortgage broker course, ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. Some training providers also offer flexible payment options, allowing students to pay in installments.

Advanced courses or additional training in commercial lending, investment finance, and business development can cost anywhere from $500 up to $2,500 per course. While these are not mandatory, optional mortgage broker courses can improve your knowledge and help you attract more clients.

Optional mortgage broker courses

Have you been working as a mortgage broker for quite some time or have you just begun? A great way to enhance your expertise is by taking additional mortgage broker courses.

These programs can equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to better serve your clients, helping them achieve their property ownership goals. Here are some of them:

1. The Financial Services Industry (Level 5)

Cost: $518
Credits: 15

This course provides an overview of the financial services sector in NZ. Get to know the major players and understand how they impact the industry.

2. The Regulatory Framework (Level 5)

Cost: $690
Credits: 20

A course that covers the laws and regulations governing financial services in NZ. This will ensure that you comply with legal and ethical obligations.

3. New Zealand's Financial Advice Regime (Level 5)

Cost: $279
Credits: 3

This is a mandatory course for those who want to pursue a career in financial advising. It focuses on professional responsibilities and licensing requirements.

4. Business Communication (Level 5)

Cost: $840
Credits: 20

If you enrol in this course, you can improve your communication skills for client interactions and professional discussions.

5. Operating Your Business (Level 4)

Cost: free
Credits: 20

Learn about the basics of business operations if you want to create a mortgage brokerage firm.

6. Sustaining Your Business (Level 4)

Cost: free
Credits: 20

This can help you with strategies for your firm’s long-term business success. Learn about market analysis, financial sustainability, and more.

7. Introduction to Digital Marketing (Level 5)

Cost: $344
Credits: 15

Take this course to understand how to use social media to market your business and formulate online branding techniques.

Whether you're an experienced broker or just starting out, continuous learning is necessary if you want to stay ahead of the game. You must be equipped with the right skill set to thrive in NZ’s competitive mortgage brokerage industry.

a newbie broker uses his laptop to take an additional mortgage broker course

How to start working as a mortgage broker in NZ

There are no specific degrees or secondary education criteria if you want to work as a mortgage broker in the country. Still, you can choose to take certain subjects that can be helpful once you build a career in the mortgage sector.

Studying any of these subjects can help create a strong foundation for understanding finance and property markets:

economics
mathematics
business
accounting

You will better understand the housing demand and supply if you study economics. You will also learn how consumer behaviour influences market trends. On the other hand, mathematics is essential for calculating home loan amounts and interest rates.

Business courses provide insights into how companies operate, which is vital when working with clients and mortgage lenders. Lastly, accounting skills are useful for managing finances and budgets.

You can bet that the top mortgage advisers in NZ have studied these subjects when they were just starting out.

Register as a financial adviser

You must be a registered financial adviser under your employer’s or your own Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licence before working as a mortgage broker. Follow these two steps in getting an FAP licence:

register on the Financial Service Providers Register (FSPR)
apply to become a member of a Dispute Resolution Scheme (DRS)

The FMA is responsible for regulating mortgage brokers and financial advisers in NZ. They are also in charge of providing the registration and licensing of financial service providers.

After you become a financial adviser, you are expected to meet the personal requirements listed in the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services. Then, proceed with taking the mandatory mortgage broker course to start working as a mortgage broker.

Why choose a career as a mortgage broker in NZ?

Choosing a career as a mortgage broker has many benefits. It offers personal and professional growth on top of being a lucrative profession. Here are other reasons why you should work as a mortgage broker in NZ:

flexible work schedule
career stability
personal satisfaction
non-restrictive academic requirements
independent work opportunities

Let's discuss them briefly:

1. Flexible work schedule

As a mortgage broker, you have the flexibility to set your own hours. Whether you want a full-time career or a side business, this job offers the opportunity for a healthy work-life balance.

2. Career stability

Despite housing issues, many people in the country still need help in securing the ideal home loan for their circumstances. With rising house prices and fluctuating rates, clients will hire mortgage brokers for their expertise and knowledge.

3. Personal satisfaction

Buying a home is a big step, and many people might find the process confusing. As a mortgage broker, you will guide your clients in reaching their homeownership dream. This can give you personal satisfaction since you’re making an impact on their lives by helping them.

4. Non-restrictive academic requirements

You don’t need a university degree to become a mortgage broker. Instead, you must meet the eligibility criteria and complete the mandatory mortgage broker course to get your licence.

5. Independent work opportunities

After gaining experience as years go by, you might have the opportunity to start your own mortgage brokerage firm. This means you can be your own boss and grow your own client base.

Enrolling in a mortgage broker course is important

A mortgage broker course is one of the best ways to learn how to help people get the right home loans. These courses teach you the basics of how mortgages work, different types of loans, and the rules you must follow. If you want to be a successful mortgage broker, having this knowledge is essential.

By taking a mortgage broker course, you’ll also have the chance to learn from experienced professionals and connect with others in the industry. Building a strong network can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and career growth.

While a mortgage broker course won’t instantly make you an expert, it will give you the skills and confidence to guide clients in making smart financial decisions. A good mortgage broker is always learning, practicing, and staying updated on industry changes.

If you’re serious about starting a career as a mortgage broker, enrolling in a course is the first step toward success. It gives you the knowledge, connections, and confidence you need to grow in this field.

Would you take any of these mortgage broker courses? Why or why not? Feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

Mandatory mortgage broker course in NZ............................... 2

Entry requirements............................................................ 3

Mortgage broker course providers................................... 3

Cost of mortgage broker courses in NZ................................... 4

Optional mortgage broker courses......................................... 4

1. The Financial Services Industry (Level 5).......................... 4

2. The Regulatory Framework (Level 5)................................ 4

3. New Zealand's Financial Advice Regime (Level 5)............. 4

4. Business Communication (Level 5)................................. 4

5. Operating Your Business (Level 4)................................... 4

6. Sustaining Your Business (Level 4).................................. 4