Expand your professional services - Training Designed for Professionals

With a strong reputation built on real-world relevance and industry-leading support, FARSTA - Finance and Related Services Training Academy, has been educating Mortgage and Finance professionals since 2004. Programs have been developed in consultation with industry and are facilitated by experienced business owners. FARSTA Trainers bring real world experience to deliver effective training that’s practical, flexible, and designed for professionals.

Fast and Flexible to Suit Your Schedule

The FNS40821 Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking is the entry level requirement to start practising as a broker, yet this course does more than just meet a standard. It’s designed to equip you with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to begin serving clients immediately in this fast-paced industry.

FARSTA appreciates that students learning needs and preferences vary, hence the choice of three flexible learning options to suit your time, study preferences and experience:

• Face-to-face classroom training: An intensive workshop format is available in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne as well as on demand in your business through a bespoke session. It’s ideal for professionals who want to absorb the content in an engaging way, whilst fast-tracking their learning with structured support from our expert trainers and assessors.
• Self-paced distance learning: Study at your own pace, in your own time, via either digital or printed learning materials. This option is perfect for independent learners who prefer flexibility, whether seeking to fast track or take time to complete over a twelve-month period.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Already have lending, banking, or finance experience? RPL can save you time and effort by recognising your previous knowledge and recent workplace skills. (Eligibility criteria apply)
• Assessment Block – Completing your assessment with a Trainer/supervisor can fast track your qualification with immediate feedback and guidance. (Currently hosted in Brisbane, other cities by demand)

A Straightforward Assessment Process

Professionals value clarity and structure, especially when it comes to assessment. That’s why FARSTA has made the FNS40821 Certificate IV assessment process practical with scenario-based tasks designed to build real world capability.

To complete the course, you’ll need to submit responses to:

• Six (6) Case Studies simulating realistic client lending scenarios
• Nine (9) Exercises reinforcing technical knowledge, industry standards and client care
• A knowledge exam, which is open book and can be completed online in your own time.

Our onshore trainer and assessment team is always on hand to offer feedback and guidance to keep you progressing efficiently.

What You’ll Learn: Skills That Matter

The FNS40821 Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking covers a broad range of areas including:

• The structure of the Australian third-party mortgage industry

• Lending fundamentals, loan types, and lenders
• Compliance, ethics, and responsible lending
• Understanding business financials for lending
• State and federal government grants and concessions available to borrowers
• Navigating loan applications, approvals, and settlements
• Dealing with clients and handling complex scenarios
• Post-settlement care and communication

FARSTA courses aren’t just theory, they are designed to assist you to immediately apply your learning to real clients, making it easier to transition into broking or add broking services to your existing business.

Go Further with a Diploma Upgrade

Looking to enhance your industry knowledge, improve your management skills, or stand out in a competitive market?  Once you have completed your entry level qualification, the Certificate IV, you can upgrade to the FNS50322 Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management.

Ideal for brokers aiming to manage teams, run their own business, join the MFAA and/or qualify to be accredited with a broader range of aggregators and lenders, the FARSTA Diploma Upgrade can be completed via:

• A two-day face-to-face intensive workshop (plus self-paced learning and assessments at home), or
• Self-paced distance learning available both online and paper-based.

With a focus on conscious leadership of self and elevating business practices across the whole of the industry, FARSTA courses provide insight into the attitudes and behaviours required for success in the Mortgage Broking industry. Drawing the link between strong, skilled and ethical practices and profitable, sustainable businesses is a core value of FARSTA.

You’ll also gain access to FARSTA’s alumni network, including mentors, resources, and continued learning opportunities to support your professional growth long after you’ve received your qualification.

Hear From FARSTA Graduates

Completing my Certificate IV meant that I could make sure client’s lending and debt positions aligned with their long-term wealth goals. Rather than them borrowing as much as humanly possible! It also helped me understand various debt structures and credit policies available so I could be more strategic with my clients. By furthering my education, it also allowed me to build a wall around my clients to protect my business from competitors by providing more holistic advice.

Damon, Financial Planner – Sydney 

"I would 100% recommend FARSTA to any individual looking to complete their Cert IV or Diploma in Mortgage Broking. The team was extremely helpful. They answered all of my questions about the content and made the whole process super easy."
– Emma, Mortgage Broker – Blue Mountains

"This course allowed me to mingle with experienced professionals and new starters alike. Matt and Leah made the classroom engaging and approachable, and I didn’t just leave with a qualification—I left with confidence. It genuinely changed my life."
– Recent graduate