How to Obtain CAS (Competent Adviser Status) as an Adviser in the UK
- daniels7948
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
TL;DR
Who it’s for: Mortgage advisers and financial advisers in early career stages
What it covers: How firms typically assess competence and what CAS actually means
Key takeaways:
CAS is not an FCA-defined term
Firms set their own competence criteria
FCA rules require firms to supervise, train, and assess advisers
CAS is achieved once an adviser consistently demonstrates high-quality, compliant advice
Introduction
Achieving Competent Adviser Status (CAS) is a major milestone for both mortgage advisers and financial advisers as they begin their careers in UK Financial Services. CAS signals that an adviser has demonstrated the knowledge, behaviours, and advice quality needed to operate with less supervision.
While widely used across the industry, CAS is not a formal regulatory term. Instead, firms create their own criteria based on the FCA’s expectations around training, supervision, and adviser competence. This means the route to CAS can vary depending on the firm and the type of advice being given.
This guide provides a clear, generalised overview suitable for both mortgage and financial advisers, explaining what CAS means and how advisers can progress confidently towards it.
What Is Competent Adviser Status (CAS)?
Competent Adviser Status is an internal designation used by many firms to confirm that an adviser can operate with reduced supervision. CAS typically means the adviser has:
Completed a period of supervised trading
Demonstrated consistent advice quality
Understood and applied compliance requirements
Maintained high‑quality client documentation
Shown strong communication and professional behaviours
CAS is widely recognised across UK Financial Services, but its exact definition and requirements differ from firm to firm.
FCA Expectations on Adviser Competence (General Guidance)
Although the FCA does not define CAS, it does set out expectations for advisers and firms, including that:
Advisers must be competent for their role
Firms must supervise new advisers appropriately
Firms must assess and maintain adviser competence
Training and competence records must be kept up to date
These regulatory expectations form the foundation of firm‑level CAS programmes.
What Firms Typically Require Before Granting CAS
CAS criteria vary between firms, but common requirements across both mortgage and financial advice include the following.
1. Advice Quality Demonstrated Through File Checks
Firms review a selection of cases to ensure:
Recommendations are suitable
Documentation is complete
Client needs are accurately recorded
Disclosure requirements are met
Advice rationale is clearly explained
Consistent file quality is central to achieving CAS.
2. Observation of Client Interactions
Before granting CAS, firms usually observe advisers during:
Fact‑finding discussions
Recommendation presentations
Review meetings
Follow‑up communication
This ensures advisers handle clients professionally and compliantly.
3. Completion of Internal Training and Competency Activities
Advisers are often required to complete:
Technical modules
Compliance training
Case study exercises
Internal knowledge assessments
Annual or ongoing CPD requirements
Training expectations differ by firm, but evidence of learning is essential.
4. Demonstration of Regulatory Understanding
This includes:
Applying ethical and compliant behaviours
Considering client vulnerability
Maintaining strong record‑keeping
Following internal processes correctly
Demonstrating attention to detail
Firms want to see advisers consistently putting clients at the heart of recommendations.
5. A Period of Supervised Advice
Advisers may work under supervision while gaining experience. The duration varies depending on:
Case volume
Complexity of advice
Adviser development needs
Firm-specific training frameworks
There is no industry‑wide timeline — firms decide what “competent” looks like within their business model.
How Long Does It Take to Reach CAS?
Timeframes vary widely because:
Different firms offer different levels of support
Case volumes differ
Advisers progress at different speeds
Advice types vary in complexity
Some advisers progress quickly in high‑volume settings, while others develop steadily over a longer period. The key measure is competence — not speed.
How Advisers Can Speed Up Their Route to CAS
Advisers can accelerate their development by:
1. Requesting regular feedback
Frequent compliance input helps correct issues early.
2. Being proactive with learning
Engaging with internal resources and training builds confidence.
3. Improving documentation quality
Clear notes and strong reasoning reduce file queries.
4. Observing experienced colleagues
Shadowing helps advisers understand best practice in real scenarios.
5. Gaining familiarity with systems and processes
Efficiency helps maintain consistency and accuracy.
Why CAS Matters for Advisers
CAS is important for both mortgage and financial advisers because it:
Reduces reliance on direct supervision
Enhances trust with clients
Demonstrates proven competence
Supports career progression
May increase earning potential
Opens opportunities across the Financial Services sector
CAS is a key milestone in establishing yourself as a confident, capable professional.
Premier Jobs UK Insight
In UK Financial Services recruitment, CAS status is often an important hiring consideration.
Firms typically prefer advisers who are:
Already CAS, or
Nearing CAS with strong development evidence
However, many employers also welcome advisers earlier in their journey, particularly when they demonstrate commitment, potential, and a willingness to learn.
FAQ Section
Is CAS defined by the FCA?
No. CAS is an internal industry term. The FCA defines competence expectations but not CAS specifically.
Can I give advice before achieving CAS?
Yes, advisers can usually advise under supervision, depending on the firm's processes.
Is CAS the same for mortgage advisers and financial advisers?
The core principles are similar, but firm‑level criteria may differ depending on advice complexity.
How long does CAS take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on the firm’s criteria, case volume, and adviser progress.
Is CAS transferable to another firm?
Often yes, but new employers may reassess advisers before confirming competence.
Do all firms use the term CAS?
Most do, but some use alternative terms for competency sign‑off.
Conclusion
Competent Adviser Status is a key professional milestone for mortgage advisers and financial advisers in the UK. While not defined by the FCA, CAS is central to how firms assess adviser readiness to operate with reduced supervision. By focusing on advice quality, learning, documentation, and professionalism, advisers can progress steadily towards competence and unlock more autonomy, earning potential, and career opportunities.
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