Certified Stairway Advisor
Unlock more than just a loan—get a financing plan built to grow your wealth. We combine mortgage expertise with smart financial strategy to move you forward with confidence.
Preview the client tools you’ll advise with: Buy & Hold • Legacy Impact • DSCR.
Two Designations. One Powerful Credential.
The Certified Stairway Advisor™ designation is earned by completing two robust, strategy-packed courses:
- CSA-MFS: Mortgage & Financial Strategy (40 hours)
- CSA-REI: Real Estate Investing (36–40 hours)
Together, they form a powerful, real-world education for mortgage professionals who want to advise beyond the transaction.
Practice the core scenarios you’ll teach clients: Conventional Purchase, Rate-Reduction Refi, Cash-Out Refi, HELOC.
Who Is This For?
Loan Officers & Mortgage Advisors
If you’re focused on more than just pre-approvals and want to build deeper, long-term relationships with your clients, this is built for you. Deliver speed + certainty: Same-Day Approval system and client budgeting via purchase calculators.
Real Estate Professionals
For agents and brokers helping investors grow, gain tools and insights that add value beyond transactions—and set you apart in your market. Win investor clients with data: pre-check DSCR coverage and estimate flip profits before offers.
Team Leaders & Trainers
If you’re mentoring other professionals or shaping the next generation of wealth advisors, we support your mission with content and systems that scale. Scale education with ready resources: Free Learning Guides library for team workshops and client classes.
Why We Created the CSA Designation
Clients today don’t want salespeople—they want trusted advisors who understand both the mortgage and the money behind it.
CSA graduates aren’t licensed financial planners, but they are fluent in:
- Mortgage as a financial tool
- Real estate as a wealth strategy
- Collaboration with CPAs, CFPs, and attorneys
- Real conversations, not sales scripts
Build your pro circle: Financial Advisors • Estate/Legacy Attorneys • Title Teams.
Two Tracks. Deep Training. Immediate Impact.
- Mortgage & Wealth-Building Fundamentals
- Financial Strategy & Debt Restructuring
- Understanding & Using Financial Calculators
- Investment Property Financing & Tax Strategies
- Retirement Planning & Real Estate
- Professional Introductions to Financial Planners
- Client Communication & Intelligent Conversations
- Case Study Analysis & Application
- Business Owners & Real Estate Leverage
Teach holistic planning: blend
Legacy Impact with
payment/breakeven analyses for confident decisions.
- Introduction to Real Estate as a Wealth Strategy
- Types of Residential Real Estate Investors
- Analyzing Deals Like a Pro
- Understanding Property Management
- Financing Strategies for Investors
- Scaling Your Portfolio Strategically
- Tax, Legal, and Insurance Considerations
- Creating Investment Partnerships
- Case Studies, Worksheets & Action Planning
Bring the investor toolkit to life with live case studies using Buy & Hold, Build-to-Sell, and Passive Return.
How This Certification Sets You Apart
Speak the Language of Finance
Master the terms and frameworks used by CFAs, investors, and CPAs—so you can confidently contribute to real wealth conversations. Use pro-grade tools in conversations with CFAs, CPAs, and investors: Passive Return & Tax and Buy & Hold.
Collaborate Across Industries
Be more than a closer. Position yourself as a connector who bridges finance, real estate, and tax strategy teams for better client outcomes. Be the connector: introduce clients to Realtors, Wholesalers, Contractors, and Insurance Brokers.
Build Lifelong Trust
Guiding clients to wealth builds loyalty. This certification helps you become the person they call—not just for the deal, but for the plan. Guide beyond the transaction: align wealth + purpose with Legacy Impact and Spiritual Impact.
What It Takes To Become a Certified Stairway Advisor™
Stay sharp between renewals: subscribe to Rate Alerts and keep your pipeline engaged with timely, data-driven updates.
- Enroll in Both Courses (CSA-MFS & CSA-REI)
- Complete 70+ Hours of Training
- Pass the Certification Exam
- Maintain Annual Continuing Education
- Represent the CSA™ Standard in All Client Work
Common Questions About the CSA Program
No, you don’t need to be licensed to enroll.
Not an LO? You can still upskill your investor advising with
DSCR and
Buy & Hold training modules.
Yes, you can take the courses at your own pace.
Yes—learn on your schedule and apply immediately using our calculator suite in live client scenarios.
Yes — using tailored, relatable visuals like these builds trust and instantly connects with your target audience, which can significantly increase engagement and attract more business.
Differentiate with value: pair strategy sessions with
Same-Day Approval and
Buyer Playbooks to convert faster.
Are You Ready to Become the Advisor Clients Trust for Life?
Join the CSA™ Program and Start Building Generational Wealth—For You and Your Clients.