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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
What It Takes To Become a Certified Stairway Advisor™
- 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.
Yes, you can take the courses at your own pace.
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.
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.