Risk Management Is Big Focus of Training.

WASHINGTON -- One way the current subprime market crisis is affecting the industry, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association educational division, CampusMBA, is increased demand for training options, especially for deeper knowledge on investment risk and market specific training.

MBA vice president of education, John Golden industry, said support for mortgage training programs and demand for courses has been steadily increasing, showing there is wide support for a standardization of industry expertise through certification.

CampusMBA offers certified mortgage servicer options through various educational programs designed to provide expertise on all components of the mortgage industry, including originations, underwriting, servicing and capital markets.

"The CMS designation is really being seen by many organizations as a very important badge of quality they can show to their customers as well as to their business partners," Mr. Golden said.

As to how the current mortgage market developments have changed the demand for qualifications that help increase knowledge and expertise on specific markets, the executive sees "greater demand fro more specific training and getting down into different areas of the marketplace."

One such example he said is increased interest in learning about the FHA market and products starting earlier this year since many lenders are exiting the subprime marketplace.

"Overall we're seeing that smart companies in this industry are realizing that because of the turmoil in the market this is the time when they need to invest in the skill sets of their employees for greater efficiencies, as well as to show that they operate a highly skilled, high-quality organization with career professionals," Mr. Golden said. "It's a message we need to get out to the wider public that this is an industry of highly trained career professionals who care passionately about the job."