Back in the day there was mortgage pre-qualification and it was done by real estate agents.

FORBES: The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con

Mortgage reps seized the opportunity to fill this role and mortgage pre-qualification began a rapid process of evolution.

FORBES: The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con

The new facility may worsen moral hazard, tempting lenders to take greater risks, unless the pre-qualification tests are demanding.

ECONOMIST: Transparent hype

Back in the day (1980s, early to mid-1990s) there was mortgage pre-qualification and it was done by real estate agents.

FORBES: Why Getting Pre-Approved For A Mortgage Is A Sham

So when mortgage pre-qualification became a sales tool for mortgage reps, there was no uniform process for determining and issuing these coveted golden tickets.

FORBES: The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con

With the rise of the mortgage lending industry and the proliferation of mortgage originating sales people, mortgage pre-qualification shifted from real estate agents to mortgage reps.

FORBES: The Mortgage Pre-Approval Con

With the rise of the mortgage lending industry in the late 1990s and the dawn of the 21st century and the proliferation of mortgage originating sales people, mortgage pre-qualification shifted from real estate agents to mortgage reps.

FORBES: Why Getting Pre-Approved For A Mortgage Is A Sham

Apart from competition from the well-established A-level, the new qualification could also be rivalled by another proposed exam, called the Pre-U, aimed at stretching pupils planning to enter higher education.

BBC: Heads demand answers on Diplomas

Recently accredited and available for teaching from September 2008, the Pre-U has been developed by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) as a university entry qualification likened to a more "traditional A-level".

BBC: Qualifications glossary