
To become a loan officer in Louisiana, you'll need to meet the state's licensing requirements. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
The Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) is responsible for licensing loan officers in the state. You'll need to submit an application and pay the required fee.
You'll also need to complete a pre-licensing education course, which covers topics such as mortgage laws and regulations, ethics, and loan origination procedures. This course is typically 20 hours long and must be completed before you can take the licensing exam.
The licensing exam is administered by the National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and consists of a multiple-choice test. You'll need to score at least 75% to pass.
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Getting Started
To get started on your journey to becoming a loan officer in Louisiana, you'll need to create an NMLS account. This is a national database where all Louisiana MLOs must register, and you'll receive a personal NMLS number that will be maintained for the duration of your time working as a Loan Officer.
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You can request an NMLS account on the State Mortgage Registry website, and it's a crucial step before beginning the educational component of licensing. After creating your account, you'll be able to access the necessary tools and resources to help you succeed.
To complete your requirements for licensure, you'll need to complete 20 hours of pre-licensure education courses, and pass the NMLS mortgage license exam. These requirements are determined by your state, so be sure to check with the Louisiana licensing authorities for the most up-to-date information.
Once you've fulfilled the requirements for licensure, you can start looking for job opportunities as a loan officer or loan officer assistant. Joining an independent mortgage broker shop is a great way to set yourself up for success, and you can learn origination processes and earn valuable experience before actually completing your license requirements.
Here are the basic steps to get started:
- Create an NMLS account on the State Mortgage Registry website.
- Complete 20 hours of pre-licensure education courses.
- Pass the NMLS mortgage license exam.
- Apply for your Louisiana mortgage license through the NMLS.
Licensing Requirements
To become a loan officer in Louisiana, you'll need to meet the licensing requirements. You must complete 20 hours of coursework, which includes 3 hours of Federal Law, 3 hours of Ethics, 2 hours of Non-Traditional Mortgage Lending, and 12 hours of Electives.
The National Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) provides a wealth of valuable resources, including state-specific licensure requirements. You can find this information on their website.
Here's a breakdown of the required courses in Louisiana:
Pre-Licensure
To become a licensed mortgage loan originator, you'll need to complete pre-licensure education courses, which vary by state. The total hours required can range from 20 to 35 hours, depending on the state. For example, in Nevada, you'll need to complete 30 hours of coursework.
The pre-licensure education requirements are outlined in the NMLS state-specific education document, which you can find on the NMLS website. Each state has its own unique requirements, so it's essential to check the specific requirements for your state.
Reviewing the MLO Testing Handbook by the NMLS is also a great resource to help you prepare for the exam. OnlineEd's courses come with test prep study tools and an exam simulator to help you get ready for the exam.
Here's a breakdown of the pre-licensure education requirements for each state:
What is the Difference Between a Broker?
If you're in the mortgage industry, you've likely come across the terms "mortgage loan originator" and "loan broker." A mortgage broker manages and operates an independent mortgage business and may oversee employees.
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Becoming a mortgage broker typically requires several years of industry experience. Laws vary by state, so it's essential to check the specific requirements in your area.
A mortgage broker's role is distinct from that of a mortgage loan originator, who is licensed to originate mortgage loans but may not have the same level of business management responsibilities.
Louisiana Training Courses
To become a loan officer in Louisiana, you'll need to complete a 20-hour mortgage pre-license course. This comprehensive course covers everything you need to know to pass the NMLS exam and obtain your mortgage loan originator license.
The 20-hour National SAFE prelicense course includes a test-taking strategy video to help you prepare for the exam. You'll need to pay $249.00 for the course, plus a $30.00 NMLS credit banking fee.
OnlineEd offers a self-paced online video course specifically designed to help you pass the NMLS exam. This course is a great option if you want to focus on exam preparation. The cost is $80.00.
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Most states, including Louisiana, require 20 credit hours for a mortgage pre-license course. OnlineEd's courses can be completed in as few as 4 days, with an instructor guiding the class for the first 4 days and then allowing students to access the final exam. You'll have 14 days to complete the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mortgage loan officer make in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, a mortgage loan officer's salary ranges from $44,500 to $85,500, depending on experience and performance. The average salary falls around the mid-point of this range.
Is it hard to make it as a loan officer?
Becoming a loan officer requires dedication, education, and specific skills, but it's not extremely difficult to achieve. With the right training and experience, you can succeed in this rewarding career.
How fast can you become a loan officer?
Becoming a loan officer typically takes 45 days to complete the necessary licensing requirements. This timeframe allows for a relatively quick entry into the field, but requires dedication to completing the necessary steps.
How to become a MLO with no experience?
To become a Mortgage Loan Originator (MLO) with no experience, start by completing 20 hours of pre-licensing education and passing the NMLS exam. Then, develop essential skills in sales, customer service, and financial analysis through online courses, workshops, or volunteering.
Sources
- https://www.theceshop.com/mortgage/louisiana/nmls-mortgage-loan-originator-license/how-to-become-louisiana-loan-officer
- https://www.onlineed.com/catalog/Louisiana/mortgage/pre-license
- https://www.beamortgagebroker.com/blueprint-blog/top-5-things-to-know-about-becoming-a-mortgage-loan-officer
- https://www.knowledgecoop.com/pages/become-a-mortgage-loan-officer
- https://mortgageeducators.com/277-louisiana-mortgage-license-training-mortgage-educators-compliance
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